Destination rides in the mountains of Colorado can be magical.  Hidden in the mountain town of Nederland, Colorado, sits a treasure unlike any other.  A treasure built and shared by a Vietnam veteran, Scott Harrison.

In this deeply moving conversation with Allie Wagner, the Carousel of Happiness Outreach Director and podcast host, we discover how this labor of love has transformed nearly 1.2 million riders. Allie shares fascinating insights about the carousel's unique features – from the meticulously researched animals to the "Somewhere Else" wall where visitors honor loved ones who have passed. She explains the almost magical effect the carousel has on visitors, who often find themselves moved to tears or compelled to share their life stories upon entering.

For motorcycle enthusiasts traveling Colorado's stunning Peak to Peak Highway, the Carousel of Happiness offers more than just a charming stop. It provides a rare opportunity to reconnect with childlike wonder and presence – similar to the feeling riders experience on the open road. As Allie beautifully articulates, joy is our birthright as humans, something we intuitively understand as children before life's complexities create distance from that truth.

Whether you're planning a ride through the Colorado mountains or simply seeking inspiration, this conversation reminds us of the profound impact one person's healing journey can have on the entire world. The carousel stands as a testament to resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of not delaying joy – a three-minute ride that just might change your perspective on what matters most.

Carousel of Happiness podcast 

CBS On the Road featuring Scott Harrison and the Carousel of Happiness

CBS Sunday Morning with Steve Hartman

Atlas Obscura feature

Reflecting on childhood experiences on a mini bike reveals that Mindfulness isn't complicated.  It's about being fully present in the moment just like an 11-year-old on a tiny motorcycle. Today, we explore how motorcycle riding creates the perfect conditions for Mindfulness through sensory engagement and gratitude.

From Moon Frog Coffee Shop in Winter Park supporting adaptive skiing programs to chance encounters with animal rescuers at local hangouts, the motorcycle journey repeatedly intersects with community heroes who demonstrate extraordinary heart. These encounters remind us why the motorcycling community remains one of the most generous groups around—because riders understand what it means to rely on others, to help those in need, and to appreciate the gift of freedom that comes with two wheels.

Mentioned in this episode:

Rocky Mountain Motorsports:  1405 Madison Ave #4065, Loveland, CO 80538 (970) 669-6565

Moon Frog Coffee:  https://moonfrog0.wixsite.com/my-site 

The Grounds Internet & Coffee Lounge: https://www.facebook.com/thegroundslaramie#

Buddy's House Dog Fosters:  https://buddysfosters.org/

The constant buzz of notifications has become the soundtrack to our lives. That little device in your pocket connects you to everything and everyone—except perhaps what's directly in front of you. For motorcyclists, this digital tether creates an ironic disconnect from the very experience we seek.

Remember when communication required intention? When a pager meant someone truly needed to reach you, and finding a payphone was part of the adventure? Today's always-on culture has its conveniences, but while riding, your attention is your most precious resource. The dance between rider, machine, and landscape demands complete presence—something increasingly rare in our notification-saturated world.

The magic happens when you deliberately unplug. Tucked away in my saddlebag, silenced and forgotten, my phone no longer competes for attention with the journey itself. What emerges is nothing short of transformative: heightened awareness of sunlight filtering through trees, the changing colors of passing fields, the rich tapestry of scents from pine forests to approaching rain. The soundtrack shifts from notification pings to the harmonious blend of engine hum, rushing wind, and nature's chorus.

Beyond these sensory delights lies something even more valuable—a mental settling, a focused calm that comes when your mind isn't pulled in countless digital directions. This state of flow becomes a moving meditation, a genuine antidote to modern stress. The ride transforms from mere transportation to a profound reconnection with life itself.

I challenge you to try it on your next ride. Leave your phone out of reach. The initial discomfort of disconnection quickly gives way to something richer and more satisfying—a journey experienced fully, with all your senses engaged. Because motorcycling isn't just about covering miles; it's about being fully present for every one of them. Sometimes the simplest step—unplugging—opens the door to the biggest adventures. Ready to rediscover what you've been missing?

