The Benefits of Practicing Meditation

In this day and age nearly everyone, young and old needs to take a few minutes each day to slow things down a bit. Jam packed schedules on a daily basis can run the body and the mind down very quickly, which can also lead to having a high amount of stress. Along with high stress, follows high blood pressure and several other health ailments such as chronic fatigue and headaches as well. All of these can be avoided by maintaining your stress levels by participating in meditation.

Meditation can be achieved in the comfort of your own home. It only requires but a small window of time during your busy day and a quiet space to relax in. You can begin the practice meditation on a mat or carpeted area on the floor and sit with your legs crossed as you would when you were a child. Begin by breathing in and out slowly and start to relax the muscles in your body. Instantly, you will feel the difference when you diffuse the tension that you contain on a regular basis in the shoulders and neck areas.

You can purchase in any local department store various meditation techniques and practices to have a more broad spectrum of exercises to utilize. Online you can also find numerous resources for meditation all for no cost at all as well. Several websites will be ones that are specific just for meditation and many others you can locate through yoga and Pilates websites also. Buying a mat can also greatly help your routine by giving you a comfortable place to sit on. Comfort is a must when practicing these breathing techniques to gain the full effect of them. Wear lose or soft clothing pieces that do not bode many zippers, buttons or tight fitting material to allow you to reach your fullest inner peace.

Some that meditate do so on a daily basis, they feel it empowers them and releases those good feelings in their minds and throughout their bodies that brings them to a center of tranquility to get through their day. Others use the breathing a few times per week and that is plenty for them, it is best to practice it when you know you will have a set time each day when it will work best for you. Meditation is a form of exercise, and it can bring many benefits to the body by engaging in it on a regular basis. Lower levels of stress, improved heart rate, better clarity to think precisely during the day and many find they lose weight as well. Meditation can also help your sleeping habits, it is a calming remedy that can be performed during the day or just before bed if you prefer. Chanting or humming while practicing meditation can be an added boost, but it is not necessary to reap all the benefits. It is a good idea to start off with a short meditation session first on a day when you can enjoy the results and truly see how your body reacts to it. From there, make a schedule and commit to practicing your meditation exercises as often as you like!

Bike Riding For A Cause

 

We all have our own reasons for bicycle riding. It's great exercise and a good opportunity to get outside and clear our heads from the stress of our lives. Sometimes it's the only time we can get to ourselves! If you're going to go biking, why not do it for a good cause? Here are some charity events where you can do just that.

• Bike to the Beach. This 100-mile annual event starts in Washington, DC and takes riders to the Delaware beaches, NYC and ends in the Hamptons. B2B is partnered with Autism Speaks, the world's largest charity group devoted to the study and treatment of autism and autism-spectrum disorders. It's usually in late July-early August, so be prepared for the heat. You can learn more at http://www.biketothebeach.org/.
• Pedal For The House. This event takes place at Tollefson Park in Madison, Wisconsin. There are several different trails to choose from-20, 40, 60-mile routes for the advanced cyclists, a 5-mile route for families and younger cyclists, and a quarter-mile 'fun loop' around the park for walkers and strollers. Various local sponsors donate the proceeds of the event to Ronald McDonald House Charities, a group that gives families a place to stay while their children undergo medical treatment away from home. You can learn more and register for future events at http://pedalforthehouse.org/index.html.
• The New England Parkinson's Ride. This event takes place in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. To cater to riders of various levels, the trails it offers are 10, 30, 50 and 100 miles long. The proceeds of the ride go to benefit the Michael J. Fox foundation for Parkinson's Disease treatment and research. You can learn more and register for future events at http://www.neparkinsonsride.com/welcome.html. Be sure to check out the 'Who We Are' page for an interesting back-story for the event.
• Positive Spin For ALS. The fees for this Wayland, MA event go to benefit the ALS Association, the only national organization focused specifically on finding a cure for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. The event features 10-, 25-, 50- and 70-mile rides. The website for this annual event is http://webma.alsa.org/site/TR?fr_id=7470&pg=entry, with the stories behind each of the races on the 'About The Ride' page.
  
