Peace Love Moto - Where Motorcycling meets Mindfulness

A motorcycle road can take you somewhere beautiful, but every so often it takes you somewhere Truly Amazing.  We point our ride toward Nederland, Colorado, tucked along the Peak to Peak Highway, to visit a place I can’t stop talking about: the Carousel of Happiness. It’s a must-stop for a Colorado motorcycle ride, but it’s also good for your Soul.

I’m joined by Burt Rashbaum, a poet, musician, novelist and Carousel Operator who sometimes dances in it’s center with a clown nose on. Burt shares how a kid from Brooklyn fell in love with t...

A normal coffee run in downtown Loveland flips a switch in my head. At one table, I’m trying to write and think, and a young man paces near the door, locked into a world I can’t enter. Behind me, six teens with Down syndrome laugh with a kind of joy adults tend to hide. Sitting in that room, it hits me how high the walls can be for some people and how casually the rest of us move through doors we didn’t have to earn.

That perspective follows me back to a recent 280-mile Colora...

The easiest way to change a ride isn’t a new exhaust or a faster route. It’s the quiet minute before the engine starts, when you pull on your jacket, slide into your gloves, and hear that helmet strap click into place. We’ve all heard ATGATT as a safety rule, but we’ve started to see it as something deeper: a ritual that slows us down, steadies our mind, and helps us ride with real presence.

From cold Colorado mornings to a tour-guide story in Rocky Mountain National Park, we unpack a practical truth riders and hike...

John is "The Voice in My Helmet" on Instagram, but there is so much more to this story.  

What if a single ride could reset your sense of time, place, and what truly matters? We sit down with John Gorley from eastern New Mexico—yes, the neighbor down the dirt road where the stars burn bright—to trace a journey that moves from Route 66 nostalgia to the modern meaning of riding for peace, love, and presence. This isn’t a gear checklist or a speed brag. It’s a story of how two wheels can carry us into deep...

Most of us don't ride to get somewhere. We ride to get back to ourselves. But there's one thing that has a quiet way of stealing that feeling before you even throw a leg over the bike: the nagging question in the back of your mind. Did I take care of it? Is it ready?

That question hits a little harder when you're planning a big adventure ride or loading up for a long weekend on the road. The last thing you want at mile 200 is to wish you'd checked something at mile zero.

Derek...

In this episode of the Peace Love Moto podcast, we explore the metaphor of a diverse musical playlist—ranging from Billy Idol to Karen Carpenter—to describe the eclectic community of motorcycle riders. We acknowledge the weight of modern-day stresses, from global economic shifts to the rise of AI, and positions motorcycling as an essential emotional rescue. Ultimately, the episode celebrates how a shared passion for riding can bridge societal divides, creating a "wonderful world" where differences in gear, bikes, and backgrounds disappear once the garage door opens and the engine starts.

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A stubborn work problem melts away somewhere between the wind, the road, and a quiet mind. We open with that moment of surprise clarity—the kind that shows up far from your desk—and follow it to a simple truth: speed isn’t the same as intelligence. By tracing the difference between frantic output and smooth focus, we explore why riding slower can help you think better, decide cleaner, and actually enjoy your time off.

I share the pressures of fast culture—fail fast mantras, last‑minute decks, and AI-fueled urgency—and the real cognitive tax they charge. Then...

From the rolling hills of New Zealand to the technical Singapore licensing exams, Simon Josey has seen the world from two wheels. I had a blast sitting down with the host of the REEL Riders podcast to talk about our shared love for German engineering, the upcoming Adventure Motorcycle Film Festival in the UK’s stunning Lake District and much more. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to cross three international borders before lunch or why some motorcycle films just feel right, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

The...

The road can feel loud, but the right kind of attention turns that noise into a steady hum you can breathe with. We take you from a crisp Colorado ride to the heart of Robert Persig’s “Quality with a capital Q,” exploring how craftsmanship, presence, and care reshape what it means to be a motorcyclist. This isn’t about escape. It’s about arrival—arriving at a clearer mind, a calmer body, and a deeper relationship with the machine that carries you there.

We start with simple, durable truths: a decades-old heated jacket that still works, a bike that...

A motorcycle can’t manufacture peace for you, but it can make just enough space for peace to find you. That’s the heartbeat of our conversation with Ben Rubin, the Mindful Motorcycle, as we explore how presence shows up on the road when you stop forcing outcomes and start meeting each moment as it arrives.

Ben shares the arc from early chaos to long-term sobriety, and how trust rebuilt over time opened the door to riding. A winter slide on a starter bike became a lesson in resilience. Later, a first highway run delivered a surprise: the...

From the archives, first aired on May, 2024, I feel that this was one of our most impactful and important episodes.

