5 Rules: Riding Mountains - Building Dreams

The morning chill still clung to my gloves when I rolled out of the valley. The mountain road ahead promised both beauty and challenge - steep climbs, tight corners, and the unknown waiting behind each bend. Riding a motorcycle is never just about getting from A to B. It is about learning to trust the process, facing obstacles with calm, and celebrating small victories along the way.

And that is exactly how building a business feels.

Many of us dream of a business that doesn’t just make money but gives us joy and freedom. Yet the journey is full of detours, breakdowns, and weather we didn’t plan for. That is where mindset comes in. Just like on the road, your attitude can turn storms into stories and struggles into strength.

From my saddle, I’ve collected five rules that bridge biking and business - the mindset essentials for growth and for building a business you actually love.

Rule 1 - Pack Light, Think Big

A long trip on a motorcycle teaches you about weight. Every extra item slows you down. Every unnecessary bag robs you of balance. The same applies to business.

Too often, we pile on ideas, strategies, and tools without asking: what truly matters? A growth mindset means clearing the clutter and keeping only what fuels the ride forward.

Famed explorer and biker Ted Simon, who circled the globe on a Triumph in the 1970s, often spoke about the power of simplicity on the road. His lesson was clear - freedom doesn’t come from carrying everything, but from carrying only what matters. Entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs lived the same principle, focusing relentlessly on essentials while building Apple.

Minimalism on the bike keeps you agile. Minimalism in business keeps you focused.

Rule 2 - Trust the Curve

On a winding mountain road, the moment you stiffen with fear, the bike resists. But when you lean into the curve and trust your balance, the road flows beneath you.

Business growth works the same way. Challenges are the curves of entrepreneurship. They feel dangerous at first, but they are where momentum builds. Trust your skills, lean into the learning curve, and you’ll find new opportunities waiting on the other side.

Valentino Rossi, nine-time world champion, once said, “The faster you go, the more you must trust yourself.” That wisdom applies beyond racing. Richard Branson, founder of Virgin, leaned into uncertainty countless times, turning turbulence into new ventures.

The curve is not the enemy - it is the path.

Rule 3 - Celebrate Small Miles

When traveling thousands of kilometers, a single pass might feel insignificant. Yet it is that pass that gets you closer to your goal. On the road, I celebrate every 100 kilometers, every sunrise, every smooth corner.

In business, a growth mindset means seeing progress in the small wins. Your first customer. Your first positive review. Your first month of consistency. Each small mile matters.

Psychologist Carol Dweck, who popularized the concept of the “growth mindset,” showed that celebrating effort and progress builds long-term success. Motorcycle communities know this instinctively - every completed ride, however small, fuels the passion for the next.

If you wait only for the "big arrival," you’ll miss the beauty of the journey.

Rule 4 - Weather the Storms

Anyone who has ridden across countries knows that storms are part of the deal. Rain soaks your gear, winds shake your shoulders, and yet - the ride continues.

Entrepreneurship has storms, too. Economic downturns, lost clients, slow months. A fixed mindset would tell you to stop. A growth mindset teaches you to adapt, adjust your gear, and ride through.

Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman faced storms, breakdowns, and border chaos in their “Long Way Round” motorcycle journey. Instead of quitting, they adapted, fixing bikes in remote places and pushing forward. That same resilience shows up in business greats like Sara Blakely of Spanx, who faced countless rejections before breaking through.

The storm is temporary. The road continues.

Rule 5 - Share the Ride

Riding solo can be freeing, but riding with a partner or group adds depth. Conversations at fuel stops, shared laughter over mistakes, encouragement on long days - these moments build resilience.

In business, don’t ride alone either. Share your journey. Find mentors, communities, or partners. Growth is not just about what you achieve, but about who you ride with.

Harley-Davidson’s revival in the 1980s wasn’t built by one man - it came from a tight-knit leadership team and a loyal rider community. Likewise, modern entrepreneurial communities like Y Combinator thrive because founders ride together, learning and sharing.

Your tribe will make the road lighter.

5-Point Action Plan

Every ride needs a roadmap, and every business journey does too. These five steps are not theory but practical lessons from the road - tested by rain, curves, and countless miles. They are simple, clear, and ready for you to put into action.

1. Lighten your load - Cut business clutter, focus on essentials.

2. Lean into challenges - See obstacles as learning curves.

3. Celebrate progress - Mark small wins, build momentum.

4. Adapt to storms - Flexibility keeps you moving forward.

5. Build your tribe - Share the journey, find support.

Like a well-marked route, these steps won’t take you to the finish line overnight, but they will keep you moving forward with confidence. Follow them consistently, and you’ll find yourself not only running a business but truly enjoying the ride.

My Final 10 Cents

The mountains have a way of teaching you things no book can. They whisper about patience, resilience, and perspective. Building a business is no different.

The five rules are not theory - they are lived experience, both on the road and in the work we love. They remind us that growth is not a straight highway, but a winding ride full of lessons.

So, the next time you gear up, remember - your business journey is a road trip of the soul. Ride with courage, grow with intent, and build something that makes you smile every morning.

Fred, Jessi & iFred - on the Road for You

Fred, Jessi & iFred On the road, living free and sharing our adventures. Fred rides, Jessi carries, and iFred connects the stories. This time, our journey taught us about building a business you love, powered by the freedom from My Easy Side Business.

And always keep in mind where to find the right supplements and residual income: it's ESB.