• Friends For Life Bike Rally. This six-day, 400 km event takes riders on a journey from Toronto to Montreal to raise money for groups that provide services for people living with HIV/AIDS. You can learn more or register at http://www.bikerally.org/.
  

Here are some sites you can visit to find out about various charity bike rides in your area:

• New England- http://charitybicycleride.com/index.htm.
• California- http://cyclecalifornia.com/centuries.html
• South (NC, SC, VA)- http://www.weeklyrides.com/
• Various parts of the US- http://nashvillecyclist.com/events/charity-rides, http://www.bikeride.com/

These events (among many others) are done on an annual basis, although many communities also run 'one-time' charity races. In the end it doesn't matter whether you ride every year or just once; the point is to raise money for a good cause. Have fun, and know you're making a difference.

Annual Charity Walk/Run Events 'For The Rest Of Us'

 

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

Avon Walk For Breast Cancer.

The American Cancer Society's Relay For Life.

We've all probably heard of these 'walk-a-thons' or runs that benefit important charities. These are very good causes and events, but sometimes we want to find a charity event that more closely fits our abilities. For instance, the annual Susan G. Komen event that takes place near me requires 60 miles over three days. This is something I would love to participate in because I really want to help find a cure for breast cancer, but my arthritis won't let me. Even if we can handle such a race physically, sometimes they are at a time or place that doesn't work for us. Also, it might be hard for busy moms to find the time! Where can people like us find charity events that work for us? I mentioned bicycling and motorcycle charity events in other posts on this blog, but here are a few fundraisers that we can do 'on foot'. You don't need any special equipment for these events, unless you count a good pair of running shoes!

If you'd like to run or walk at a 'cooler' time of the year, there is the Jingle Bell Run/Walk. Done to benefit the Arthritis Foundation, this 5K (roughly 3-mile) event takes place in December. The website mentions tying jingle bells to your shoelaces, but I'm sure you can get out of that if you want to! The site is http://www.arthritis.org/jingle-bell-run.php if you want to find one near you.

Another event 'for the rest of us' is Light The Night. This walk takes place in the evening and is done to benefit research and support for people with blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma, etc). What I find interesting is that this walk is done at a relaxed pace and only takes about an hour to complete. They allow strollers for babies, and they even allow wheelchairs! I've never heard of a 'walk' fundraiser that uses wheelchairs but, this way, people of all ability levels can participate. You can find more information about this event and find one near you at http://www.lightthenight.org/what/.

If you'd like your walk to benefit both people 'at home' and in other parts of the world, perhaps you should consider the CROP Hunger Walk. The acronym stands for Christian Rural Overseas Program because it originally helped midwest farmers to share their crops with people in Europe and Asia after World War II, but now it has a much wider reach. There are walks all over the country that are locally organized and run, which allows a portion of the proceeds to benefit community food banks and programs. While its parent organization is the Church World Service, it is open to people of all faiths and cultures. The website is here, where you can find more information and a walk near you.

As you can see, there are plenty of events each year where those of us who aren't able to do the 'big walks' for whatever reason can still give to a good cause. Charityhappenings.org has an extensive listing of charity events of all kinds if you'd like to find one near you.

Fall Outdoor Activities

 

In case you haven't noticed, autumn is upon us. The leaves are starting to turn colors. The weather is getting cooler. We can't go grocery shopping without seeing huge displays of Halloween costumes, decorations and candy. 'Trick or Treat' seems to be the phrase of the season. But is there anything those of us without kids or who don't want to dress up can do? Also, what about people who don't celebrate Halloween? Fear not, there are still a few things you can do that have nothing to do with ghosts or goblins.