In this poignant and unexpected episode of Peace Love Moto, we take a detour from our planned celebration of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride to reflect on a chance encounter that left a lasting mark.

While enjoying a quiet afternoon ride to "The Forks" near the Wyoming border, our host crosses paths with a young woman named Laura. Walking alone toward a busy highway and talking to herself, Laura serves as a...

Ever wonder why certain riders look like they belong to the road? We dig into that feeling and the function behind it, tracing smart motorcycle gear back to timeless cowboy wisdom. From a Texas upbringing around farms and ranches to mountain passes in Colorado, we share how a practical “uniform” shapes confidence, comfort, and control—and why the right kit matters long before a crash.

We start at the top, treating the helmet like a modern wide-brim hat: a portable shade that cuts sun, wind, and fatigue so your brain stays sharp. Then we break down long-sleeve jacket...

This may be what Motorcycling is all about.  Remember when coloring outside the lines felt like a small act of rebellion that somehow made everything brighter? That spark never left—you just needed a throttle to find it again.  

We open the garage and watch the math of daily life fade, replaced by the living canvas of the road. Cars deliver us through a controlled world where settings, lanes, and GPS soothe uncertainty. On a motorcycle, the rules shift. The senses take over. Rain announces itself before the clouds break, canyons exhale cold into your sleeves, and the...

In this special retrospective episode, we revisit the wisdom, stories, and shared passions of some of the the guests who have helped define Peace Love Moto. From the high peaks of the Himalayas to the rainy streets of Belgium, and from the glossy pages of magazines to the gritty reality of war zones, we explore the common thread that binds us all: the search for peace, connection, and joy on two wheels.

In this episode, we reflect on conversations with:

Today, we reflect on why tough rides feel more meaningful than perfect-day cruises and how wind, cold, and grit sharpen presence. Along the way, we explore what the bad-weather wave is, aging with intention, and the quiet joy of doing hard things safely.

Tags:  Mindfulness, Motorcycle riding, mindful motorcycling, motorcycle therapy, nature connection, peace on two wheels, Rocky Mountain tours, rider self-discovery, spiritual journey, motorcycle community, open road philosophy.

In a world saturated by 24-hour news cycles, social media notifications, and constant digital noise, we are often left feeling burned out and overwhelmed. In this episode of Peace Love Moto, we explore the "Art of Subtraction."

Ron discusses the surprising mental health benefits of "shows about nothing" (like Seinfeld and SpongeBob SquarePants), shares a personal realization about his vision after retiring from the corporate IT world, and explains why the simple act of a motorcycle ride is the ultimate tool for mindfulness. Join us as we tune out the chaos and tune in to the open...

Step off the interstate and into a different kind of ride. We open with gratitude for a listener who reminded us that joy is a worthy destination, then point our front wheels toward the slower roads that reshape how we see, breathe, and connect. The smells change, the pace softens, and the world stops rushing past. That’s where the ride becomes more than miles.

Guided by William Least Heat-Moon’s Blue Highways, we explore a simple rule that changes everything: skip the main highways and follow the quiet lines on the map. It’s not about nostal...

What if your calendar measured miles, not meetings? Today, I share why I walked away from a globe‑spanning tech role at 63 and how a simple question—how many rides are left—reshaped everything from morning routines to long‑range routes. The story starts with a box of old home videos, a flood of perspective, and a quiet realization that freedom only counts if your body and mind can enjoy it.

We dive into the nuts and bolts of protecting time on two wheels: the health habits that keep you riding longer, the mindset shift from scarcity to inten...

In this episode of Peace Love Moto, we explore the idea that a motorcycle is more than just a machine—it’s a passport to human connection. We look beyond the technical aspects of riding to discuss how being on two wheels makes us vulnerable, approachable, and open to the world in ways a car never could.

Join me as we weave together the wisdom of travel legends Pico Iyer, Mark Twain, and Maya Angelou to understand why we ride. We discuss how travel acts as the ultimate antidote to prejudice, how...

A strange dizziness hit the moment I rolled back into the home station—fifty minutes gone to a glowing feed, attention tunneled and time erased. That jolt became a wake-up call to question how algorithms shaped that day and why a simple motorcycle ride can reset our minds, restore presence, and reconnect us to people who are actually there.

Today, we dive into the mechanics of captured attention, the lure of AI-curated content, and the rising trend of companion chatbots that simulate connection while quietly weakening our social muscles. Then we pivot to the solution: motorcycling as mi...

Today, we explore how focused, distraction-free riding delivers both joy and a path to purpose. Scott Harrison’s Carousel of Happiness shows how a quiet craft can heal trauma and grow into a gift for the world.

