Life is about moments , opportunities, and experiences. Once you dip a toe into that two wheeled world, you’ll be moved in many ways. Lets take a look at some of the ways that motolife can change your life.
Learning a new skill. Its not as simple as just jumping on that 500 pound metal pony and ripping down the road. Riding a motorcycle (safely) takes skill and focus. If you cant focus, you shouldn’t be on the road (I think Fonda stated once). Learning a new skill causes your brain to develop new pathways. To grow… And at this point in your life, this could be what keeps you going. Memory, thought, language, and problem solving are at risk of declining as we age. Isn’t it worth it to learn something new?
Letting go. Letting go means learning how to unwind. To let the stress and events of the past day, week , and month escape. When you hang onto thoughts and more specifically stresses, it only causes you to become more physically and mentally spent. Two wheeled time is perfect for letting go of the CRAP. Much like the physical and mental benefits of meditation, riding causes you to let the stress go. To ride safely, you must be relaxed. You’ll find yourself focusing only on the present and even taking a much needed deep breath.
Losing stereotypes. We live in a divided and hate filled world. Or at least we are at risk of falling into abyss when all we associate with is our narrow group. Riding pushes you past stereotypes. While out on the road, you’ll pass high earning suburbanites, blue collar tradesman, and everything in between. There is an appeal to motorcycle riding that spans the majority of the globe. While out riding, you’ll run across different people, unique people, and just good people. They will offer help , humor, and tips to keep you enjoying that motolife. There is no better ice breaker than a motorcycle. “What ya got there?” “Had one of them a long time ago”.
Smiles all around
Mechanical Confidence. Motorcycles are anything but low maintenance. If you’ve never been one to yell out “throw me a wrench”, you soon will be. You dont have to go full on OCC, but you’ll for sure have the urge to swap out this and adjust that. Have an older bike? Plan on digging into the majority of your bikes systems. Even when you think things are perfect, stuff breaks or in my case , binds up. If your car breaks down, you get stressed. This is your work horse. You kid hauler. Your grocery get’r. When your motorcycle breaks down, it just a new chapter in your life. An excuse to open things up, get dirty, and fix stuff! Check out Zen and Art of Motorcycle Maintenance for some perspective.
Finding Lost Roads. Motorcycle riding is best on the back roads. Those hardly traveled two lane highways off the beaten path are what makes America great. They take you through small towns and real life. Back to a time when folks would take Sunday rides and stop or a soda just to take a break. Challenge yourself and stay off the big roads on your next trip. You’ll be pulled back to a time when V8’s ruled and Bon Jovi was god.
Riding will change your life and in many more ways than these. Its up to you find your 5. You can find them if you just.