One common fall attraction is the corn maze. You might have also heard them called 'maize mazes', using and old term for 'corn.' These aren't your grandfather's cornfield. They are cut in such a way that you have to make your way from one side to the other by following winding and twisted paths, much like the mazes we used to find in coloring books. They are often hosted by local farmers by themselves or as part of a larger 'state fair' or 'autumn attraction.' If you get lost (as I undoubtedly would), there's usually a 'tour guide' or 'host' that can help you find your way out.

Another thing that makes these 'maize mazes' fun is that they tend to be cut in unusual patterns. For instance, take a look at this one from Portsmouth, RI-

If you live near a wooded area, you can also go on a 'nature walk' and take pictures of the foliage. The picture above this post is one I took two years ago in Sky Valley, GA.

For those who would rather avoid all that walking, there are hay rides. You've probably already been on a few of these, but they're still a lot of fun. Basically you are in a cart full of hay and pumpkins attached to a horse or a tractor. You can go on a romantic evening ride with your significant other or take your kids for a fun bonding experience. If nothing else, they're a great way to get outside in the cool autumn air. Some of them may be 'haunted', but it's usually nothing too intense. As fun as these can be, the hay might be a bit much for some allergy sufferers.

Of course, no autumn would be complete without the food! Since nightfall comes earlier this time of year, it's a great time for campfire food. You can cook hotdogs and eat them right off the stick or roast marshmallows and make s'mores. Of course, these things can be done in the winter at the fireplace, but there's just something about being in the open air that makes you feel festive. Some towns also have pumpkin patches or public apple orchards.

I hope you now have a few ideas of how you can enjoy autumn apart from Halloween. As much fun as the holiday can be, there is so much more you can do with autumn that it would be a shame to forget!

Best Bike Trail Cities

Model Biking Cities and Trails

In a time where gas prices only likely to rise, cars are becoming less attractive to commuters, and bikes are growing more popular. Many major cities are jumping on the bicycle bandwagon, trying to make their streets friendly to two-wheeled travelers. The best bike trail cities are those that have put the most money and time into developing their network of bike trails, regardless of the size or location of the city.

Where to Find the Best Biking Communities

The best bike trail cities are as diverse as bike riders themselves. In no particular order, here are the cities that are considered friendliest to bikes.

Minneapolis, Minnesota: You may be surprised to see this chilly city on the list, but Minneapolis makes up for its cold weather with its impressive network of bike lanes and other accommodations for bicyclists, including bike carriers on buses and a bike rental program in the works.

Portland, Oregon: Portland was one of the first bike-friendly cities. Its bicycle network has only expanded over the years, adding more miles of bike tracks, allowing riders to easily access all parts of the city. The city has recently added bicycle parking areas all over the city to make it even easier for Portland residents to explore their city on two wheels instead of four.

Tucson, Arizona: Tucson has recently demonstrated a commitment to becoming bicycle-friendly, requiring all new street construction (and reconstruction) to include bike lanes. The city has hundreds of miles of bikeways, including bikepaths that cut through the quiet areas of the city, allowing cyclists to avoid traffic congestion. The year-round sunny weather doesn’t hurt, either.

Boulder, Colorado: Boulder provides bike lanes on 95% of its major streets and commits 15% of its transportation budget to bikes—a strong commitment to making the city accessible to bikes. Many of the bike paths are set up to avoid intersections, allowing riders to travels across the city as quickly as possible.

Seattle, Washington: Seattle has developed a plan add a 455-mile network of bike trails in addition to its already impressive system of bikeways. The city has added bike racks and is working to promote biking through community outreach over the next three to five years.

San Francisco, California: Despite its infamous hills, San Francisco has found a place as one of the US’s bike-friendliest cities. The city is compact, and most neighborhoods are easy to bike to. Additionally, most streets have bike lanes. The city has also installed signage to help point bikers to less hilly routes.

New York, New York: Despite leading the nation in bike theft, New York remains one of the friendliest cities for bicyclists. The city plans to build a bike path around Manhattan, in addition to adding bike lanes to city streets. Drivers may not always be friendly to bicyclists, but pro-bike organizations in the city are working to change that.

