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.
Bet you cheered at the ending of Easy Rider.
I had a 1969 BSA and I have used that analogy many times over the last 50 years. Talk about a love hate relationship LOL it really was like getting the clap from the first girl you had sex with. Yes it was my first bike.
I ride an Indian Scout now around the country roads of Central Kentucky. It’s beautiful, and it really is a kind of Zen when the weather’s just right and you’re on the right roads. One of the great things is that I can put hundreds of miles on the bike without even hitting much traffic or traffic lights. Car can’t run over you if they’re not around.
Not really my kind of movie.
More of a Death Wish guy.
It’s not that, you just seem really angry about motorcycle riders, that’s all. Have you rode? We are some of the coolest people out there.
Having ridden since I was 14, I did not move from dirt bikes to street ones till I was pushing 50. The most dangerous thing about street biking is people in cars and trucks, period. Especially young people in a big hurry to go nowhere...
1957 !!! I turned three that year, I put 11 thou miles on a little Kawasaki dual purpose in El Salvador during the guerrilla war there. I could kill the engine leaving Berlin in Usulutan and coast over 11 kilometers toward Mercedes Umana then crank up the engine and pull out onto a main highway. It was heaps of fun.
Not all of them. Just the ones that do the kinds of things I described. Plenty of other types of drivers I am not thrilled about. Story just happened to be discussing motorcycles.
I’m not much for drivers of any kind driving without care or concern for anyone else and thinking they are living out Grand Theft Auto fantasies. I see a lot of motorcyclists behaving poorly, and often illegally. And those that drive that way, I don’t think they would appreciate it if car drivers behaved the way they do, around them, on the road.
So few words, so many assumptions. You need a real attitude adjustment if you are going to take personal offense at a generic comment.
I don’t hate motorcycles. I used to own one and really enjoyed riding it. But after some old guy glared at me at a stoplight and the deliberately tried to run me over when the light changed (Which I saw coming in his eyes so I backed off when we started up at the light) I decided that fun as it was, that was it for me.
And I do believe in Live Free or Die. It is their right to take that risk if they want. I just can’t wrap my mind around it is all.
Me too! I ride a Honda Shadow. My club has weekly rides and occasionally a weekend trip. I really enjoy riding.
only three posts until the donor cycle post!
Must be a new record
I ride no helmet.
EVERY SINGLE WRECK I’ve been in was caused by an automobile driver...and I ride as safe as possible, within the speed limit, CONSTANTLY aware of my surroundings.
On my handle bars “pray” is written...because of other drivers, not me, because the truth is that car drivers usually say after they kill someone; “I never saw him”.
...because they aren’t looking
If it makes you feel any better, I can’t stand it when bike riders act like idiots either. Same with car drivers.
Lol
My body still nurses 50 year old wounds from the H2 and GS1100 RS and GPZ
all tricked to max available 1975-84
Lots of metal in me
A hot bike today in an urban area would kill me pretty quick
Life insurance actuaries don’t lie
I ride and it IS terrific therapy. Rode 13 miles yesterday - my first for 2023. 42 degrees and partly sunny. It was bliss.
Actually, loud pipes get the cagers to look up from their phones and pay attention.
Mine have prevented someone from pulling out into my path of travel on at least two occasions, and one of those drivers told me she didn’t see me, but she heard me, so she didn’t switch lanes (which would have run me off the road).
Don’t let the natives hear you say Northern, they’ll smack us Cali immigrants silly
Donor cycles isn’t what I would consider a generic comment especially coming from someone who used to own a motorcycle.
That term is thrown out all the time by people who hate motorcycles and the people that ride them, not to mention what they hope happens to them when they do ride.
Your experience with an idiot driver is unfortunate to say the least. My wife (passenger) and I still ride after 50 years of doing so and we’ve seen it all. She saw it first hand following behind me in a car with an idiot pulling out in front of me, I swerved, missed the car but hit a telephone pole and got a life flight out. Idiot got away but I still ride to this day and have ridden in all 50 states and most of Canada.
The helmet is the other thing.. it’s a personal choice and that irritates me when folks don’t understand that either. I used to ride without when when I could. Now I wear one (skid lid) to keep the hat on and not get a sunburn. The wife’s is DOT.
So the assumptions were from past experiences.
To bad one idiot ruined it for you.
My first "big" bike was a 1995 Shadow A.C.E. 1100 (Hence my FR username). I loved that bike. Had to sell it in 2004 due to financials.
Ok Boomer, Cager, Codger, Geezer, Wuss, whatever name by which people refer to you. Don't be jealous that nobody wants your dusty decrepit organs.
Nobody.
When more electric bikes are on the road, it will be interesting to see if accidents increase, because motorists will not be aware of a motorcycle around them.
Motorcycles can easily get in a driver's blind spot, even when they are riding safely.
Your loud pipes are sending the sound in the wrong direction and that noise just blends into the background so most drivers won’t even notice it.
People in houses next to the road, on the other hand..they’ll notice it. And curse your name as you ride by.
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