Posts Tagged ‘ijustwant2ride’

Cartoon clip art of a brain riding a motorcycle, wearing a helmet, representing concussion recovery, mental health awareness, and getting back to riding after injury

A Personal Update

It has been a while since my last post, and for good reason. Last month, I had an accident that brought everything to a sudden stop. I slipped on black ice and hit my head—hard—on concrete. What followed was not just a bump or a scare, but a serious medical issue that forced me to slow down in a way I never expected

The Accident and Diagnosis

After the fall, I was diagnosed with a severe concussion accompanied by brain bleeding. Because of the seriousness of the injury, I was admitted to the hospital for observation. After being released, I was sent home with very strict medical instructions designed to give my brain the best possible chance to heal fully.  

Living Under Concussion Protocols

If you’ve never experienced concussion recovery, let me tell you—the protocols are no joke. To support healing and prevent further damage, I was instructed to avoid nearly all forms of stimulation:

  • No watching TV
  • No phone use
  • No computer screens
  • No reading
  • No music

In short: no distractions, no entertainment, and no mental escape. While these rules are necessary for recovery, they make for a long and incredibly boring stretch of time.

Why Rest Matters After a Head Injury

As frustrating as it was, these restrictions exist for a reason. Limiting screen time, visual input, and mental strain helps reduce symptoms and lowers the risk of prolonged or permanent effects. Concussion recovery isn’t about toughness—it’s about patience, discipline, and letting your brain do the work it needs to do.

This was not my first concussion.  During my time in the Army I suffered several more.  Back then the protocol was pain relievers, sunglasses and back to work.

Cleared and Back to Normal Ready to Ride Motorcycles

The good news? I’m now fully cleared to return to normal activities. That means riding, writing, riding, creating, and sharing again. I’m grateful for the care I received and for the reminder that even when you “just want to ride,” your health always comes first.

What’s Next for ijustwant2ride.com

With recovery behind me, it’s time to move forward. Be on the lookout for:

Thank you to everyone who checked in, reached out, or simply stuck around while things were quiet. Sometimes the ride pauses—but it always starts again.

And a very special thank you to my wife and riding partner for life. You took great care of me even when I was… you know!

Ride On Ride Safe

Custom motorcycle tank 2025 ijustwant2ride

When it comes to customizing a motorcycle, the tank is more than just a fuel reservoir—it’s a canvas for creativity, craftsmanship, and personal style. For 2025, I scoured the web and handpicked 14 standout tanks, narrowing the list to my top 9 favorites. Each tank on this list caught my eye for its unique design, stunning paintwork, and exceptional build quality.

Why These Tanks Stand Out
  • Design Innovation: From bold graphics to subtle lines, these tanks push the boundaries of what’s possible in motorcycle aesthetics.
  • Craftsmanship: Attention to detail and quality materials set these tanks apart from the rest.
  • Personal Expression: Whether you prefer classic looks or modern flair, there’s something here for every rider.
My Selection Process

I started with a yearlong search, looking for tanks that offered something truly special. After reviewing a dozen or so motorcycle tanks that made the final list, I focused on those that combined artistry with functionality. The final 9 represent the best of both worlds—tanks that not only look great but appear built to last.

Let’s Hear From You!

These tanks may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but they work for me. Do you have a favorite from the list? Or is there a tank you think deserves a spot? Drop a comment below or connect with me on social media—I love hearing from fellow riders!

motoamerica-logoMay 4-5 MotoAmerica motorcycle racing is at the Virginia International Raceway in Danville, VA.  I and the rest of the DawgHouse Motorcycle Radio “Pack” will be covering the races.

With press passes from MotoAmerica, we will be all over the event.  Expect MANY posts and “LIVE events” on my IJustWant2Ride Facebook and on my @IJustWant2Ride Twitter account.  Who knows I might just even post to my under utilized Instagram account.

Phil will be posting to the DawgHouse twitter and Facebook pages if you want to see all the things we are up to.

You can count on a FB Live broadcast of the start of the MotoAmerica Superbike race on Saturday, right from the pit lane wall!

From my POV MotoAmerica has the best motorcycle racing in the world this year.  Any of motoamerica live6 riders could win week to week, assuming they hit the setup.  JD Beach won this weeks American Flat Track race, a win with the superbikes would be a true feat!  You can catch both the Saturday and Sunday MotoAmerica Superbike races on Fox Sports 2 (3PM EST) or streaming on MotoAmerica Live +…. you might even see me on TV!