Do you remember that post where I lamented the idea of becoming a bored old man? I’ve got some news for you. I don’t think the threat’s going to come to fruition after all. Why not? Because of motorcycles, that’s why not. Ah, what a revelation.
I’ve had an on-again, off-again love affair with motorcycles. I can’t even count how many dirt bikes and ATVs I’ve owned through the years, but as far as street bikes that have been legally registered for road riding, I’ve owned two. I can remember the excitement I experienced before obtaining each motorcycle – it was palpable. If you’ve ever visited a motorcycle showroom because of your own interest in riding, you surly know what I’m referring to. There’s something special about the entire ordeal that non-riders simply aren’t aware of. It can easily become a way of life.
Which brings me to the point of this post. As you may know, I have an abject fear of somehow allowing myself to morph into something I despise – a person who has little interest in the finer things life has to offer and someone who withers away and allows time to pass him by until the final day. Why do I fear becoming this person? Because I’ve seen it happen my entire life, especially to men. Something odd occurs inside the male mind that allows it to become disinterested and the body overweight. I’ve witnessed this affliction target relatives, neighbors, and friends and I just abhor the idea of it targeting me.
I stumbled across a video a few weeks ago where, in it, a man takes the motorcycle ride of a lifetime. To say the story was inspiring would be an understatement.
I enjoy listening to and learning about tales of self-discovery. They make me feel better about myself. It’s comforting to know that there are others out there who struggle with finding “the way.” Oftentimes, something tragic needs to occur to jumpstart these people on their journeys of sorts; a divorce, the death of a spouse, the fact that the person never entered a serious relationship or got married at all. Generally, introspective adventures such as the one described in the video pertain to interpersonal relationships gone wrong. Sometimes though, they have more to do with the fact that the person’s life was simply dull from the get-go and the person found the energy and wherewithal to do something about it. Whatever the case, I think it’s great that people get up and make changes. I just wish they’d have done something sooner than waiting for the terrible to happen.
My problem is this: I get bored. I’ve already achieved most of what I’ve wanted to achieve in life and I haven’t had much trouble doing so. Because of my intelligence, patience, lifestyle, and ability to fly below the radar (happily), I’m able to put my time towards those goals I’ve wanted to meet. I’m familiar with many folks who struggle with their own goals though and I sincerely hope they find the way to meet them, but as for me, the thought of playing dead to book cruises that travel to the Caribbean makes me physically ill. What would I like to do instead? I think I might like to take a motorcycle road trip like the guy in the video did. A months long trip. If you watch the video and pay special attention at the 10:30 mark, you’ll see where I’d like to spend most of my time – The Lake District. First though, I’ve got to make it to Dunkeld and once I do, I think everything will fall into place.
Motorcycling can be therapeutic and as I mentioned above, can become a way of life. Don’t take it from me though. Head to the video’s comment section to read what it’s done for people all over the world, from all walks of life. These are a few examples of inspirational comments:
I’m 65, I’ve been riding since I was 16. Every year I do a couple of tours with friends, sometimes in the UK, but mainly European tours. I was diagnosed with cancer 6 years ago and it developed into stage 4 two years ago. Riding one of my bikes is great for my mental health.
I’m 72 and still ride my Triumph Scrambler 900. Riding keeps you alive!
Thank you for making this video. 57 years old here. Just coming out of 5 years of pretty debilitating grief after losing my husband of 30 years. This month, I decided to push myself to be the person I always wanted to be. I signed up for motorcycle training and hope to be riding soon. I have my heart set on an Indian Bobber Sixty. Can’t wait.
Cape Town here. I am 84 years old and am still riding on two wheels. It will keep you youthful, observant, and enjoying every ride and the world around you.
By this point, you must be asking yourself, “But Jay, if you’d like to ride a motorcycle around the UK, what will you ride?” Ah yes, I see where you’re coming from. Take a look at this. The Kawasaki Z900RS. A lovely retro-looking motorcycle.
I like the BMW R12 S, BMW R nineT, BMW R12 nineT, and the Triumph Bonneville T120 as well, so I’ll need to work through these things.
I don’t want to say that I’ve been lost for some time because I really haven’t been. I will say though that I’ve been somewhat dismayed by watching the lives of certain people around me. I’ve been uninspired. If you ask Laura, she’ll tell you that “This can’t be it. This can’t be all there is to these people’s lives!” is a common statement that’s uttered by yours truly. And trust me, I’m not sitting here expecting to be entertained and motivated by those around me, but being the sensitive and intuitive person that I am, it’s difficult to remain unaffected.
I just wish there were more folks out there who have stories to tell. Interesting ones. Stories that inspire and breathe life into those around them. I try to tell people stories all the time. I have to stop myself from offering unsolicited advice. Where are all the 80 year-olds who have stories about the great war, like the ones my grandfather used to tell me? I remember I once told my grandfather that I was heading off to college in Potsdam. He said, “Potsdam? I’ve been there. I spent months there!” It took me a while to realize that he was referring to Potsdam, Germany during World War 11, not Potsdam, New York.
We’ll see what happens. At least I’ve seen something I like that’s valued by people around the world. At least I’ve found a way, or perhaps should I say, a reason, to get back into riding.
