How much do you depend on today's technology? I personally am very greatful for all the neat and handy gadgets that have been designed to help us in many different ways. Below is one that I love to use. It helps me exercise and stay in shape. I have put many miles on it, but it has been feeling neglected for a few months, lol.

When I saw that this Saturday's Photo Hunt theme was technology, I thought of this right away. Especially since I need to shed a few of the "Holiday pounds." Uggh!!! This is an article that I had written for The Motorcycle Group.com last week and thought I'd republish it here. Read on...

Theme: Technology ** Become a Photo Hunter ** View Blogroll

~ Exercise For a Safer Motorcycle Ride ~

As everyone is pondering their own New Year resolutions, so am I. Before 2007 started, I really hadn't put too much thought or energy into thinking of a list of things I want to accomplish this year. Some years I don't have a new year resolutions, then I won't feel let down or bad about myself when said plans fall apart.

This year there are actually two things I do want to make, not just a resolution, but a part of my actual "life" plan. To me a "life" plan isn't a short goal, but to make an actual routine of my life. First, as a Christian, I want to read the Bible more regularly. This is pretty straight forward and a matter of just doing it.

And Second to exercise more often. This is an area I know most of us have the hardest time with. I get to a point where I'm doing really well and then I take a "short" break and BAM!! a month or two has slipped by and I'm back to square one *sigh.* As a motorcyclist I also recognize that with a fit body I'm a safer rider. I don't get fatigued as quickly and stay sharper on my toes. I'm more mentally alert and physically ready for sudden obsticals in my path. As we all know, motorcycling can be very draining, mentally and physically. And a tired driver could spell disaster or death in this sport. When we're tired we don't watch the road as carefully for obsticals or even that sharp turn up ahead. It's seems corners are one of our biggest challenges. Sure, some people take them better then others, but when you're not paying attention - those corners will surprise even the most seasoned motorcyclist.

The above photo is my Pro*Form 700 Cardio Cross Trainer and my main plan of attack. We have owned this for quite a few years and I have already put many miles on it. I will watch TV while cycling. So, "why?" you ask, should I still choose this? Because I love to use it!! I just need to be a little more realistic when using it. I will slowly build up the resistance and time to where I'm doing really well. But then I'm not willing to lower the resistance or time when I'm not really up to it. Instead I won't use it for a time and then I realize I have work ahead of me to get back to where I was. I don't want to work harder and I let it go more and it's the proverbial "slippery slope."

I also two VHS exercise tapes that I love to use. They both provide a one hour workout and, after I have gotten over the break-in period, you get to feeling really good using them. I love to use "Gilad - New Best of Bodies in Motion," and "Step Reebok - The Video." I like exercising at home and all these things get me where I want to be.

I have recognized that I need to come up with a plan to work this into my life, like I would eatting or sleeping. Not only do I need to get in shape, I need to shed about 20 - 25 pounds to get to my ideal weight for a healthy life. I can just hear a few of my regular readers saying, "Oh yea, like you really need to lose weight." I can hide those pounds quite well under a bulky motorcycle jacket and black leather chaps, lol. But if I don't get my plan started now, I will be known as "Ugly Betty," instead of "Biker Betty," lol.

Okay, that brings up another subject near and dear to my heart. What genius decided to call a TV show "Ugly Betty"!!!! Hmfph!!! Below is my version called "Ugly Biker Betty," lol. This show should sell millions!!! LOL

Wishing you great journeys in your part of the world,

Biker Betty :)