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Nice Bike: Making Meaningful Connections on the Road of Life
Nice Bike is a collection of stories based on making meaningful connections with others in both your work and in your life. It’s about being a part of a community, knowing that contributions matter and experiencing a greater affiliation with others.
The premise begins at the 2003 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle company’s 100 year anniversary celebration. Thousands and thousands of bikers throughout the world attended the event. As a Harley owner stood
proudly by his bike at that event, what two words from a passerby would have made their weekend? “Nice Bike.”
“Nice Bike” is more than a casual compliment. It’s the engine that is fueled with the three actions of acknowledging, honoring and connecting with others. Nice Bike can help you with your daily interactions, create more meaningful relationships and add more joy in your journey on the road of life.
When you have a better understanding of how to make meaningful connections, you can live a life filled with a greater sense of self worth and accomplishment in your work and in your life. Acknowledge, honor, and connect and you will change the world, one person at a time.
The premise begins at the 2003 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle company’s 100 year anniversary celebration. Thousands and thousands of bikers throughout the world attended the event. As a Harley owner stood
proudly by his bike at that event, what two words from a passerby would have made their weekend? “Nice Bike.”
“Nice Bike” is more than a casual compliment. It’s the engine that is fueled with the three actions of acknowledging, honoring and connecting with others. Nice Bike can help you with your daily interactions, create more meaningful relationships and add more joy in your journey on the road of life.
When you have a better understanding of how to make meaningful connections, you can live a life filled with a greater sense of self worth and accomplishment in your work and in your life. Acknowledge, honor, and connect and you will change the world, one person at a time.
156 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
22 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 6, 2013
So, I was a little skeptical when I got this book from my boss (which he got at a company retreat) as I have read numerous of these types of books but I must say I was pleasantly surprised. There are so many little things in it that really hit home for me. Here's one. So the author is at the funeral of a parent of one of his friends. The friend has lost both parents in a year. At the funeral of the 2nd parent his friend says to him "Hey, buddy, ask your folks some questions." He asked his friend what he meant he he explained "The little stuff that you can never know once they're gone. How they met, where they honeymooned, who their favorite teacher was, what their first job was, what their favorite book was...the little stuff that captures who they were. Once they are gone, the library is closed." How true is that??? Anyway a great short read. Wish I had been at the retreat to hear this author talk about this book.
May 10, 2019
So simple. Acknowledge, honor, connect. Getting ready to read it again.
August 24, 2019
Nice Bike by Mark Scharenbroich – 8/22/19
I had the pleasure of meeting the Author Mark Scharenbroich when he was the motivational speaker at a conference I attended. After listening and being inspired by his message I couldn’t resist the opportunity to purchase this book. I highly recommend Mark as a speaker for any organization.
Nice Bike is a great book that walks the reader through a serious of different stories that give reference to the importance of making meaningful connections. His helpful hints are relevant in all aspects of life from work to every day personal relationships. When you define and develop your own self-worth, you truly are able to take on the world and make a difference.
Shameless plug for Mark’s website - https://nicebike.com/
Completed 8/22/19
I had the pleasure of meeting the Author Mark Scharenbroich when he was the motivational speaker at a conference I attended. After listening and being inspired by his message I couldn’t resist the opportunity to purchase this book. I highly recommend Mark as a speaker for any organization.
Nice Bike is a great book that walks the reader through a serious of different stories that give reference to the importance of making meaningful connections. His helpful hints are relevant in all aspects of life from work to every day personal relationships. When you define and develop your own self-worth, you truly are able to take on the world and make a difference.
Shameless plug for Mark’s website - https://nicebike.com/
Completed 8/22/19
January 28, 2022
This book might be one of the worst I’ve had to read. The author rarely cites where his quotes come from and, in one instance, fully rips off Monty Python thinking no one will notice.
Here is all you need to know: This guy likes Harleys and tried to pad a 10 minute speech into an entire book.
Oh, and his SEVERAL paragraph explanation of how easy parents with one child lives must be then launching into a horror story about having multiple kids makes me think he hated his children until they grew up and started accomplishing things he could brag about.
Another white boomer man corporate shill book. Hard pass.
Here is all you need to know: This guy likes Harleys and tried to pad a 10 minute speech into an entire book.
