Why I ride

vito · 07-24-2012, 08:23 AM

Yesterday was a crappy day at work. Nothing terrible, just boring and my office was hot and uncomfortable. By the end of the work day I left tired and lethargic. When I got home, despite it being in the mid-90's and humid I changed and went out for a 40 mile, almost an hour ride on the country rodes north of the city. By the time my ride was done, when it was time to get home for dinner, the lethargy and weariness of the day was gone and I felt alive and 20 years younger than I had felt just an hour before. The freedom, the feeling of the wind in my face, the joy of pushing the bike through some sweepers at speed, dropping a gear and passing on a moderately busy 2 lane, all made the ride the highlight of my day. It reminded me of why I ride and why I hope I will always be able to ride. You don't stop riding because you get old, you get old because you stop riding.

goalie · 07-24-2012, 08:37 AM

You said it, vito.
I'm always looking to find another route that gives me "just five more minutes" onthe bike.

ralphlong · 07-24-2012, 09:30 AM

Good comments Vito. Thanks.

I am always saddened when I hear from somebody who would like to ride, but their wife or husband or girlfriend, or boyfriend or mother or father or some other person won't let them because of a fear that the person will get hurt.

It seems to me that in an attempt to keep the potential rider safe, the "worrier" is eliminating a potential source of great joy that will make the person much happier and much easier to live with.

Anyway, I am glad you are enjoying your riding. Your comment has helped start my day off right.

Ralph

Ops · 07-24-2012, 09:45 AM

I ride to live..

Ops

Badlands-4-2 · 07-24-2012, 09:52 AM

I agree, often the ride to and from work is the best part of my day.

jonnid · 07-24-2012, 11:16 AM

I agree completely. My day at work was very much the same as yours yesterday. But I rode in, I didn't have to go home first to get my bike. My normally 30 mile ride home took me just under 100 miles to get home. And I felt very much alive again!! Good thread!

ithelper · 07-24-2012, 12:24 PM

I agree. Most of my work days fall into one of two categories. Either really boring, or extemely stressful. The world on my shoulders types of days.

I only live 2.7 miles from work, so the ride home should be a quick 4-6 minutes ride. Nope, most of the time, I "detour" and make it at least 8-10 miles. Sometimes farther, but I have found that just adding this much will either destress me on those bad days, or wake me up on those boring days.

Biker Dash · 07-24-2012, 02:16 PM

I have to ride... it is the only thing that keeps me sane in this world lol

FNA · 07-24-2012, 05:07 PM

Abso R2L

sectorsight · 07-24-2012, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Animedevildog

I have to ride... it is the only thing that keeps me sane in this world lol

Time to consider a new hobby?

goalie · 07-24-2012, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sectorsight

Time to consider a new hobby?

OK, I laughed!

Biker Dash · 07-24-2012, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sectorsight

Time to consider a new hobby?

I was thinking about hunting trolls...

goalie · 07-24-2012, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Animedevildog

I was thinking about hunting trolls...

Laughing again.

bajakirch · 07-24-2012, 11:31 PM

I can't take credit for this saying, but I believe in it wholeheartedly:

I ride and let the wind blow the worries off my shoulders.

willh108 · 07-25-2012, 10:49 PM

If i could ride to work every day i would, not only because it saves me money on gas, but it is just absolutely amazing feeling to be buzzing saps in fully enclosed wind deflectors. But right now my job won't allow me to do that (need my own vehicle for work right now, hopefully in a year or two i'll be able to catch a bid on something that i'll get a company truck and i'll be able to ride to work every day!) But after work you can bet that everywhere that i'm going to be going i'll be riding.

sanford · 07-25-2012, 11:07 PM

When I ride and likely true with many past time's, is to relax and forget
things that are on my shoulders at time's... plus it's fun

the gentle wind brushing our face and warmth of summer sun.

Kind of like music to shake off the dust daily life brings upon us..were here just a short time let's enjoy the fun.

