Touring the Lake District by Motorcycle

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. What a revelation.

I’ve had an on-again, off-again love affair with motorcycles. I’ve lost count of how many dirt bikes and ATVs I’ve owned over the years, but when it comes to street bikes legally registered for the road, I’ve had two. I vividly remember the excitement before acquiring each one; it was palpable. If you’ve ever stepped into a motorcycle showroom because of your own interest in riding, you’re probably aware of exactly what I mean. There’s something special about the whole experience, something non-riders rarely understand. For many of us, it can easily become a way of life.

Which brings me to the point of this post. I have a deep-seated fear of turning into someone I despise; a person who loses interest in the finer things in life, allows time to pass without purpose, and who slowly fades away. Why does this fear haunt me? Because I’ve seen it happen countless times, especially to men. Something seems to shift inside the male mind, allowing disinterest to settle in and the body to follow suit. I’ve witnessed neighbors and friends fall into this pattern, and the thought of it happening to me is deeply unsettling.

A few weeks ago, I came across a video where a man takes what can only be described as the motorcycle ride of a lifetime. Calling it inspiring doesn’t even begin to cover it.

I enjoy hearing and learning about stories of self-discovery. They make me feel better about my own life. It’s comforting to know there are others who struggle with finding their path. Often, some kind of tragedy serves as a catalyst; a divorce, the death of a spouse, or the fact that the person never entered a serious relationship at all. Many introspective journeys, like the one described in the above video, stem from interpersonal relationships gone wrong. Sometimes, though, they arise simply because the person’s life was dull from the start, and they finally summon the energy and determination to make a change. Whatever the cause, it’s encouraging to see people take action. I only wish they had acted sooner, rather than waiting for something terrible to force their hand.

My problem is this: I get bored. I’ve already achieved most of what I’ve set out to accomplish in life, and I haven’t had much trouble doing so. Thanks to my intelligence, patience, lifestyle, and a willingness to fly below the radar, I’ve been able to focus my time on the goals that matter most to me. I know plenty of people who struggle with their own ambitions, and I sincerely hope they find a way to achieve them. As for me, though, the thought of going through the motions to follow the usual routines makes me somewhat ill.

What I would rather do instead is something more alive, like taking a motorcycle road trip similar to the one in the video. A months-long journey, with time spent exploring places that truly captivate me. If you watch the video and pay attention around the 10:30 mark, you’ll see exactly where I’d love to spend most of my time: the Lake District. First, though, I need to make it to Dunkeld. Once I do, I have a feeling everything will start falling 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 wouldn’t say that I’ve been lost, because I haven’t been. What I will say is that I’ve felt some dismay watching the lives of so many people in the world. I’ve found myself uninspired. If you ask Laura, she’ll tell you that a common refrain from me is, “This can’t be it. This can’t be all there is to these people’s lives!” I’m not expecting to be entertained or motivated by those around me, but being the sensitive and intuitive person that I am, it’s difficult to remain completely unaffected.

I just wish there were more people out there with stories to tell. Truly interesting ones. Stories that inspire and breathe life into those around them. I find myself oftentimes sharing stories and often have to stop myself from giving unsolicited advice. Where are all the 80-year-olds with tales about the great wars, like the ones my grandfather used to tell me? I remember once telling him 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 he was talking about Potsdam, Germany during World War II, not Potsdam, New York.

We’ll see what happens. At least I’ve seen something I like that’s valued by people from every corner of the earth. At least I’ve found a way, or perhaps should I say, a reason, to get back into riding.

---

This brings me to the end of another post. I sincerely hope you enjoyed it and, if so, I invite you to leave a comment below to let me know your thoughts. It’s always nice to get feedback on the things I share.

Below are a few questions I’d like to ask you:

1. Would you like to receive my newsletter? It contains summaries of my posts so you can click and read whichever ones you’re most interested in. If so, you can learn more here. I generally send my newsletter once per week.
2. Are you new here? Are you interested in reading through my entire list of posts that go way back? If so, you can start right here.

If you did any of these things, I can tell you right now that you’d truly make my day. Thank you so much and with that, I say adieu. Or at least, until next time.

PS – Can you do me a huge favor? Can you please share this post with someone you think might enjoy it? Here are some links to make doing that easier. Thank you!