Oh, and his SEVERAL paragraph explanation of how easy parents with one child lives must be then launching into a horror story about having multiple kids makes me think he hated his children until they grew up and started accomplishing things he could brag about.
Another white boomer man corporate shill book. Hard pass.
November 10, 2021
I think this is an okay book. I liked the stories and it had some basic tidbits that I figured most people that would read this book are already doing - phoning a friend, writing a note, etc. The "Nice Bike" phrase, although good for the first story, wore a bit thin when every story ended with "Nice Bike, ____." I got the feeling that Mark is trying to start the next fad "catch phrase."
This review sounds a bit harsh so again, there are "nuggets of gold" in the book that are worth practicing.
This review sounds a bit harsh so again, there are "nuggets of gold" in the book that are worth practicing.
April 11, 2022
There are some great stories in here for everyday living and for people working in retail. I get skittish around people who make their living as a keynote speaker. And some of these feel more like tips on how to be condescending :-(
It's a quick read, and there are some good reminders about being a good person, but ...
It's a quick read, and there are some good reminders about being a good person, but ...
May 31, 2021
Excellent, actionable lessons
In reading this book, it dawned on me that I have some close friends who are outstanding “nice bikers.” I’m excited to put Mark’s guidance into practice. This is a great read for anyone looking to improve personally.
In reading this book, it dawned on me that I have some close friends who are outstanding “nice bikers.” I’m excited to put Mark’s guidance into practice. This is a great read for anyone looking to improve personally.
July 15, 2021
An inspiring book that takes the concept of telling someone they have a nice bike and relates you to become a better person. Heightening your awareness of others, finding out what's important to them, and connecting with others will help you on your road to improving yourself.
May 23, 2018
Okay book, a few good tidbits of information to help you live your life to the fullest and be more engaged in your everyday life.
May 25, 2018
Mark Scharenbroich's book is an excellent collection of stories from his life and the lives of friends and family that encourages the reader to acknowledge, honor, and connect with other people.
August 10, 2021
"Don't read it. Study it." This is a quick read but a lifelong study - try to look for the good in others - Acknowledge - Honor - Connect. Makes life more pleasant!
August 30, 2022
Motivating stories with humor and a message from one of my favorite Minnesota authors/speakers
June 25, 2024
Read this book for a class and actually read the entire book! Such a light hearted, easy, inspirational book!
Read
October 13, 2025read for my bonus at work 😇
March 17, 2017
Full disclosure... I have seen Mark Scharenbroich speak twice and he is one of the best presenters I have ever had the pleasure of seeing.
Nice Bike is an easy to read book with a great message about the importance of connecting with others. Scharenbroich's message is delivered through personal stories that are easy to connect with. He presents leadership as something that we can all do, in simple ways. If you're looking for something to motivate young people, give this a try.
Nice Bike, author Mark Scharenbroich
Nice Bike is an easy to read book with a great message about the importance of connecting with others. Scharenbroich's message is delivered through personal stories that are easy to connect with. He presents leadership as something that we can all do, in simple ways. If you're looking for something to motivate young people, give this a try.
Nice Bike, author Mark Scharenbroich
December 8, 2011
Lent to me by a student. I hope he sees some of the same philosophy at work in my classroom. Scharenbreich talks about how important genuine connections are, and how easy they are to establish with three practices: acknowledge the other person; honor his or her efforts; connect in a real way. The title comes from his watching Harley riders immediately connect with a nod and the words, "Nice bike." Nothing elaborate -- just acknowledgement.
I can tell that he's a great motivational speaker -- not as cheesy as other ones I've heard. He has a straight-forward message and great stories to illustrate his message.
I would love to see him extend his work into the classroom...he DOES have sections talking specifically about schools and teachers and students. He repeats the necessity of relationships and a celebration of diversity in schools. He applauds elementary teachers for their gift of listening.
My take-away? "How we connect with others around us is a choice we make every day." There it is.
I can tell that he's a great motivational speaker -- not as cheesy as other ones I've heard. He has a straight-forward message and great stories to illustrate his message.
I would love to see him extend his work into the classroom...he DOES have sections talking specifically about schools and teachers and students. He repeats the necessity of relationships and a celebration of diversity in schools. He applauds elementary teachers for their gift of listening.