Go out for a ride. Give yourself that essential period of unstructured, distraction-free thinking.  An act of Mindfulness that may change your life.

Tags:  Mindfulness, Motorcycle riding, mindful motorcycling, motorcycle therapy, nature connection, peace on two wheels, Rocky Mountain tours, rider self-discovery, spiritual journey, motorcycle community, open road philosophy.

What if your calendar suddenly gave you back one perfect day—no meetings, no deadlines, just a clear sky and a full tank? We take that gift and point it west, trading inboxes for alpine air and finding a quiet center in the hum of a well-loved motorcycle.

The story begins at sunrise with coffee, a light breakfast, and a simple practice of stretching body and mind. Warming the bike is part of the ritual, a way to tune in before the road invites you to choose not a destination, but a direction. As the Colorado foothills ri...

What happens when you stop wrestling a motorcycle and start dancing with it? That single shift changed everything for our guest, Nieta De Young, who joins us from Ghent, Belgium to unpack how motorcycling, mindfulness, and daily practice can turn fear into focus and effort into flow. We trade stories about the “bike-dropping era,” the hard-won art of riding slow, and why presence behind the bars feels like stepping into a quiet room—even on a chaotic city street.

Nieta takes us inside Belgium’s demanding path to a license—written tests, maneuver exams with lasers, and road ridin...

A one-pound ranger changed my whole ride. I rolled into Rocky Mountain National Park at dusk, layered up at 8,000 feet, and let the quiet find me—wind through pines, a slow river in Endo Valley, and the sharpest voice of the night from a tiny Albert squirrel telling me to move along. That small interruption opened a bigger conversation about how we listen, how we ride, and how we care for the places that move us.

I talk about the practice of letting your ears adjust to wild spaces—how silence isn’t absent, it’s layered—and why I...

What if the best reason to ride a motorcycle has nothing to do with miles and everything to do with play? We make a case for motorcycling as real, restorative play that lifts stress, sharpens focus, and reconnects us with the fun we knew as kids. It starts with a simple invitation—can you come out to play?—and unfolds into a story about how open-ended rides turn attention, movement, and friendship into peace.

Ready to turn riding back into play? Listen now, share this episode with a friend, and if it resonates, leave a quick review so m...

The first fat drops hit your visor and instinct says, find a bridge and wait it out. We take the other line—how preparation and perspective can turn a storm from something to fear into something that deepens the ride. From a solo run through Monument Valley straight into a black-green wall of hail to the quiet joy of forest air after rain, we share how gear, mindset, and community help you keep rolling when the sky gets loud.

You’ll hear practical ways to read weather and ride safely—slowing with intention, widening your margin, managing visibi...

A latte with a heart, served underground while missiles land nearby. That’s the kind of moment Neale Bayly brings to life as we follow his two-year journey through Ukraine on a motorcycle—seeking peace and love where the news rarely looks. Instead of chasing explosions, Neale sits with amputees at the Superhumans Center, listens to a young mother find words for loss on an 18-hour train, and rides shotgun with a businesswoman who builds drones beneath a department store before driving them into Kherson in a white Jaguar. The war is real—sirens, checkpoints, shattered bridges—but so are the...

The hum of motorcycle engines, the rushing sound of the wind, and that high-pitched ringing that lingers after long rides—these sounds define our experiences as riders. But what happens when we actively quiet this noise? What clarity emerges when we protect ourselves not just from physical sound, but from mental distractions as well?

After years of riding without adequate ear protection and developing tinnitus, I've discovered something unexpected: wearing quality earplugs doesn't diminish my riding experience—it transforms it. I'm more observant, less fatigued, and see the world around me with newfound clarity. This revelation sparked a de...

A powerful demonstration of kindness and forgiveness inspired me to reflect on how we motorcyclists interact with drivers who seem careless around us. When someone cuts us off or fails to see us, our default reaction is anger—labeling them as "idiot drivers" who don't value our safety. But what if we're missing crucial context? That driver who turned in front of you might be fleeing a traumatic situation, vision blurred by tears, world crumbling around them. We never truly know what battles others are fighting behind their windshields.

By choosing kindness over condemnation—a friendly wave indi...

Sebastian Schoepe, CEO of Eagle Rider, returns to share exciting updates on the company's expansion and his personal motorcycle adventures over the past year. We dive deep into Eagle Rider's growing fleet diversity, their innovative subscription model, and the transformative power of guided motorcycle tours that turn strangers into lifelong friends.

If you're interested in motorcycle rentals, guided tours, or want to experience the freedom of two wheels without ownership, visit eaglerider.com to explore all their offerings and find a location near you.

https://www.eaglerider.com/

Freedom takes many forms, but rarely is it as beautifully illustrated as when a beautiful Bald Eagle decides to share your journey. Riding through the expansive high plains of southern Wyoming, where the sky stretches endlessly and human presence fades away, I encountered something truly extraordinary – a curious bald eagle who chose to follow me for miles.