Who could not love Roy Orbison what a voice..I was lucky to have heard
him in concert in Vancouver many years ago... I think his wife Claudette may have died on a motorcycle accident..Roy's life was full of tradgedy his young kids died also in a house fire...RIP Roy you have a legion of fans.

kat569 · 07-26-2012, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sanford

When I ride and likely true with many past time's, is to relax and forget
things that are on my shoulders at time's... plus it's fun

the gentle wind brushing our face and warmth of summer sun.

Kind of like music to shake off the dust daily life brings upon us..were here just a short time let's enjoy the fun.

Who could not love Roy Orbison what a voice..I was lucky to have heard
him in concert in Vancouver many years ago... I think his wife Claudette may have died on a motorcycle accident..Roy's life was full of tradgedy his young kids died also in a house fire...RIP Roy you have a legion of fans.

She did die in a motorcycle accident, in his arms no less. "Too Soon To Know" was written for her. He also lost two of his three sons in a fire a couple of years later. He was a wonderful artist.

Klrlindy63 · 07-26-2012, 09:00 PM

I totally agree! I have been using my bike to commute as much as possible, I have found that the ride in helps me prepare and the ride home helps me unwind, funny though how some days it takes longer to get home.

Kiwi Steve · 07-26-2012, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sanford

I think his wife Claudette may have died on a motorcycle accident..Roy's life was full of tradgedy his young kids died also in a house fire...RIP Roy you have a legion of fans.

I think something similar happened to Bob Dylan, didn't he turn back to find his wife who had been riding behind him and found that she'd been killed? Or am I confusing him with Roy Orbison, and did Dylan just damage his neck riding a motorbike?

chefonahonda · 07-26-2012, 10:18 PM

I get in at least 90 miles everyday, the hour long commute home is both refreshing and the one thing I look forward to at the end of the day. The ride to work is the 2nd best reason I have for going there. I hate driving a car now. Am I spoiled or what?

sanford · 07-26-2012, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiwi Steve

I think something similar happened to Bob Dylan, didn't he turn back to find his wife who had been riding behind him and found that she'd been killed? Or am I confusing him with Roy Orbison, and did Dylan just damage his neck riding a motorbike?

I never heard of that happening to Dylan but possible just never heard of it, but sadly true of Claudette...

4Raven · 07-27-2012, 11:15 AM

I ride because I can and I love it! Found something I thoroughly enjoy for the past 4 years, 32K miles, 17 states, thousands of photos, and meeting such great people along the way!

kat569 · 07-27-2012, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiwi Steve

I think something similar happened to Bob Dylan, didn't he turn back to find his wife who had been riding behind him and found that she'd been killed? Or am I confusing him with Roy Orbison, and did Dylan just damage his neck riding a motorbike?

Dylan had claimed to have broken several vertebrae in his neck from the '66 motorcycle crash but no ambulance responded to the crash and he was never in the hospital for it.

Orbison actually had almost died in a motorcycle wreck in March '66, and Claudette's accident was in June of that year (what I've seen is she was on a separate motorcycle and someone pulled out in front of her).

hondaxl · 07-27-2012, 03:00 PM

I ride because it is my favorite part of my day, and life!

Ops · 07-27-2012, 06:08 PM

Perhaps a more in depth explanation:

A mountain climber got caught in a storm on Everest, and was neer death when he was found and rescued. He as asked, "Why did you go up there to die?"

He answered, " I did not go up there to die. I went up there to live!"

I can get what he's saying.

Ops

paula · 07-28-2012, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hondaxl

I ride because it is my favorite part of my day, and life!

4Raven · 07-28-2012, 11:43 PM

Found this sign, finally, while on vacation in Wisconsin...sums it up beautifully!

goalie · 07-28-2012, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Raven

Found this sign, finally, while on vacation in Wisconsin...sums it up beautifully!

Is that "South" Freedom?

