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Dodging the Roadkill: Happy New Year

Dodging the Roadkill - A Biker's JourneyClarksville, TN – Here we are at the end of another year.  We will be flooded with New Year’s resolutions, and we might even make some ourselves. 

The gyms will be packed.  The latest diet fads will be started and new relationships will begin.  Some relationships will end and a “fresh start” will be the order of the day. 

I’ve been down that road so many times that I can’t even count. 

I’ve reached the point in my life, that making change can occur at any moment.  I don’t need to wait on the calendar to decide if I need to shift gears in my life.  If I need to do it, I just do it, or at least TRY to.  It’s not always easy to make necessary changes.

Hank with his Motorcycle in the Mountains
Hank with his Motorcycle in the Mountains

So, for the sake of twisting the throttle into a new year, here goes:

I pledge to ride more.  I know we all say that, but for me, I didn’t travel as much as I did the first couple of years I had a motorcycle.  Other than a few trips to the Smoky Mountains, I really didn’t “take off” across the country like I had wanted to.  

I don’t know why.  

This year, I’m going to make good on my dream to take off through Texas, Arizona, maybe New Mexico.  I hear Virginia, North Carolina and the East Coast are beautiful on the back of a bike. 

Madison Indiana
Madison Indiana

I want to ride into Las Vegas, then over to Colorado and parts of the great western frontier.  I’ve already committed to joining some brothers for the annual ride to Sturgis next year.  Bucket list, right?

I plan on improving my health.  As a guy who’s always struggled with his weight, it’s time that I get serious about it and adjust my diet.  Nothing too traumatic so I don’t instantly fail, but subtle changes that will help me get to an ideal weight.

Maybe some exercise on a regular basis.  Just something to get into the habit of. 

In the long run, it should be an improvement.  I’ve always felt that we place too much expectation on making those kind of changes, and we fail instantly. 

I was blessed with a new grandson this year and I want to be around to watch him grow up.  I never thought I could love something this much, but if you have “grands” then you know what I’m talking about. 

I have some new friends who are very inspirational when it comes to staying in better shape.  I’ll use them as a guide to better health. To make that change in my lifestyle will be difficult, but I’ll try.  Wish me luck on that one.

I need to be better at choosing my relationships.  While I’ve met some INCREDIBLE people along this journey, I still allow people into my life that shouldn’t be there.   

With that said, I also have to be better.  Relationships work both ways. 

Finally, I plan to be a better biker.  More careful.  More diligent in my journey.  I realize that the odds are against me when I ride because everybody on the road is just too distracted, or even worse, driving under the influence.  I’ll control the things I can control and pray for the best. 

I tend to get carried away sometimes when I ride and might take too many risks that I shouldn’t take.  My accident in September reminded me that “in an instant” things can change.

Rocky Mountains
Rocky Mountains

So, how are you approaching the new year?

Whatever your plans, I hope and pray that it’s a fabulous year for you.  I hope you pile on the miles and travel to every destination you have on your bucket list. 

I wish you good health and much prosperity and I thank you for being a part of my life on this journey I’m on.

Here’s to 2019!   

Hank Bonecutter
Hank Bonecutterhttp://www.clarksvillesmotorcycle.com/
Hank Bonecutter is a retired broadcaster and media consultant based in Clarksville, Tennessee. His career includes stints at WKDA/WKDF and WKQB Rock 106FM, WLAC-AM in Nashville. He concluded his career as owner/talk show host at WJZM-AM in Clarksville. Currently the President of Bonehead Promotions, he's an advertising consultant and media strategist. An avid motorcyclist, Hank blogs about his travels exclusively at www.clarksvillemotorcycle.com and www.clarksvilleonline.com You can follow Hank on on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dodgintheroadkill/, on Twitter at https://twitter.com/?lang=en, and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dodgetheroadkill/?hl=en  
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