Author: advgrrl
Avid ADV rider! This Blog is all about the adventure in adventure riding. Researching new bikes, routes, accessories, learning about other riders and hopefully a great place for others to comment and explore with me. PLUS, up and down's, wildlife, my dogs, my life! View all posts by advgrrl
Advgrrl Motorcycle Adventures & More 
Keep me sane!
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yes!
I agree… I had a rough week as it relates to work so today I rode over 100 miles…through the canyons and to the beach on Pacific Coast Highway (Southern California). Once I got home I felt as if I had a good therapy session.
We’re so fortunate! Life is good now…. 🙂
“What does riding do for you?” Well when I first started out it was as a passenger 31 years ago and continued to be that way up until 4 years ago and then I bought a scooter for commuting. That is when Pandora’s moto box opened and nothing has been the same since. After 8 months and 8,000km of scooting I was hooked and decided I needed more, a motorcycle license and proper training. I signed up, passed the course and obtained my license and felt like I had the proverbial golden ticket. I ride everywhere!
It is a balm to my soul when I am troubled, it has given me courage when I don’t have any and strength to persevere. I have worked through stuff in my head on the back of the bike in the solitude of a ride and find clarity now most of the time when I seek my two wheeled wind therapy.
Most importantly it has given me dreams. I have discovered I like mentoring other riders and am going to look into becoming a motorcycle instructor. I started a women’s riding group and it has been wonderful meeting other women who ride. I think it has changed me and I feel more in tune with who I am. It did come at my mid-life point, so I suppose it was a bit of a crisis of sorts, but now it’s a way of life. Some friends and family don’t understand it and I have come to the conclusion they don’t have to and I’m okay with that. I have yet to go on an epic ride, but recently did a 3 day 1043km ride and loved the adventure. I guess in essence it makes me feel like my soul has taken wing and is singing free. I guess that’s what riding does for me.
I can relate especially about the troubled soul. My first long distance x country trip this spring was all about my troubled self. Riding 11,000 kms with a head full if stuff was daunting and dangerous at times. But I did it. Feel in love with my bike lol and realized I am stronger than I think.
Riding for me is all about being with myself. Testing my mental fortitude all the while enjoying and taking in everything I see, smell and experience.
I think it’s the strength part that is the best, it makes you realize even though you’re vulnerable you can find the quiet inner strength to ride through things both on and off the bike. I retrospect I wish I had dared to try this sooner in my life because I think it would have given me the courage to be braver, bolder, and perhaps choose a different path or possibly not, but in the end I got to discover the magic and it has changed me for the better.
11,000km holy cow! That is fabulous and I think it was probably a great thing for you to do and I bet it will be something that you can pull strength from. You’re an inspiration! Hang in, hang on, and ride life like it’s a motorcycle, you never know what is down the road.
You’re wise and smart. I like that.