Chicago, Illinois: Already friendly to bikes, Chicago has mounted a campaign to becomes America’s most bike-friendly city by the year 2015. The city has 315 miles of bikeways and the thriving McDonald's Cycle Center in Millennium Park, and it’s hoping to add more trails and facilities over the next few years.

This is only a list of the best bike trail cities in the country, not the only cities with bike accommodations—many other cities are well on their way toward becoming friendly to bicyclists. These cities have led the way towards becoming more welcoming to residents on two wheels and popularizing bikes as environmentally friendly, convenient, and healthy.

In a time where gas prices only likely to rise, cars are becoming less attractive to commuters, and bikes are growing more popular. Many major cities are jumping on the bicycle bandwagon, trying to make their streets friendly to two-wheeled travelers. The best bike trail cities are those that have put the most money and time into developing their network of bike trails, regardless of the size or location of the city.

A Woman's Guide To Motorcycling

I've never really understood why some people find 'bikers'-especially 'biker chicks'-to be so intimidating. I grew up around motorcycles. In fact, one of my very first memories was riding on the back of my father's motorcycle when I was three. If you ask me, it's a great way to get from Point A to Point B in a way that is fast and lets you get outside. However fun riding a 'steel horse' can be, there are still several things you need to know to be able to ride safely and legally.

First things first-make sure you have the proper licensing and insurance. In most states, simply having a driver's license for a car isn't enough; you will need to have an additional endorsement to your license to be able to ride a motorcycle. The first step is to take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. Visit the MSF's website (http://online2.msf-usa.org/msf/Default.aspx) for more information and to find a class in your area. Traffic laws are different for motorcycles than for cars, so familiarize yourself with the laws in your state.

In addition to the licensing, you will also need motorcycle insurance. Many insurance companies also carry motorcycle insurance along with car insurance, so you may be able to get a discount for having both policies with the same company.

This one is pretty obvious, but I'll say it anyway-wear a helmet!! Your helmet should be built to the sturdiness guidelines of the Department of Transportation and include a visor for eye protection. In addition to a helmet, other essential motorcycle gear includes:

• Boots
• A sturdy pair of gloves, preferably that go past the wrist
• A motorcycle jacket. I say 'motorcycle jacket' because they are usually made with some extra 'iron' or protective gear you won't find in your average jacket. Plus, there are several that are made especially for keeping you both cool and protected in the summer months.
• Ear plugs. These things are LOUD!
• Motorcycle pants, along the same lines as the jacket
• If you are going off road, some extra pads for the neck, chest, knees, elbows and shins.

Make sure your motorcycle is properly maintained. Just like a car, a motorcycle regular maintenance to run smoothly and safely. Motorcycles and their care can get expensive, but a well-maintained cycle can last you for quite some time. Check the oil levels, tires and motorcycle chain regularly. Your MSF course and the store at which you buy your motorcycle will probably give you guidelines for this, but About.com and www.Carlsalter.com can point you toward helpful manuals for your particular make and model.

And last but definitely not least-

Do not drink and bike! It is never a good idea to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs! In addition to hurting yourself or someone else, you run the risk of losing your license if you do!

If you keep these things in mind, you should get a lot of 'mileage' and fun out of your 'steel horse'. Enjoy!

Unusual Olympic Events

 

We all know about the major events-swimming, volleyball, etc. But is this all the Olympics have to offer? Are there any sports that are a bit off-center and unexpected? You bet there are. Here are some of the more unusual Olympic sports, past and present.

Believe it or not, skeet shooting is an Olympic event. This seems odd to some people because, like car racing, shooting a gun doesn't appear to have a physical or strategic element. Maybe you won't do as much running as you would in soccer and basketball, but shooting does require strength in terms of holding a heavy gun steady and dealing with the kickback. As for strategy, anyone who's ever tried to shoot a moving target knows that it's harder than it looks! The event was first included in 1900 when they used live pigeons, but now they just use targets and the clay discs you can get in sporting goods stores. Good thing too, because I don't even want to think about the things PETA would say if they still used live pigeons.

