The First Mile

I suppose it would be prudent to introduce myself.  My name is Doug, I live in Oregon, and I love the sport of motorcycling.  In fact, this blog will be about almost exclusively that hobby.  Well, not exactly a hobby, as my V-Strom is my only mode of transportation besides the dreaded mass transit system.  I'll be writing about my experiences as a rider, my trips, thoughts and observations, and perhaps a few gear reviews scattered throughout.  That is basically the gist of what I intend this blog to be. Hell, maybe even some poetry and lyrics might pop in a time or two, who knows.

For those of us that don't ride here is something I wrote after one of my day rides.  I hope that it explains the feeling of riding to someone who has never experienced the thrill.

For the Love of the Road
We all travel trapped in a bubble, where it is only ourselves.  Surrounded by our own thoughts, dreams, and aspirations. Riding puts you out in the open, the bubble bursts, and you are out, out there in the open.  A highway isn't just a path, it is an escape.  From your job, your fears and doubts, you escape.

You peel off all those things, and its the closest many of us come to nirvana.  It's you and the machine, the sound of the wind, the engine, the feel of every corner, the tires gripping the pavement.  There is a level of camaraderie between motorcyclists, perhaps because each one knows that they are hanging their ass off the raged edge, closer to potential death than your average commuter.  Or perhaps its a connection that forms between yourself and the machine, and through that you connect with a deeper part of yourself.  This feeling is shared with everyone on two wheels.

I'm not a believer in the spirit in the traditional sense, but if there is one, riding a motorcycle feeds it.  Your soul is fulfilled by riding. Maybe it starts sloppy, maybe you laid it down, but there will be those rides where everything comes together.  You throttle at the right time, you shift perfectly, the apex of the corners are all kissed accurately. Everything comes together and you don't have to think about it, it just happens.  The pieces all fit and there you are, you and your machine, harmoniously riding some stretch of highway, and nothing could be better.  The frustrations and anxieties of modern life melt away and for that moment you are free.

I hope that explains some of the feelings that at least I get from motorcycling.  I truly believe that it is something that everyone should experience.

As always, shiny side up, rubber side down.  Ride safe.

Doug