Posted on 02/17/2023 6:20:42 PM PST by ShadowAce
It's not uncommon for bikers to hear all the negative aspects behind riding a motorcycle: "It's too dangerous" or "I don't trust the other people on the road" and by far the most ridiculous stereotype, "Are you going to join a gang?"
Motorcycling isn't for everyone, which is fine. Because if everyone in the world rode a motorcycle, then it wouldn't be the symbol of rebellion, freedom, and independence that we recognize. It's for those of us who march to the beat of our own drum, step away from conformity and choose to fulfill our lives on our own terms. So despite the negative stereotypes that come out of the crowd, movies, and television, what is often overlooked are the many benefits riding a motorcycle provides both physically and mentally.
When riding a motorcycle, you need to be much more alert and aware of your environment. Your brain is constantly being stimulated while analyzing factors like the weather, the wind, the temperature, the state of traffic, pedestrians, road obstacles, and so on. But sometimes you are also tasked with having to make sudden, split-second decisions. Whenever you are out on the road, your brain is always processing to the constantly-changing road conditions and providing you potential solutions in case something were to go wrong. What if there's a pothole? What if the car in front of you has broken tail lights? What if it suddenly starts to rain? What if the driver next to you is on their phone? By playing these kinds of scenarios in your head, you come up with solutions before the problem arises. So it shouldn't be a surprise to feel that your brain's cognitive abilities will show very positive signs of growth. So the next time you find yourself in an escape room, it'll be your time to put your puzzle-solving skills to the test with that big brain of yours.
Have you ever seen someone ride a motorcycle and not have a smile of their face? Exactly. These days with the doom and gloom of the news and social media in our pockets, stress levels are at an all-time high. Especially with young adults. So it only makes sense to have some sort of stress-reliever. For some people, it's exercise. Others prefer expressing themselves through art and music. And for a certain few, riding a motorcycle can have the same kind of effect.
Studies have shown that riding a motorcycle can reduce stress and heighten levels of dopamine and endorphins. So giving yourself a break and taking the bike out for a cruise can help take your mind off of things for a while, and remind you not to pull your hair out when life gets hard. Whenever you're on a motorcycle, you're not stressing over bills, the state of the world, or negative comments being spouted over the internet. It's just you, your bike, and the open road. Having the opportunity to unplug and reconnect with the real world will take a huge weight off of your shoulders, and perhaps a moment to grant yourself a little peace. Sounds pretty good, right? So go out, get some fresh air, give yourself a little 'me time' and just enjoy the ride while you can.
Plus, riding a motorcycle teaches your body to use each of your limbs for a specific function. Your left-hand controls the clutch, your right-hand controls the throttle and front brake, your left-foot controls the gear shift, and your right-foot controls the rear brake. By riding a motorcycle, you are essentially programming your body to perform several functions at once as one harmonious whole. What's even more impressive is that most of the time, you don't even realize you're doing it! It's almost like your body is reacting entirely on its own.
Whether you are aware of it or not, riding a motorcycle is a very physical activity. While you are out admiring the great outdoors and spending time with friends, your core is getting stronger and stronger by the second. By keeping your posture upright, your core is keeping active by maintaining your riding position while battling against the wind. While it is a little different from doing crunches and sit-ups at the gym, it is certainly a low-impact activity that develops stronger muscle tone in the long-run.
Your neck strength will also see improvement. While this doesn't necessarily sound that important for some, those that experience pain in their neck and back may find this quite comforting. It should also be noted that one should always make sure that their bike is property fitted to them. Because if you ever find yourself slouching on a motorcycle, it might have the opposite affect, and you are really going to feel it once you dismount.
Your legs and knees can also grow in strength over time as well. Like many gym-goers say, "never skip leg day." Thankfully, the motorcycle is a machine that can help in that particular muscle (or ligament) group. By using your legs to mount, rest, and control the bike, you'll find yourself keeping them active without any pesky muscle cramps.
Have you ever been at a party where you don't know anyone, and have nothing in common with anybody there? It's an awkward and uncomfortable situation to be in. Thankfully, another big benefit to the motorcycling lifestyle is the benefit of being part of a community and meeting new kinds of people, thereby opening the door to new experiences. The social component behind the biker world is very strong, especially because we consist of a very small portion of the population. We are a tight-knit group, and it's always fun to embark on an adventure with friends by your side.
Joining charity rides is another great opportunity to connect with fellow motorcyclists while doing a little good at the same time. Because doing good feels good. Some groups like Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.) strip away the negative stereotypes of bikers being criminals and social delinquents by coming to the aid and support of abused children.
From local rides to gigantic events like Sturgis, Rolling Thunder, and Daytona Bike Week, people from every kind of background can gather together over their mutual love and appreciation for the motorcycles.
I heard that having a British bike is like losing your virginity to a woman who has VD.
I find it not only a physical work out, but a mental work out as well. It takes 100% concentration to increase odds of survival.
You’re listening to stupid people. Older vintage Triumphs, T120s, Bonnevilles etc are very nice.
That and Lucas Electrics.
A rider hit a deer on State Highway 46 here in Texas several years ago. Dead at the scene of the crash.
See at least one dead deer a week on the road driving into town weekly.
Cooled my desire to acquire a bike and resume riding.
I was always afraid of hitting a deer...till I left town.
Trust me..there is no greater joy than riding around on the back roads in the Black Hills of South dakota.
But not during the rally
Helmet laws suck, as does wearing them. When we retired and wanted to move to a warmer state, the lack of a helmet law was one of the criteria. Wearing a helmet is like buying a convertible and never putting the top down. It totally destroys the experience.
Makes sense. I was a biker into my 60s and I’ve never been to a therapist.
I rode a Yamaha SR 500 for years until it wore out. Still keep up the MC license but I haven’t ridden in a while. Fun times!
Good friend just killed riding his bike… it wasn’t good for his health, even though he liked it.
There is nothing like two wheels and an engine between your legs. Whether it’s a scooter, dirt bike, or full grown motorcycle, it is the ultimate freedom of flesh and blood mortals. And they will even ferry you to church for the ultimate freedom that matters most! With or without a helmet.
Iron Mountain Road will be forever etched in my memory. What a great ride!
Here in scenic Wisconsin you have to worry about deer. In the Black Hills you worry about Bison!
I figure that the reason some people need a loud exhaust is they need the noise to fill that empty canyon between their ears.
I filled out my organ donor card. I donated my testicles to the Department of Transportation.
When it comes to safety on a motorcycle, what’s in your head is much more important than what’s on it.
Must be, because I can’t possibly hold a different view than you do.
Oh wow, your reply has really changed my view about bikers.
You can leave Custer and ride up through the Needles running east.
Then you Turn left at the Black Hills Playhouse,go past Center lake and then pick up Iron mountain road
I dont know who that is. Don’t care about you or your reference.
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