Have you ever wondered what separates manufactured experiences from authentic adventures? Fresh from spinning teacups and crowded pathways at Disneyland with my adult son, I found myself contemplating the profound difference between engineered entertainment and the raw reality of motorcycle journeys through wild places.

Disneyland stands as a marvel of imagination and customer service—a meticulously crafted illusion where every detail from the synchronized parades to the impossibly clean streets creates a seamless fantasy world. We pay a premium for this predictability, knowing exactly where our next thrill will come from and confident in our safety throughout. It's entertainment perfection by design.

Contrast this with throwing a leg over an adventure motorcycle and heading into the Colorado Rockies, where nothing is choreographed and everything is gloriously unpredictable. Weather changes in minutes, dusty trails transform unexpectedly, and real challenges emerge without warning. Yet it's precisely these unscripted moments that deliver the deepest rewards—a profound sense of self-reliance, genuine connection with nature, and the meditative clarity that comes only when we're fully present. While Disneyland offers instant gratification, motorcycle journeys offer transformation.

This isn't about declaring one experience superior to another—my time bonding with my son at Disneyland was genuinely precious. Rather, it's about recognizing that different journeys serve different purposes in our lives. Sometimes we need the fantasy and escape of perfectly engineered experiences. But for those seeking genuine transformation, perhaps the happiest place on earth isn't found where everything goes according to plan, but rather where the pavement ends and the wild begins. What kind of adventure are you seeking next?

In this episode of Peace Love Moto, I share one of the most powerful moments I've experienced as a tour guide in Rocky Mountain National Park—when a guest from Chicago stood beside me and said, “Ron, I feel the presence of God here.”

That moment reminded me why I ride and why I guide—to help others connect with something greater. I will share about the deep contrast between my corporate day job and the stillness I find on a motorcycle in the wilderness.

Adventure riding isn’t just about dirt roads and distant views—it’s about mindfulness, healing, and peace.  We reflect on how the open road helps peel back the layers of everyday stress and reveals something deeper.

Whether it's a Jeep Tour in Rocky Mountain National Park or a solo ride into the mountains, I believe these experiences change us.  Riding is therapy. It's spiritual. It's real.  In this episode, I invite you to ride with me—not just through the mountains of Colorado, but into a deeper part of yourself.

Let’s talk about resilience, reflection, and rediscovering purpose on two wheels.  Join me as we chase peace, love, and that presence we can feel—but not always explain.

The moment you restore an old motorcycle, you're not just fixing a machine—you're preserving history, creating art, and joining a global community of kindred spirits. This truth resonates powerfully throughout my conversation with Chris Tope, the visionary builder behind Utopeia Moto Company.  That's right, uTOPEia.  Get it???  

Chris's journey from Richardson, Texas to the mountains of West Virginia reveals how motorcycles can become the thread connecting seemingly disparate lives. His passion began at 14 with a neglected Yamaha moped from an abandoned storage unit, which he lovingly restored while dreaming of impressing girls (despite it being a single-seater). This early mechanical education blossomed into a lifelong dedication to rescuing forgotten motorcycles—particularly two-strokes like Hodakas, Pentons, and other brands that have largely vanished from America's roads and trails.

What makes Chris's work truly exceptional is his integration of natural elements reflecting his background as a biologist. Each build features thoughtful details like epoxy resin grips, gemstone accents, paint schemes inspired by butterfly wings, and his signature "hobo coin" tribute. "I try to make the coolest two-strokes in the industry," he explains, focusing on models overlooked by mainstream builders. This approach has earned him invitations to prestigious shows from Portland to Austin, allowing him to connect with luminaries including DGR founder Mark Hawwa and musician/motorcycle enthusiast Lyle Lovett.

