Lessons from riding a motorbike for life & business
Riding a bike has been such a brilliant journey since starting last autumn with loads of learning.
From being so excited when first on the bike that I couldn’t see straight to skidding while learning and dealing with such a heavy piece of kit.
I’ve struggled at times with getting the directions right given my directional dyslexia so plan my rides where I can and have had a couple of near misses that I believe are par for the course. However it all adds to your growth as a rider and as an individual.
Here's some cool unexpected life takeaways:
Be aware of what is a few cars in front
The need to look a few cars in front helps you to anticipate something that will impact you by default. Giving you the time and opportunity to be prepared. You can then decide if you need to move, swerve or jump off your bike to save yourself letting the bike take the hit.
Switching in to the mindset when needed
The right mindset and focus is not optional. You need to switch in to it on cue. Realising that this can be learnt to tap in to for this reason, how can we do this more easily day to day?
You need to know how things work to maintain it, or it will break
You need to understand how a bike functions and how to maintain it with checks of the right things to stay on top of it. Not doing so means you will inevitably have the bike pack in at some point never mind the danger of it being while you are riding. Look after the machine.
Knowing you could come off
Things can go wrong, badly. Knowing this a higher sense of self regard appears. Looking out for yourself and treating yourself with the respect needed to stay safe. Life is short, look after yourself, you matter.
Good days and bad days
Some days you get on your bike and feel powerful, focussed and have an epic ride. Other days you can just feel off or drop your bike while parking. Same skills different days. The key is just cracking on, knowing each day is different and not letting it impact how you perform, feel or your enjoyment.
Other reckless riders
There are some real idiots on the road cars who just don’t look out for anyone else or other bikers who are paid on the speed they deliver at so just hammer it with complete disregard for others.
Be aware of them, focus on your own game and keep a distance when you are able to.
learning takes time and patience
To become great at anything it takes time and commitment. You have to get great at the basics and then you can build up to bigger and faster bikes. In the meantime you can still enjoy the journey.
Great reads:
📖 McQueen's Motorcycles: Racing and Riding with the King of Cool
📖 Lone rider: the first woman to motorbike around the world by Elspeth Beard
📖 The Motorcycle Diaries: A Journey Around South America by Ernesto 'Che' Guevara