It’s funny how we measure success in life.  But sometimes the strangest things work.

This morning I left the house early to finish up a seminar that had filled my entire weekend.  I was a little slow getting going today so a quick stop at Starbucks for a “triple” anything was in order. 

Coffee in hand, I jumped in my Tahoe and headed out. 

Up ahead I saw what looked like a thousand orange traffic cones spread out along the road.  “Hmmm, what’s going on?” Getting closer it became clear - Bike Week is here again.

Living in Central Florida we’ve grown accustom to the annual ritual and noise that is Daytona Bike Week.  I thought, “is it that time of year again already”?  Then again, time flies when you’re having fun… and I am having fun.

Each year almost 700,000 motorcycles arrive in our area for 10 days.  No matter where you live, work or travel, you will see motorcycles everywhere.  And since I live near a major motorcycle dealership - I see even more.  That’s what all the cones were for – getting ready for the arrival of all the bikes for special events.

I passed by all the activity and went on with my day.  On the way home I saw them again – although this time there were lots of motorcycles and their owners in black leather sharing the brotherhood of riding. 

It was great.

But have you ever noticed how many guys that ride a motorcycle have huge guts?  I mean really big beer bellies – that kind that pop the buttons on their vests.

And that’s when I remembered my vest.

I ride a 2003 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail with lots of shiny stuff on it.  When I bought the bike I also purchased a leather vest for spring and fall riding. 

I remember the day I purchased the vest and noticing a rack of “Button Extenders” next to the vests.  You know, the chains that allow the vest to stay open across your belly yet still be buttoned so it doesn’t blow open when you’re riding.

Kind of like the collar extenders for dress shirts that lots of guys have around for those “bloated” months.

At the time when I purchased my Harley, I had recently lost 65 pounds so I made a promise that not only would I not buy extenders, and I would never buy the extenders.  I promised that I would always be able to button my vest without extenders.  If not – I would have to lose weight.

Good news.

I drove home today and dug into my saddlebag for the vest.  Put it on and… yep… buttoned it right up.  And I could still breath!

Accountability comes in millions of ways.  I guess the trick is to find the way that works for you.

Looks like I’m going to be looking good at this year’s Bike Week.