How Biking Has Changed My Life
Sep 23rd, 2008 by Leo
It may sound silly but learning to ride is a life-changing experience. The change works differently for different people: for some it’s simply the freedom of being able to go anywhere. For others it has to do with overcoming fear in some way. For others still there is the zen mystical experience of cornering that’s similar to the way hard core surfers experience surfing. So here’s a chance for you to chime in and wax eloquent: How has biking changed your life?
[A pic that has nothing to do with the topic whatsoever...but I'm short of pictures on the road...from the D-Store in San Francisco. Probably run by some of the nicest people of any gear shop]
Related posts:
Riding has made me more confident in multiple ways. Just learning to mitigate fear, whether in traffic or at high speed, and developing a defensive aggressive attitude to my safety has translated in my non-riding life as well. Actually, you pretty much nailed it in your post. In a lot of ways it has had the same effect as learning self defense. The two seem to run parallel. Keeping aware of your surroundings, learning to identify others that may be dangerous (drivers or potential attackers), remaining calm in stressful situations (seizing up or getting tight will just lead to a worse outcome) and knowing your limits and skill level. In developing skills for either of these, one has to go through a process of self examination in order to progress. You really have to balance brash confidence with honesty in your abilities and a little humility. I guess that is why the zen principle might apply in both fields.
Oh yeah, that and my motorcycle has made me way cooler too
*I will second the notion that the D-stores guys here in SF are very nice BTW
I agree with everything said above. Well done. I’d add that riding a motorcycle (and a scooter) has put in me in an “exclusive” club for better AND worse: for every person that thinks you’re cool for riding are many more who treat you like your insane, reckless and irresponsible.
Nice article, made me think. But I guess it was my choice to get into this obviously dangerous hobby. At first I simply wanted to have fun, fun, fun. But later learned that there is a lot more to it. Community and brotherhood come to mind. Like joining a fraternity, with an easy pass. All I had to do was purchase the bike, learn to overcome my fear of riding, and that was it.
What is this D-Store? Do they have an online store? We have Iron Pony here in Columbus, OH. Very nice *huge* store, but would really like some more variety.
For me it is all about involvement. Because you need to be so involved with riding a bike it is all I can think about; I am able to forget about all other aspects of my life except what is right in front of me. I find it relaxing and stress reducing. There is also something to be said about seeing, feeling, and smelling the environment around you.
Can I say “Holy Crap”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RScr4N1qVes