Northwest Cycle Report

Seattle-based author and management consultant Lisa Haneberg will begin a solo cross-country book tour by motorcycle today. Lisa’s new book is Two Weeks to a Breakthrough: How to Zoom Toward Your Goal in 14 Days or Less. Lisa agreed to take a few minutes break from her trip preparations to answer a few questions.

How long have you been riding? How did you get started?

I have been riding 23 years, since I was in college. I bought an old beat up Honda 125 because it was all I could afford. I taught myself how to ride it. After that bike, I did not ride for several years. I picked riding back up 8 years ago, this time attending the motorcycle safety course. I bought a BMW R1200C. Now I have the Honda Sabre 1100.

Why is your motorcycle called “Hazel?”

Hazel’s full name is Purple Haze. She has purple ghost flame paint.

Why did you choose a motorcycle tour to support your new book?

The idea came about from two ideas. First, I had been thinking about doing a solo tour and was considering a NW to SE US trip (forks to Key West. I might still do this trip someday. Two Weeks to a Breakthrough is my fifth book and I think it lends itself to many informal conversations. I knew I wanted to do a tour of some kind. Putting the two together allows me to roll into interesting cities, like Fargo and Albuquerque, that would not likely be on the list if I did the tour by flying around.

What are you looking forward to most while on tour? Least?

Most: 1) Checking out the Sonoran Desert in AZ and the Badlands area in SD. 2) Meeting lots of people and catalyzing breakthroughs. 3) The transformational aspects of a 40 day solo trip.

Least: 1) Shoulder and back pain (Advil Liqui-gels!). 2) A few stretches of the trip where I can’t avoid the major highways. 3) The bill at the end.

Do you have any concerns about riding solo on this tour?

Sure. I would be crazy if I did not worry a bit. That said, I have done a pretty good job preparing. I have great gear, a good tool kit, I took two maintenance classes and I have two roadside assistance cards (AAA and Honda). I am staying in good areas in nicer hotels. I have no intention to driving like a mad women and will keep my eyes open for the other guy. I will take corners with care. My bike is relatively new and I have upgraded the shocks (Works Performance) and seat. I have gear locks and cable locks to secure my stuff. I am not overdoing the daily mileage and I have built in several rest days to deal with any pitfalls or issues. The solo aspect is not a concern, but I will watch my back.

Your new book is about breakthroughs. What breakthrough experiences have you had in your life?

The last several years have been very interesting. I have learned for myself that I can go for big goals and achieve them if I am focused and in action. All my life I wanted to write a book. Not for the ego stroke, I love being a writer. I had several failed attempts and then in 2004 I took a different approach and moved forward with more velocity. Since my first book came out in 2005, I have published 4 more (this is the 5th) and will have 8 complete by the end of 2008. My writing gets better with each book and I consider it a breakthrough that my writing is a major part of my life and income stream.

Beyond the book tour, how does motorcycling integrate with your professional life?

Right now, I don’t have a car - just Hazel. I ride the bike to meetings and events. I ride in the rain, but not in ice or snow. I find that as a female consultant, being a rider is a great conversation starter - a nice additional benefit. I have decided to ride the bike whenever possible to cut down on greenhouse gasses too. My bike gets much better mileage than my husband’s car. I might get a hybrid bike when they offer better range. By the way, I get asked all the time if my husband rides. People assume that I took up riding because he rides. Bill does not ride and has no interest in motorcycles, but fully supports my habit.

Learn more about Lisa and her books at her website, lisahaneberg.com