Clarksville, Tn — It’s time to SPRING FORWARD and I couldn’t be more excited.   I am NOT a fan of winter and although it’s not officially spring, psychologically, I’m there.

I hate January and February. 

I guess the older I get, the more I can’t tolerate cold temperatures.  Plus, it cuts down on my “biker” time.  In my part of the country, Tennessee, we have some of the most schizophrenic weather you will find.

One day it could be 60 degrees, then the next day, 25.  We could have snow overnight,that would melt away to a fifty degree day by afternoon.  Basically, for those of us who have struggled with depression, just fighting our way through those cold “depressing” days is a challenge. 

So, psychologically speaking, now that we’re into March, I’m as “giddy” as a schoolgirl on her first date.

I just don’t do winter. It’s not for me.  For years and years I would trek out in the wee hours of the morning to produce my morning talk show, and when the weather got below freezing, and your nose hairs would freeze up, I just couldn’t stand it.

Not to mention that southerners just CAN. NOT. DRIVE. ON. SNOW. AND. ICE!. 

I’ve threatened to get a place at the beach for those two months.  Enjoy warmer temps, keep writing my book.  Soak a little sun and eat fresh fish and seafood.  I could ride over to Texas, Louisiana, Florida, anywhere but north.  

Last year I had a new grandson on the way and he was born just a day before my birthday and I could have ridden home for that and my birthday, but I just blew it off.

Hank 

Those of you who struggle with PTSD or depression, you know it’s a struggle to stay motivated and to stay active.  Staying active is important, because you don’t have time to THINK about things that make you sad.  You don’t have time to think about why you feel this way.  

Stay active!  I don’t care how you do it.  Rearrange the furniture, go clean your garage, go clean your bike.  Take a walk around the neighborhood, just something to stay active, so your brain won’t head down that depression path.  Works for me. 

So psychologically, I’m feeling pretty damn good right now.  I have my first trip planned for April 5th.  Going to head to Texas with a group of brothers and sisters and do some serious riding.  Parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas are on the itinerary. 

I haven’t taken a trip since my crew made our trips to the Smoky mountains back in October and November, so I’m chomping at the bit.

I bought a new motorcycle and I’m ready to get her “broke in.”

So let’s all SPRING FORWARD together and get our head right, get our travel plans together and get on the open road.  This is going to be a great summer to ride.

Ride safe my friends and thanks for following my journey