Remember those little old ladies you used to see on the side of the road in their wind suits and headphones? They might not have known it, but they were participating in an Olympic sport. Having gotten its start in 1908, race walking is exactly that-who can walk the fastest. Since one foot must be on the ground at all times, the athletes kind of look like they're waddling. It's rather fun to watch.

If you've seen the winter Olympics recently, you've probably seen 'curling'. The game actually debuted in 1924, but this shuffleboard-like team sport has only been a regular event since 1998. It consists of a stone being cast on a sheet covered with water droplets with the goal of hitting (or getting close to) the center of what looks like a giant bullseye. The droplets can cause the stone to 'curl' and go off course, so two of the four team members get in front of it and furiously sweep them away to give the stone a clear shot. The object is to get your stone closer to the center than the other team, with points only given for the stones within the bullseye, or 'house'. The game has a lot of nuances, so you can read more about it here-http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/47810.

Some other games that have been included in the Olympics-

-Tug of War (up until 1920)

-Trampolining (currently)

-Club swinging (up until 1932)

-Rope climbing (up until 1932)

As you can see, there have been some rather interesting sports in the Olympics. Some are strange in and of themselves while others are things you wouldn't expect to see in the Olympics. As much fun as the 'usual' events are to watch, sometimes it's good to see something different.

Horseback Riding Safety Tips

 

Have you ever seen people ride horses in movies and want to try it yourself? They make it look so easy; just climb on and go. The truth is that horseback riding can be dangerous, even for the most talented of riders. When you consider how big they are and how fast they can run, it's not hard to see how someone could have a serious or fatal injury from a horseback riding accident. How can we prevent such accidents from happening? Here are a few ideas.

• Get proper training. The best way to learn to ride is with a competent instructor. Learn how to 'read' your horse so you can tell if something is bothering her and how to deal with it.
• Ride in a group. This way, someone will be there to help if you have an accident. Also, keep your cell with you and let someone know where you are going and when you will be back. Also, don't ride away from or ahead of the group, and adjust speed to accommodate the least-experienced rider in your group.
• Be realistic. Know your ability level and stick to it. I know it can be fun to try to impress that cute guy in your group or show your teacher how good you are, but don't. Don't try to do tricks or other things beyond your (and your horse's) ability level. Remember, the riders in the movies are professionals; don't try their tricks at home!
• Always wear the proper headgear. Even if you aren't doing anything major like racing or steeplechase, you can still fall off of a horse and hurt yourself. Sure, helmets aren't the most attractive headgear you've ever seen, but it's better to be less fashionable than less safe. Also, horseback riding helmets are completely different from the ones you use with a bike or motorcycle.
• Use the proper equipment. On the same tip as above, be sure to wear long pants and gloves. You should wear boots with heels, with the stirrups adjusted to fit them. Otherwise, you could get your foot caught and be dragged by your horse if you fall. Make sure your saddle, ropes, etc are in good repair. Your instructor will be able to give you more information about the proper equipment.
• Remember that horses are animals, not machines. Unlike your motorcycle, horses have personalities and aren't always predictable. Even a well-trained horse can get spooked or bothered by things around her. Some instructors will even tie a red ribbon around the tail of a horse that is known to kick so special care can be taken with them. Make sure you have control of your horse at all times.
• Be aware of your surroundings. This one seems pretty obvious, but it's always worth saying again.

Horseback riding can be a lot of fun and a great way to get outside and enjoy nature. Just make sure you follow the proper safety protocol to make sure nothing bad happens. Have a good time!

