What Inspires You to Ride Motorcycles?
My 2023 BMW F750 GS in Triple Black! 😃
Motorcycling - A Way of Life… by Caroline O’Boyle
I have been trying to put into words the real significance of what motorcycling has meant to me. Certainly riding motorcycles and multiple other motor sports has been a way of life for John and I. Over the years we have had many types of “motorized fun” in our life: motocross bikes, street bikes, three wheelers, and four wheelers, as well as jet skis, ski boats, and now even a side by side!
There is something to be said about the freedom and inspiration that we get from putting our helmets on and heading down the road on our two wheels. For me, I find that there is really no better way to take in the beauty and scenery of any road in America, stop at any location that catches our interest, and snap a photo to remind us later what we just experienced. It might be a beautiful lake, a rolling river, a wide open prairie, or a historic marker to tell the past story of lives that have come and gone. It seems that each day we ride, we find at least one new experience or view that keeps us heading back on the next one.
December - 2016
The day I purchased my 2017 BMW F700 GS was a great day! The minute I threw my leg over this motorcycle I knew it was a perfect fit. Making the decision to sell this motorbike after 7 years, 43 states, and over 44,000 miles was a difficult one. I wont forget the many miles and experiences that this bike brought me.
2018:
Most of us have dealt with obstacles that keep us from doing the things we love. In 2018 I was challenged with a diagnosis of breast cancer. I was working full-time as a registered nurse and had a real good idea of what challenges might lie ahead. I so appreciate that every woman’s path may be different and mine was having several surgeries that kept me from being able to throw my leg over my that 2016 BWM F700 GS motorcycle. Each week that passed I would continue to try and heal, only to be taken down a notch. Surgery, infection, slow healing were hurdles that I had to overcome. Yet, I was determined to not give up. I would ride again.
The driving force that I had to get back to what I so enjoyed was the inspiration that allowed me to actually accomplish what I set out to do: Ride that adventure bike to the coast in order to take in that deep breath of fresh salty air. There is nothing like it! Seven months after my first surgery, I was able to do just that. Arriving home after that coastal ride was indescribable. I need to tell you that there is this feeling of not only exhilaration, but of peace in knowing that I could do it. And as I have told my sons many times: “Made it!” 💪😃
A day ride to Brookings on the Oregon Coast has always been my inspiration.
Tested again: 2025
Over the past year I have again been tested again physically by an injury that has kept me from riding for nearly 6 months. Each week I have been to physical therapy with the goal of being able to walk 2 miles, carry my camera, AND be able to ride again. Being able to ride again was a huge confidence builder for me. Just being able to get back out there to conquer those twisty roads with the resilience to return home stronger than before helped me to feel normal again.
There have been some low points where I wondered if I was actually ever going to get back on any bike. Thankfully, I have two very supportive sons and am married to a person that has never given up on me. The three of them have given me constant encouragement to keep moving forward. John recognized that maybe I would just feel a whole lot better if I just got my leg over that motorbike and rolled on the throttle - so that is what I have finally been inspired to do. Riding is to my core. Yes, it is hard to explain what it means to enjoy this sport of two wheels.
Starting today, I am going to reset my path in order to ride the roads of Central Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and beyond. My ability to get back to “Ride Mode” has served me well in the past and I intend to do it again.
June, 2025: Our ride to The Painted Hills in Central Oregon.
New Bike Day:
April 1st, 2025 - New Bike Day!
After much contemplating, I made the decision to change bikes from the 2023 BMW G310 GS to a “new to me” 2023 BMW F750 GS in Triple Black... and it is gorgeous! We made the trip to Cascade Moto in Portland and drove it home. Despite my current challenges, I knew that I would ride again on a bike that gave me confidence and security.
I will keep you posted on how it turns out!
What inspires you to ride motorcycles?
For me, it’s the confidence I’ve gained despite the many challenges that I have faced. I choose to keep moving forward and never give up.
As John and I tour the U.S., he often says:
“An object in motion stays in motion. Let the motorcycle do what it’s meant to do.”
I follow that idea— I stay in motion and let the bike take me to the places I want to see.
Let me know what inspires YOU to ride…
On that note… travel safe and I will see you out on the road!
Caroline ☘️