Perhaps most inspiring is how Chris transformed his passion into community service. Discovering West Virginia lacked a Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, he founded one in his small town of Fayetteville (population 3,000), growing from 25 riders to 46 and raising $25,000 for men's health causes. He also established the annual "Utopeia Give Back Giveaway," distributing $10,000 in donated motorcycle gear to community members during the winter months when riding spirits often need lifting. Connect with Chris on Instagram at Utopeia Moto Company to see his remarkable creations and perhaps commission your own piece of motorcycle artistry—though with twin nine-month-old boys at home and a biology career, he limits himself to about one custom build annually.

https://www.instagram.com/utopeia_moto_company/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063995115243

Some announcements carry more weight than others, and this one comes straight from the heart. Peace Love Moto is now officially sponsoring two remarkable Northern Colorado nonprofits that embody the spirit of joy, healing, and community connection.

The Carousel of Happiness in Nederland stands as a testament to resilience and wonder. My friend Scott Harrison, a Vietnam veteran who found solace in a tiny music box during combat, dedicated 26 years to hand-carving 56 magnificent animals. These creatures now bring joy to visitors from around the world as they ride the restored 1910 carousel to the melodies of a century-old Wurlitzer band organ. It's a place where joy isn't just an emotion – it's a tangible presence, carefully crafted and freely shared.

Just minutes from my home, Hearts and Horses offers another kind of healing magic. This therapeutic riding center serves children with disabilities, veterans battling PTSD, and individuals with dementia through equine-assisted therapy. With approximately 30 horses and a dedicated team of professionals and volunteers, they create safe spaces where physical and emotional healing blossoms through the unique bond between humans and horses.

These initiatives have awakened something profound in me – a calling to create more meaningful connections with you, my listeners. While I may record this podcast from my son's former bedroom in Loveland, the feedback I receive suggests many of you crave authentic experiences: riding Colorado's back roads, witnessing nature's magnificence, and meeting extraordinary people making a difference in our world. I'm actively exploring ways we might connect beyond these audio episodes – perhaps through shared motorcycle journeys where together we can seek that elusive peace of mind we all desire. The path forward isn't entirely clear yet, but the destination feels right – finding joy, purpose, and connection in an increasingly disconnected world. Stay tuned as this vision takes shape.

Discover the surprising power of slowing down in a world obsessed with speed. While anyone can twist a throttle and go fast, the true art of motorcycling—and living—reveals itself when we master the delicate balance of going slow.

Riding at a crawl demands exceptional skill and mindful awareness. That perfect balance point where you can come to a complete stop at a stop sign, then moving forward again, all without putting your foot down? It requires practice, patience, and presence. This mastery on two wheels mirrors the challenge we face in our daily lives: not just slowing down from frantic to a bit slower, but achieving genuine presence and intentional movement.

Next time you're riding, find a quiet stretch of road and practice the art of going slow. Feel your breathing align with your movement. Notice how your awareness sharpens when you're not rushing. Experience what it means to ride like you're "meditating on two wheels." This mindful approach to motorcycling doesn't just make you a better rider—it connects you to that peaceful, easy feeling we're all seeking on the road and in life. After all, true mastery isn't found in how fast you can go, but in how present you can be at any speed.

Remember Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli? That leather-jacketed, motorcycle-riding tough guy from Happy Days who could start a jukebox with a tap of his elbow and had girls flocking to him with a snap of his fingers? Beyond the coolness factor, Fonzie represents something profound for motorcycle riders.

The beauty of Fonzie's character lies in what's underneath.  On the surface, he was the classic biker stereotype—independent, slightly dangerous, utterly self-assured on his Triumph. Yet beneath that tough exterior beat a heart of pure gold. He was fiercely loyal to the Cunningham family, offered surprisingly profound advice to Richie and friends, and consistently used his influence to protect rather than intimidate. Fonzie showed us that true strength isn't about dominating others but lifting them up.

As motorcyclists, we can learn valuable lessons from this cultural icon. Fonzie taught us that appearances can be deceiving, that you can be strong while still showing vulnerability, and that authentic kindness never diminishes your cool factor. His character reminds us that when we're out on the open road, we carry more than just our bikes—we carry the opportunity to break stereotypes and demonstrate that riders can embody both toughness and tenderness. In a world that often judges books by their covers, Fonzie showed that the most rebellious thing might just be having the courage to be kind. So the next time you're suited up for a ride, remember the Fonz—and consider how you might bring a little more peace and love to the roads you travel.