How To Enjoy The Outdoors In Spite Of Your Allergies

Do you suffer from hay fever or other allergies, but still like to spend time outdoors? I know this time of year can be rough on some people, especially those of us who live in suburban or rural areas. For instance, I live in Georgia. There have been plenty of times when I have parked my car to go into someone's house and come out to find my car positively covered with pollen! If you have problems with outdoor allergies, you might think that you have to spend the entire spring and summer indoors. Lucky for you, this isn't necessarily true. Here are a few ways you can enjoy the outdoors while reducing problems from allergies.

One thing that can work well is knowing exactly what it is you are allergic to and adjusting accordingly. This is usually done by a blood or skin test in an allergist's office. Once you know which things bother you and to what degree, your doctor can make suggestions about how you can avoid them. Things such as changing which flowers you keep in your garden can help a lot. Also, many gardening or drug stores sell paper masks that can keep allergens out of your lungs.

Speaking of doctors, there are several prescription drugs that work wonders for allergies. Sprays like Nasonex might be a good alternative to pills and are usually covered by insurance. Also, many of the more common medications (Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc) are now available over the counter. If you don't want to use drugs or find that they don't cover everything, nasal washes such as saline, Alkalol and Neti pots are available in most drug stores.

To avoid bringing allergens from outdoors into the house, leave your shoes at the door. Since they tend to have the most contact with allergens on the ground, it's no surprise that the soles of your shoes practically collect allergens. When you come inside from spending a lot of time outside, change your clothes and put the ones you were wearing into a laundry bag. That way, you won't get anything that might have been in the air on the things you touch or sit on. If the symptoms are bothering you, take a shower right away. Also, allergen levels tend to be higher earlier in the day, so it may help to move your long walks or runs to the evening rather than the morning. Don't open the windows in the morning or leave them open all night if at all possible.

HEPA filters and air purifier machines are an excellent way to reduce the amount of allergens in the air in your home. These can be found in many general and home improvement stores. Also, you may benefit from changing the other filters (air conditioning, etc) in your home more often during allergy season more often than you would other times of the year. Try to use cleaning products (Swiffer dusters, dust-catching cloths, etc) that actually remove dirt and dust rather than just spreading it around. Keeping the floors and cloth-covered furniture vacuumed helps too.

When you're choosing a vacation, consider cruises or beach trips. This way, you are less likely to come into contact with a lot of allergen-producing plants.

As you can see, there are several ways you can enjoy the outdoors in ways that are easier on your allergies. Now all you have to do is find a way to keep your neighbor's dog out of your garden. Sorry, I can't help you there. :)

"Offbeat" Outdoor Sports

When you think of 'outdoor sports', which ones do you think of? Tennis? Football? Soccer? Golf? These are all well and good, but what if you want to play a game that is a bit more 'offbeat'? When I say 'offbeat', I mean games you won't find scores for in the sports pages. There are quite a few outdoor sports that can be a lot of fun but aren't something a lot of us think of. If you're tired of the 'same-old, same-old' and want to do something different, here are some suggestions.

• Bocce. This is a fun game you can play with your friends in the backyard on a sunny afternoon. It is usually played with two people, but you can split into teams if you have more people. A standard bocce set consists of eight balls and a smaller ball known as the 'pallino'. The pallino is thrown to determine the point of reference for the game. Then, the first player throws or 'bowls' his ball to get it as close to the pallino as possible. This sets a 'perimeter' for the other players to try to reach. Once all of the balls are thrown, the frame is over and one point is given for each ball that is inside the 'perimeter' and closer to the pallino than the first ball. The player with the most points starts the next frame, and the game is played until one player reaches 13 points. Of course, you can make whatever point adjustments you want to fit your particular group. You can find more about the game and order a set of balls at http://bocceballrules.net/. The balls can also be found at sporting-goods stores.
• Dodgeball. Aside from being a hilarious Vince Vaughn/Ben Stiller movie, dodgeball is a lot of fun for adults as well as kids. Two of my friends even play in a local adult league! What the leagues do is have the teams line up on opposite sides of the court, run to the middle to grab a ball and try to hit someone on the other team with it. Once you get hit, you're out. It's really simple, but I would recommend using Nerf balls or softer rubber balls rather than the basketballs we used as kids. If you've ever been hit by a basketball, you know what I mean! You can make your own rules in terms of what hits are permissible; some leagues don't allow hits above the shoulders, while others don't allow hits below the waist. It's up to you to decide what works best for your group.
• Bike Polo. It's basically the same game as 'standard' polo, but you ride bikes rather than horses. Played in tournaments and pick-up games in New York City, it is a good game to play on 'hard' surfaces without a lot of grass. In a nutshell, you are trying to hit the ball into the goal using only the mallet while your bike is in motion. No kicking the ball or touching the ground with your feet is allowed. If you want more detailed rules, check out http://www.hardcourtbikepolo.com/?page_id=4.