My take-away? "How we connect with others around us is a choice we make every day." There it is.
January 3, 2014
The book is about making meaningful connections and a very light read. My summary would include the use of common sense and good manners. The author is a neighbor and he stresses keeping connections with your friends and keeping traditional gatherings (but what if you don't like them or the gatherings anymore?). He says to remember people's names (it makes them feel valued)and to keep a list of your goals. Everyone in the book he mentions by their full name. I especially enjoyed the pages about Dale Riley. Dale no longer is the owner of my local grocery store...another story in the development. I guess Tom Wartman should read this book.
The book is certainly not tedious as it takes less than an hour to read. I did not have to keep a dictionary nearby. I was reminded that to have my goals achieved, I need to keep the goals where I see them as often as a restaurant menu...I suppose if I did, I would be less large and more achieving. Good reminder.
The book is certainly not tedious as it takes less than an hour to read. I did not have to keep a dictionary nearby. I was reminded that to have my goals achieved, I need to keep the goals where I see them as often as a restaurant menu...I suppose if I did, I would be less large and more achieving. Good reminder.
February 15, 2016
I heard the author speak at the annual winter management conference of my trade association. Mark Scharenbroich (Sharon-brock). He was O-U-T-S-T-A-N-D-I-N-G! The book is essentially the presentation he gave with a couple of added anecdotes and, with out the tremendous enthusiasm that can only be projected live. Even having heard his presentation, the book was a helpful read and provides a good set of notes from which to incorporate his insights into my personal and business life. I look forward to exploring his website as well.
January 23, 2015
Have I told you before that I dislike books like this? I dislike books like this. Nothing personal against this one, because he's working the positive: acknowledge, honor, and connect.
But jeeze you guys, I hope you're already doing this stuff. Obviously plenty of people aren't so let's hope they find this book (light, quick reading that's 90% true life examples) helpful.
I'll be in the corner with the other self-help haters discussing the perks of expanding empathy via fiction.
But jeeze you guys, I hope you're already doing this stuff. Obviously plenty of people aren't so let's hope they find this book (light, quick reading that's 90% true life examples) helpful.
I'll be in the corner with the other self-help haters discussing the perks of expanding empathy via fiction.
February 27, 2015
Excellent book about building relationships both professionally and personally. Told with funny and heart-warming anecdotes. I've heard the author speak at a seminar, and he was fantastic, so had to read the book. I later met him in person at my work, and he is very personable and engaging. Highly recommend this one!
July 25, 2016
It is a very easy and enjoyable read, I read it in just a few hours during a plane ride. The constant "road of life" analogies get cheesy and I did not really learn anything new from this book, but I still liked it and am glad I read it. It is a good reminder to remember to engage with people around you and not just speed through your day and have idle, meaningless conversations all day.
May 6, 2021
This is a good book for those who have trouble reaching out and providing appreciation to those around them. I purchased this book after Mark's speech at a conference, there are many items that he covered at the conference that are in the book. However there are some gems I take away and intend to utilize throughout my life.
Uplifting and good goal setting suggestions.
Uplifting and good goal setting suggestions.
January 9, 2012
I love this book! It's written by my cousin, and all the references to Minnesota and former high school teachers are so exciting to read, because I know all of them! I like the simplicity of Nice Bike and all that it means. I highly recommend this book!
August 8, 2014
This book was required for my department to read. I got quite a bit from it and it kept my interst throughout. Easy reading. Thoughtful information. Presented in an accessible format with some pictures too.
November 14, 2015
I enjoyed reading this book. This speaker was at my daughter's high school last year and she was motivated to get this book and encouraged me to read it. The stories were very good and inspiring. We all need to acknowledge, honor and connect. I need to be better at 'stop, drop, and listen.'
June 25, 2011
Great book by a great motivational speaker!
August 8, 2011
This a great motivational book - full of short meaningful stories about leaving life better than you found it. Awesome!
June 13, 2012
Well worth the read. Motivating. Uplifting. Enlightening. Also heard the author speak at a conference. Totally entertaining.
July 10, 2013
Borrowed from Dad while I was home for the summer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews