Peace Love Moto - The Motorcycling Podcast

Imagine a world where the sound of a motorcycle engine is a call to mindfulness and connection. That's precisely the journey we embarked on with Ben Rubin, affectionately known as "The Mindful Motorcycle" on Instagram. Ben reveals how a thoughtful gift from his partner led to his passion for motorcycling, transforming it into a path of personal growth and mindful living. The bonds formed within the motorcycle community are anything but ordinary; they're a testament to the unspoken understanding that exists among riders who share the open road.

Referenced in this Episode are:

Brady McLain and Go Fast Don't Die ( https://www.gofastdontdie.com/ )

Rob Hamilton and MotoFeelz ( https://www.motofeelz.com/ )

It was two days after my motorcycle broke down in the Nevada Desert that I made the recording. It’s actually a video where I described how everything was going great, until it wasn’t going so great. Most importantly, I shared my feelings at that moment. Not a feeling of despair, or disappointment that my motorcycle journey had ended so abruptly. Instead, it was about feelings of overwhelming gratitude. Gratitude for a world just full of people who will help a stranger in need. This time, I was that stranger and I was in need.

In today’s episode, I’ll share with you the raw, unedited audit that I captured that day back in the Nevada Desert to where my bike broke down. My hope is that you’ll hear it in my voice, the gratitude that I felt toward so many good people, who came to my physical and emotional rescue.

Saddle up for the ultimate motorcyclist's guide to Rocky Mountain National Park from a true local expert with nearly three decades of riding experience in northern Colorado. As both an avid rider and part-time tour guide in Rocky Mountain National Park, I'm pulling back the curtain on the region's most spectacular routes, hidden gems, and insider strategies for avoiding the tourist crowds that can turn dream rides into traffic nightmares.
Did you know that over 4.3 million visitors flood Rocky Mountain National Park annually, with most arriving between June and September? I'll share why Monday through Thursday rides offer dramatically better experiences and why you should absolutely avoid the July 4th week at all costs. You'll learn the critical differences between Estes Park (the gateway town) and the national park itself, plus where to find the best coffee, burgers, and cherry pies when you need a break from the saddle.
Trail Ridge Road stands as the crown jewel – the highest continuous paved road in America topping 12,000 feet in elevation – but I'll also guide you through less-traveled alternatives that showcase stunning mountain landscapes without the traffic. From the twisting canyon roads of the Narrows along Highway 34 to the steep switchbacks of County Road 43 that reveal breathtaking views of Longs Peak, this episode maps out perfect day rides and multi-day adventures through some of America's most magnificent landscapes.
Weather at these elevations can be unpredictable – I've encountered fresh July snowfall at the highest elevations – so I'll equip you with practical knowledge about seasonal timing, gas station locations, accommodation recommendations, and alternative return routes that can transform your journey into an unforgettable loop ride. Whether you're planning your first Rocky Mountain adventure or looking to discover new paths through familiar territory, this comprehensive guide will elevate your riding experience with authentic local insights that no travel website can provide.

The powerful connection motorcyclists share with Mother Nature defines our riding experience in profound ways most travelers never understand. When we throw a leg over our bikes, we enter into a relationship with forces larger than ourselves—sometimes gentle, sometimes fierce, but always present.
Unlike our caged counterparts, motorcyclists directly feel every temperature shift, weather change, and atmospheric mood. This heightened awareness creates a unique mindset where we simultaneously prepare for nature's challenges while surrendering to her ultimate control. There's something strangely liberating in acknowledging we cannot tame the crosswind or halt the approaching storm—we can only adapt, adjust, and continue forward.
The contrast between urban riding environments and those lonely country roads reveals where Mother Nature speaks most clearly. While city streets offer danger and discomfort, those routes alongside lakes, through forests, or near mountains become spaces for genuine connection. Remember that crisp morning air as the sun rises? Perhaps that's her way of saying good morning. The cooling breeze on your skin during a summer ride? Maybe she's wishing you a pleasant journey.
Even in challenging moments—like my ride through Monument Valley's sudden hailstorm—Mother Nature often has something beautiful to show us if we maintain the right perspective. Emerging from that storm to discover a double rainbow in my rearview mirror became a powerful metaphor for perseverance. Like riders such as "Itchy Boots" who maintain positivity through difficult worldwide journeys, we can choose to embrace weather challenges as essential parts of the motorcycling experience rather than inconveniences.
Next time you ride, take a moment to acknowledge Mother Nature's presence. Appreciate her gentle days, respect her power, and most importantly, embrace the incredible freedom we enjoy experiencing the world on two wheels. What a gift indeed! Have you had a memorable encounter with Mother Nature during a ride? I'd love to hear your story.

There are lots and lots of things we love about motorcycling and for me, an overarching thing that I most appreciate. Motorcycling is real. There’s no Virtual Reality. There’s no AI. Nothing Artificial going on here.
For those of us lucky enough to have a motorcycle in the garage and the ability to ride it, .... Wow, we are just so fortunate! I think that riding is not so much an escape from reality. Riding motorcycles returns us to reality. And for that, we can be very grateful.
The Film Festival referenced in this Episode: https://vahna.com/