These are just a few of the 'offbeat' outdoor games you can play with your friends. Some of the rules might seem a bit complicated, but I think we have all used 'house rules' to play games the way we want to. You never know, you might fall in love with a sport and want to play it in a city league! It's all up to you, but it can never hurt to try something new!

Annual Motorcycling Events

  

If you've read one of my earlier posts about motorcycling (http://www.womensoutdoorlife.com/2011/11/womans-guide-to-motorcycling.html), you've seen that it isn't as scary as one might think. It can actually be a lot of fun! If you're wondering where or when you'd use your newfound steel horse, there are plenty of events each year where bikers from all over get together to socialize, 'talk shop' and even raise money for charity.

Each year, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation holds its Ride For Kids in various parts of the country. Along with corporate sponsors such as Honda Riders' Club of America and GEICO Insurance, riders raise money toward research for a cause and cure for childhood brain tumors. The minimum donation to participate is $35, but there are all sorts of premium items (hats, t-shirts, helmets etc) for people who raise more money. Even if you don't want a hat or t-shirt, however, you can take home with you the fact that you've helped fund a cure for brain tumors in children. Since the events are held in areas ranging from south Florida to Los Angeles to Puget Sound, WA, it's easy to find an event near you. For more information, check out http://www.pbtfus.org/rideforkids/.

One annual event that I find particularly interesting is Myrtle Beach Bike Week. I like these events because the Myrtle Beach, SC area is a very nice place to take a vacation. While the name would imply that it only happens once a year at the same time every year, this isn't true. In order to avoid the madhouse that is Myrtle Beach in the summer, they alternate years between having it in the fall and in the spring. It also spans areas from Florence, SC to the NC/SC line, so there are plenty of places to stay outside of the city. There are live bands, specials on accommodations and restaurants, and even a Mothers' Day ride to honor the 'biker moms' in our lives! My father and uncle have ridden in this event a few times; I grew up about an hour away, so it's not much of a trek. Myrtle Beach and the surrounding area is home to some of the best restaurants and hotels you'll ever see, so it's definitely worth your while to visit! For more information, go to http://www.myrtlebeachbikeweek.com/.

If you've always wanted to see the whole country, there is the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. Named after the battle cry of Sioux warrior Crazy Horse, this annual race takes participants through 48 states and some parts of Canada. For example, the 2012 route will go from Las Vegas, NV to New York City. The route is less than 6000 miles, but you can join at any stop if you don't want to go the whole way. There's one rule, though-no speeding! This is not for the faint of heart, but can be a very rewarding experience for those with a strong sense of adventure! For more information and to register participants, visit http://www.hokaheychallenge.com/index.html.

These are just a few of the many annual motorcycle events you can join if you want to get outside with your bike and see the country in the process. If you'd like to find out if there are any rallies or events near you, check out http://www.motorcyclelife.net/ and http://www.lightningcustoms.com/. If you are more interested in a charity ride, visit http://www.travelingbikers.com/charities.html for a list of events and receiving charities. If nothing else, it's a great way to meet people!