Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Carol Ann, are you here?

Eyes on the road and hands on the wheel of your business
http://newsdurhamregion.com/business/article/116859
Jan 06, 2009 - 06:52 PM
By Carol Ann Walker

Recently, I attended Durham College to try the motorcycle training course -- a long-time dream of mine. You might wonder what motorcycle training has to do with being an entrepreneur or running a business. I found a number of parallels. I knew there was an element of danger in becoming a rider but there was also the promise of excitement and the feeling of freedom, similar to the experience one often has when becoming a self-employed person.

When I arrived at the college I received solid information from a group of savvy motorcycle instructors. I listened intently to what I should expect over those couple of days of training and how to best prepare for this new undertaking. Those nine words I often say to myself ran through my head; "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."

It was important to do this right, no margin for error here and there was so much at stake, not the least of which was my ego. Flunking this course would be an embarrassment. I could also imagine those naysayer types muttering, "What is this forty-something year old woman doing, wanting to ride a motorcycle?"

It is common to experience this feedback when you want to launch your own business. Some people think you are downright crazy.

So plan I did, from wearing the right gear that weekend, taking into account the weather (we had rain and very cool temperatures), to researching helmets, gloves, boots and a proper jacket. I had to figure out what I needed right away and what gear could wait. I likened it to when I started my own business: the careful planning, purchasing only what you need and holding off on what you can wait for, not getting carried away and draining the finances too much. The trepidation I felt was about the same in both instances as well. What the heck was I getting into?

Sometimes we dream of a business idea for many years or sometimes necessity comes along and that latent entrepreneur inside you springs into action rather quickly. So it begins with a dream and at some point the ride begins. With my M2 licence now firmly placed in my wallet and my new shiny black Triumph America Bonneville motorcycle, my new ride begins. Having passed the motorcycle test was a moment of triumph for me, like the launch of a brand new business venture.

Equip yourself with the correct information, make your plan and create that road map for your journey. Pull back on the throttle, ease up on the brakes and always, always keep looking exactly in the direction you want to go.

"I'm not Lisa, my name is Julie",

Oops, sorry ~~ lyrical flashback Soren

Interesting post, obviously she (Carol Ann) has good taste in bikes

jh

Where the heck is Durham?

There's a link in the article where you could email her....

Durham

Every time I see this post I think of Poltergeist...
"Carol Ann! Carol Ann! Where are you? Walk towards the light...Carol Ann!

Carol Ann Walker has joined the site "Bonniecarol". May I be the first to welcome you Carol Ann

Cool! Welcome! Looks like she joined last October.

Soren

Is she lurking? She never introduced herself. Did anyone PM her to let her know about this thread?

Stalker I thought I was a pervert, My mrs says I am

Okay, I am here. Just trying to navigate the site. I received more feedback from the Triumph world than the business world (where the article resides). That must be a good thing, right?
BonnieCarol

A belated welcome, enjoy the ride.

That's because the business world are all running scared right now.

Welcome.

Yes! Another Canukian.

Hello, hello. Yes the business world is in a tough place. Thank goodness for the bike world. Thank you all for the welcome and to Ray for the tips on this site!

Morning, my entire clan of is now considering gathering in Scotland in July. I wonder if I can find a motorcycle rental place and tool around for a couple of days. My brother and I ride. Any tips out there?

Hey Carol Ann, there is a company in Yorkshire that Rents bikes out. Also depending on when your clan are getting together we have the meet at Dent 17th & 18th July..

Link PM'd to you Carol Ann

I am looking into July 3 - 17, but it may move forward a week which could allow me to get to Dent. I will know more soon and look into the Triumph rentals in York. Thanks again Ray!

Checkout our meet "here" Carol Ann for all the information, we meet up in Kirby Lonsdale just off the A65.

Hi Carol Ann ,these guys are in Glasgow,they have Bmws and Guzzis for rent .havent used them myself(yet) ,but if your flying into or staying around Glasgow they would be your closest choice. So wheres the Clan gathering at .there are some spectacular roads in Scotland and the scenery is incredible. make it to Dent if you can ,you will not be dissapointed . great folks, beautiful area and awesome pubs (both of em) .toffee ale to die for .
http://www.vespa-scotland.com/rentamotorcycle/the_bikes.html

Toffee beer - mmmmMMMMMMMMM I can taste it now

Hi Carol Ann, If you are going to the posh side of Scotland then hire a triumph here, http://www.rental-motorcycle.com/europe/uk/edinburgh_rental.html Iam going to Dent as well and would be more than happy to chum you both down.

Thanks for the Scottish links, we will likely land in Glasgow and head to Balquhidder, near Stirling for a week in a wee castle where my Mum's clan the McLarens are supposedly from. I have been over a few times and would love to ride a bike in the highlands. I have family in Edinburgh and will be there at some point. I hope I can squeeze in Dent. If we can shake the other 10 clansters.... we will do our best.

hey are you referring to the beer Innis and Gunn?? It was my new best friend last summer, very tasty.

Innes and Gunn Edinburgh Ale , wicked beer been enjoying that stuff for a few years now mmmmmmmm. The toffee ale is brewed locally in Dent . was the best pint i had for the 3 weeks i was home .