4Raven · 07-29-2012, 12:06 AM

I guess, but I had been using that pic as my Avatar, then I am on this highway and happen to see the exit sign for Freedom up ahead 1 mile....So stopped for a quick pic! Totally awesome....also found the center of Latitude and Longitude also! This is why I love riding....finding cool things

ronnie_10 · 07-29-2012, 01:51 AM

I've had my bike for a week now, but all the paperwork (insurance, registration yap yap) stops me from riding it.. and now i read this thread..

can.. not.. wait..

sanford · 07-29-2012, 01:57 AM

Now that I think back a little during highschool, the best part of day was riding my putt putt to school and back... never heard the term counter-steering till read these forums..must of been natural reaction

goalie · 07-29-2012, 03:54 PM

Just finshed a 245 mile loop "over hill and dale" and along Skyline Drive. It was an absolutely glorious day. Now I've got that happy/tired/starving feeling. That's why I ride!

bajakirch · 07-29-2012, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Raven

Found this sign, finally, while on vacation in Wisconsin...sums it up beautifully!

I thought I recognized that sign.

07-24-2012, 08:23 AM	#1
vito Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 832	Why I ride Yesterday was a crappy day at work. Nothing terrible, just boring and my office was hot and uncomfortable. By the end of the work day I left tired and lethargic. When I got home, despite it being in the mid-90's and humid I changed and went out for a 40 mile, almost an hour ride on the country rodes north of the city. By the time my ride was done, when it was time to get home for dinner, the lethargy and weariness of the day was gone and I felt alive and 20 years younger than I had felt just an hour before. The freedom, the feeling of the wind in my face, the joy of pushing the bike through some sweepers at speed, dropping a gear and passing on a moderately busy 2 lane, all made the ride the highlight of my day. It reminded me of why I ride and why I hope I will always be able to ride. You don't stop riding because you get old, you get old because you stop riding.

07-24-2012, 09:30 AM	#3
ralphlong Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 1,364	Good comments Vito. Thanks. I am always saddened when I hear from somebody who would like to ride, but their wife or husband or girlfriend, or boyfriend or mother or father or some other person won't let them because of a fear that the person will get hurt. It seems to me that in an attempt to keep the potential rider safe, the "worrier" is eliminating a potential source of great joy that will make the person much happier and much easier to live with. Anyway, I am glad you are enjoying your riding. Your comment has helped start my day off right. Ralph __________________ I will come up with something profound.

07-24-2012, 02:16 PM	#8
Biker Dash Site Brony and Troll Eater Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Waterville, Maine (USA) Posts: 7,643	I have to ride... it is the only thing that keeps me sane in this world lol __________________ 03 Yahama V-max 03 Dodge Ram 1500

07-24-2012, 11:31 PM	#14
bajakirch Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 307	I can't take credit for this saying, but I believe in it wholeheartedly: I ride and let the wind blow the worries off my shoulders. __________________ 98 Kawasaki Concours

07-25-2012, 11:07 PM	#16
sanford Banned Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 988	When I ride and likely true with many past time's, is to relax and forget things that are on my shoulders at time's... plus it's fun the gentle wind brushing our face and warmth of summer sun. Kind of like music to shake off the dust daily life brings upon us..were here just a short time let's enjoy the fun. Who could not love Roy Orbison what a voice..I was lucky to have heard him in concert in Vancouver many years ago... I think his wife Claudette may have died on a motorcycle accident..Roy's life was full of tradgedy his young kids died also in a house fire...RIP Roy you have a legion of fans. Last edited by sanford; 07-25-2012 at 11:14 PM..

07-24-2012, 08:37 AM	#2
goalie Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Fairfax, Virginia -- near Fair Oaks Mall Posts: 1,596	You said it, vito. I'm always looking to find another route that gives me "just five more minutes" onthe bike.

07-24-2012, 09:45 AM	#4
Ops Master At Arms Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Central PA Posts: 130	I ride to live.. Ops

07-24-2012, 09:52 AM	#5
Badlands-4-2 Super Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The Badlands of North Dakota Posts: 9,703	I agree, often the ride to and from work is the best part of my day.

