The other kind of motorcycle riding is INTENSE. We attack challenging roads at high speed. It's more like racing than ordinary riding. The best riders separate themselves from the pack and plunge into twisty curves with heightened concentration. At this level, skill becomes critical in the real sense of that word.
What I like about this type of riding is you can't fake it. You confront an endless series of tough situations and you either have the talent to handle them or you crash. Your concentration instinctively focuses and you perform what's necessary... or you crash. You can't fake performance. You can't pretend to be a good rider. You either have what it takes... or you crash.
When I was learning how to ride, I always hung out with the most talented riders. My skills developed by reaching for the magic they possess. Today, I went out with one such rider and we had a blast. Four hours of high-speed riding (which felt like 12 hours) on incredibly difficult roads. So challenging. So exhausting. So much fun.
On the way home, I grabbed some pictures of my shadow (below).
Is there anything you are passionate about?
When I was a cellist, I had moments of intense passion. Now I am searching. That is not to say that I am unhappy. I just do not feel passionate about any THING at this point. I of course love my husband deeply. I also love my oldest grandson deeply. But passion eludes me. Maybe if I someday accomplish MY goal of riding a motorcycle (NOT in bitch position), I will acquire the passion that you have too!
ReplyDeleteAddendum: It is ironic that you should blog about being passionate about something today. This is a thought I have harbored for a couple of years now. Something that I regret is missing from my life and have been searching for ways to obtain. Thanks for bringing it up and for fanning the flame. Perhaps I should blog about being passionate about something and see what others' thoughts might stir up in me too!
DeleteBeautiful, poignant comment, friend. We need passion in our lives yet modern society does not encourage or frequently present it. I believe most of us search for passion in middle-age when we examine our lives and wonder why it's bland. Youth gives us natural subjects for passion (e.g., romance) but when they pale, we miss the excitement. I actively searched for something to restore joy in my life when I was in my late-30s and that's when, serendipitously, I stumbled upon motorcycling. I hope you find your bliss.
DeleteOften what resonates the most in us are the deep connections we made in childhood. Stoking those old flames can ignite a fire. Your background in music prompts me to suggest you try playing an instrument again. Or listening, carefully, to musical masters. It may restore joy to you and lead to new activities and friends, like teaching young people about music and meeting new people who share your passion.
I DO still LISTEN to music deeply...and it still takes me to a higher plane. Passive-non-agressive. I have given thought to taking up a different instrument. I can play, albeit elementary, a variety of them. The Oud played in Arabic, specifically Palestinian, music fascinates me. Finding the instrument and an instructor is a challenge here....but maybe THAT will become my quest and ultimately my passion! Thanks for your insight and advice dear friend.
DeleteThat must be such an amazing feeling! I love motorcycles. I used to feel that way before going out on stage when I was still dancing. Now I don't get that feeling quite as much but I'm definitely looking! (hope you are having a wonderful holiday)
ReplyDeletexo
styleontheside.com
Love your shadow images. I get the same intensity of focus when skiing. It's like a meditation.
ReplyDeleteThough one is going intensely fast, I've often wondered (I haven't experienced such things myself, so I can only imagine/speculate) if there's something deeply peaceful - perhaps even to the point of being meditative - about obtaining and essentially maintaining such high speeds for prolonged periods. The whirl of the wheels, the woosh of the wind past your head, the momentary flashes of light and colour from the surroundings, it all seems like enough to put me into a very deep, cathartic state of mind where the worries and stresses of the day would melt away. It's not physically possible for me, but were it, I honestly believe I'd be a motorcyclist myself, too. The call of the open road, a passion for speed, and the desire to carve out my own path sometimes are all things that appeal to me figuratively and literally.
ReplyDeleteHere's to the hope that you have many for awesome days of riding like this in 2015 and all the years to come beyond then.
♥ Jessica
Yes! That's it! Contrary to expectation, riding *is* peaceful. And meditative. It restores calm to my mind and produces the deepest of thoughts. I believe this happens because your mind concentrates on one thing and sheds all distractions.
DeleteWhile you may be unable to pilot a motorcycle on your own, that doesn't stop you from getting this experience. Just hop of my bike. I've taken hundreds of people for rides. They start off apprehensive and within 30 seconds relax. Then they get a serene look on their faces. I've had several fall asleep while riding as my passenger.
I would love to ride a bike, but some people have control and i know i could not do that. The sense of adrenaline would push me faster and faster. I have been on the back of bikes before and i love it. It makes you understand what space a biker needs.
ReplyDeleteI hope the video above works.
Ride safe and I can't wait for 2015.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_b3T7u4ZJ1Y
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dale. This video makes a good point.
DeleteThese are such cool shots! I am scared of motorcycles, but I think I would be okay riding with someone, or riding alone if I were out in the country.
ReplyDeleteHop on!
DeleteDefinitely passionate about my writing. I'm always trying to get more time doing it. Of course it helps I have someone who constantly keeps me going with it.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like fun riding. Love the shadow pics.
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