Standing on my pegs, cruising at a modest 30 mph along the dirt roads near the Colorado-Wyoming border, I first spotted this magnificent creature perched atop a pine tree. As I passed by, trying not to disturb its solitude, something unexpected ha...

In today's hyper-connected world, finding that peaceful state of mind has become increasingly difficult. The 24-hour news cycle, addictive social media platforms, and constant digital stimulation have created unprecedented mental burdens. Many motorcyclists find themselves wondering: can we ever reclaim that pure, carefree joy we once knew on two wheels?

Author and Mindfulness expert Elysia Skye believes we absolutely can. With remarkable insight, she explains how motorcycling naturally cultivates mindfulness—the practice of being fully present in the moment. When we ride, we must focus intently on our surroundings, creating a natural state of presence that counteracts th...

Adventure begins where the pavement ends, but the real journey happens within. Drawing inspiration from iconic action films like James Bond and Mission Impossible, I've discovered that the heart-pounding excitement I seek isn't just found in movie theaters—it's waiting on dirt roads and mountain passes aboard my BMW 1250 GS Adventure.

The Overland Expo recently returned to Loveland, Colorado, bringing together a community of explorers who understand something profound: getting away from the 24-hour news cycle and constant digital connectivity isn't just enjoyable—it's essential. While overlanding typically involves massive vehicles equipped for extended self-sufficient travel, the mind...

Ever feel like you're caught in life's turbulence with no escape button? After a week of corporate travel, bumpy flights, and the constant rush that defines modern existence, I discovered once again that my motorcycle holds the key to reclaiming peace of mind.

There's something magical about peeling off business attire, throwing on your favorite riding gear, and hitting those familiar roads as the sun sets. My "Masonville loop" – a simple 25-mile ride through the foothills west of my Colorado home – transforms from a physical journey into a spiritual reset. The contrast is striking: from the collective "whoa...

Remember what it feels like to have something to prove? To show your family—and yourself—that age hasn't dimmed your spirit? That's exactly what drove me to orchestrate one of the most exhilarating motorcycle adventures of my life: purchasing Amtrak tickets for my family's westbound journey through the Rocky Mountains, then chasing that train along parallel country roads on my motorcycle while they watched and filmed from the windows.

The pure joy on my eight-year-old grandson's face as he spotted his sixty-something "Papa" racing alongside their train was worth every mile. This wasn't just about showing off—...

Abraham Lincoln once shared his deepest thoughts with a friend during a simple carriage ride down a country lane—an undistracted conversation that seems almost foreign today. Yet this is what motorcycling still offers: a chance to be present, to experience reality directly, to defy a world that wants to numb us. When you swing your leg over your motorcycle, you're not just going for a ride—you're making a deliberate choice to feel alive, to connect with what's real, to tune out artificially amplified negative voices and engage with the beautiful world that's actually out there. Ready to expe...

Destination rides in the mountains of Colorado can be magical.  Hidden in the mountain town of Nederland, Colorado, sits a treasure unlike any other.  A treasure built and shared by a Vietnam veteran, Scott Harrison.

In this deeply moving conversation with Allie Wagner, the Carousel of Happiness Outreach Director and podcast host, we discover how this labor of love has transformed nearly 1.2 million riders. Allie shares fascinating insights about the carousel's unique features – from the meticulously researched animals to the "Somewhere Else" wall where visitors honor loved ones who have passed. She explains the almost magical effect the...

Reflecting on childhood experiences on a mini bike reveals that Mindfulness isn't complicated.  It's about being fully present in the moment just like an 11-year-old on a tiny motorcycle. Today, we explore how motorcycle riding creates the perfect conditions for Mindfulness through sensory engagement and gratitude.

Tags:  Mindfulness, Motorcycle riding, mindful motorcycling, motorcycle therapy, nature connection, peace on two wheels, Rocky Mountain tours, rider self-discovery, spiritual journey, motorcycle community, open road philosophy.

From Moon Frog Coffee Shop in Winter Park supporting adaptive skiing programs to chance encounters with animal rescuers at local hangouts, the motorcycle journey repeatedly intersects with community heroes who demonstrate extraordinary heart. These encounters remind us why the motorcycling community remains one of the most generous groups around—because riders understand what it means to rely on others, to help those in need, and to appreciate the gift of freedom that comes with two wheels.

Mentioned in this episode:

Rocky Mountain Motorsports:  1405 Madison Ave #4065, Loveland, CO 80538 (970) 669-6565

Moo...