5 Gifts from the Past for the Soul of the Future

by Liz Jansen

The past has so much to teach us to help guide us into the future. That wisdom is imparted through the wise elders in our midst—and our past. Power of the Road speakers showed us how to bring the lessons from our motorcycling heritage into the present and use them on our path forward.

Cris Sommer Simmons does this in a big way—through her research, writing and speaking about early American Women riders and their legacy – and then taking to the road herself on early Harley-Davidsons.

Being the daughter of a MotoGP champion, Nita Korhonen was naturally fascinated how champions are created, an influence which shaped her life. She has studied the traits and behaviours they share, and teaches us how we can each be the champion of our own life.

Through the work of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), Maggie McNally Bradshaw is doing her part to make sure we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past—at the risk of losing our rights and freedoms. We need to be ever vigilant.

Trapper Cane’s life is immersed in remembering the lessons of the past, honoring those who have served, and their families and respecting the rights and freedoms we all enjoy, often without appreciating the price that’s been paid to secure those.

Genevieve Schmitt reminds us that we are still pioneers. It’s important to write down your motorcycle story scribbles in a daily calendar—your amazing motorcycle adventures, your journeys and your experiences so that the next generation can benefit from your firsts. You too are a guide.

We share a rich heritage. Let’s accept the gifts from the past, learn the lessons from those who have gone before, and treasure those gifts, sharing them for all to enjoy.

photo credit: Chiot’s Run via photopin cc