07-24-2012, 11:16 AM	#6
jonnid Verified Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Culpeper VA Posts: 33	I agree completely. My day at work was very much the same as yours yesterday. But I rode in, I didn't have to go home first to get my bike. My normally 30 mile ride home took me just under 100 miles to get home. And I felt very much alive again!! Good thread!

07-24-2012, 12:24 PM	#7
ithelper Master At Arms Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 104	I agree. Most of my work days fall into one of two categories. Either really boring, or extemely stressful. The world on my shoulders types of days. I only live 2.7 miles from work, so the ride home should be a quick 4-6 minutes ride. Nope, most of the time, I "detour" and make it at least 8-10 miles. Sometimes farther, but I have found that just adding this much will either destress me on those bad days, or wake me up on those boring days.

07-24-2012, 05:07 PM	#9
FNA Master At Arms Join Date: May 2012 Location: South Jersey Posts: 121	Abso R2L

07-25-2012, 10:49 PM	#15
willh108 Master At Arms Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 156	If i could ride to work every day i would, not only because it saves me money on gas, but it is just absolutely amazing feeling to be buzzing saps in fully enclosed wind deflectors. But right now my job won't allow me to do that (need my own vehicle for work right now, hopefully in a year or two i'll be able to catch a bid on something that i'll get a company truck and i'll be able to ride to work every day!) But after work you can bet that everywhere that i'm going to be going i'll be riding.

07-26-2012, 09:00 PM	#18
Klrlindy63 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: NJ Posts: 1,217	I totally agree! I have been using my bike to commute as much as possible, I have found that the ride in helps me prepare and the ride home helps me unwind, funny though how some days it takes longer to get home.

07-26-2012, 10:18 PM	#20
chefonahonda Lead, follow or get out of the way. Life Is Good! Join Date: May 2011 Location: Lakeland, Florida Posts: 756	I get in at least 90 miles everyday, the hour long commute home is both refreshing and the one thing I look forward to at the end of the day. The ride to work is the 2nd best reason I have for going there. I hate driving a car now. Am I spoiled or what?

07-27-2012, 11:15 AM	#22
4Raven Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,074	I ride because I can and I love it! Found something I thoroughly enjoy for the past 4 years, 32K miles, 17 states, thousands of photos, and meeting such great people along the way! __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is liable to go to places no one has ever been before. - Albert Einstein

07-27-2012, 03:00 PM	#24
hondaxl Registered Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 2	I ride because it is my favorite part of my day, and life!

07-27-2012, 06:08 PM	#25
Ops Master At Arms Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Central PA Posts: 130	Perhaps a more in depth explanation: A mountain climber got caught in a storm on Everest, and was neer death when he was found and rescued. He as asked, "Why did you go up there to die?" He answered, " I did not go up there to die. I went up there to live!" I can get what he's saying. Ops

07-29-2012, 12:06 AM	#29
4Raven Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,074	I guess, but I had been using that pic as my Avatar, then I am on this highway and happen to see the exit sign for Freedom up ahead 1 mile....So stopped for a quick pic! Totally awesome....also found the center of Latitude and Longitude also! This is why I love riding....finding cool things __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is liable to go to places no one has ever been before. - Albert Einstein

07-29-2012, 01:51 AM	#30
ronnie_10 Verified Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: NJ Posts: 43	I've had my bike for a week now, but all the paperwork (insurance, registration yap yap) stops me from riding it.. and now i read this thread.. can.. not.. wait..

07-29-2012, 01:57 AM	#31
sanford Banned Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 988	Now that I think back a little during highschool, the best part of day was riding my putt putt to school and back... never heard the term counter-steering till read these forums..must of been natural reaction

07-29-2012, 03:54 PM	#32
goalie Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Fairfax, Virginia -- near Fair Oaks Mall Posts: 1,596	Just finshed a 245 mile loop "over hill and dale" and along Skyline Drive. It was an absolutely glorious day. Now I've got that happy/tired/starving feeling. That's why I ride!

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search