Author Topic: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?  (Read 7786 times)

Offline willowstreetguzziguy

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What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« on: February 24, 2019, 07:27:57 AM »
Since starting my riding career in 1971 on a meager 65cc Honda and quickly becoming addicted to the excitement of riding a motorcycle, my "Riding Philosophy" has been...RIDE AS OFTEN & AS LONG AS I CAN. Haven gotten my 1200 Sport in late 2013, this bike has intensified that mantra.

So, I equipped it and myself with items that allow me to extend my riding season into colder weather with heated grips, hand guards, heated jacket liner, Laminar Lip, warm boots and gloves.

Increasing the carrying capacity allows me to ride more places such as riding to work (self employed) and carrying the necessary tools and equipment, going grocery shopping and taking riding vacations 2-up or solo with H&B saddlebags, rear rack, rear trunk, and tank bag.

Increasing the riding comfort with a higher seat, lower foot pegs and comfortable handlebar position. ALL these changes allow me to "Ride more often and longer".

I never really consciously thought about this philosophy... it was always there, just in the back of my mind. And with the Moto Guzzi's addictive qualities, it has surfaced into my consciousness and now I know why I've done what I've done over the years to keep on riding "more often and longer".

How about you...   
2008 Guzzi 1200 Sport 
1993 BMW K75S Pearl White (sold)
"Going somewhere isn't why you ride, riding is why you go!"    Moto Guzzi... because the only person I have to impress is me.

Offline yogidozer

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #1 on: February 24, 2019, 07:39:29 AM »
Get lost. Lose the GPS. Best way to find new places.
Never backtrack, you've been that way once today, find a new route home, as much as possible.

Offline JJ

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #2 on: February 24, 2019, 08:09:41 AM »
As an old, German BMW mechanic once told me...as I rambled on incessantly to him about modifying my 1983 R80RT to make it go faster...installing a lighter flywheel, etc. etc..  He was servicing my bike and did not even look up at me and said:

"Take zee extra time to go up zee hill..."  :thumb: :smiley: :cool:
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Offline Chuck in Indiana

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #3 on: February 24, 2019, 08:20:25 AM »
As an old, German BMW mechanic once told me...as I rambled on incessantly to him about modifying my 1983 R80RT to make it go faster...installing a lighter flywheel, etc. etc..  He was servicing my bike and did not even look up at me and said:

"Take zee extra time to go up zee hill..."  :thumb: :smiley: :cool:

I get it..
Chuck in (Elwood) Indiana/sometimes SoCal
 
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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #3 on: February 24, 2019, 08:20:25 AM »

Online s1120

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #4 on: February 24, 2019, 08:27:53 AM »
Ride the ride that makes me happy... if its 300 miles on the interstate and Im happy... its great.. if its a rainy, congested cummunte and im happy..its great... if its a 5 min buzz to the store and im happy...its great. So my philosophy is ride what ever ride makes you happy.. no matter where, or how long... its the right ride.
Paul B

Offline giusto

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #5 on: February 24, 2019, 08:33:36 AM »
 :popcorn:

This is good
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è il viaggio non la destinazione che è importante

twowings

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #6 on: February 24, 2019, 09:01:53 AM »

“But why think about that when all the golden lands ahead of you and all kinds of unforseen events wait lurking to surprise you and make you glad you're alive to see?”
― Jack Kerouac, On the Road

Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #7 on: February 24, 2019, 09:04:22 AM »
My riding philosophy has evolved over the years. 

It grew into an obsession with experiencing as many different styles of bikes as I can, and riding as many roads as I can.

I am blessed/cursed with a great visual memory so I am always seeking new roads and new places. 

My conclusion regarding motorcycles is that it doesn't matter what I am riding as long as I am riding.  I have as great a memory of the experiences with my $400 motorcycles as my $25000 motorcycles. 

I am now obsessing over getting a Vanvan 200 or Versys 300X if I can find the right used one to play with.

I still want to experience a side car rig and chopper. 
2022 Moto Guzzi V85TT Guardia D'onore
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Offline Guzzistajohn

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #8 on: February 24, 2019, 09:16:58 AM »
Enjoy the bike, the outdoors and get home safe.
ебать Россию!   Not anti social-pro solitude

Offline Gliderjohn

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #9 on: February 24, 2019, 09:52:19 AM »
I have always had various interests so I never get hyper focused on one thing. I do enjoy things that stimulate the senses and riding and flying cover that well.
I ride for enjoyment, not prove anything to myself or others. I generally will only ride in poor or cold weather by lack of choice as when traveling. I enjoy up to about 400 mile days, after that it becomes more of an endurance thing. I prefer to ride alone when traveling but enjoy short small group rides with people I trust. I adjust my bikes to be as comfortable for me as reasonably possible. I enjoy the two lane blacktop riding the most in uncongested areas. Although riding is a significant part of my life it is a hobby and the bikes are my toys so I would never barrow money to feed the habit.
GliderJohn
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Offline T4halo

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #10 on: February 24, 2019, 10:04:24 AM »
After 23 years in the Army, I had been shot at in 7 different countries.  None of these events happend on the back country roads of southern Michigan.


I choose a nice easy ride, or a twisty seat of my pants thrashing, back home in Michigan.  “Life’s to short”.

T4
« Last Edit: February 24, 2019, 10:05:19 AM by T4halo »
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Offline Sasquatch Jim

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #11 on: February 24, 2019, 10:05:24 AM »
 Ride my whole life.  Then die.
Sasquatch Jim        Humanoid, sort of.

Offline Ncdan

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #12 on: February 24, 2019, 10:31:58 AM »
I have three
RIDE
RIDE
RIDE
:)

Offline giusto

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #13 on: February 24, 2019, 10:33:32 AM »
After 23 years in the Army, I had been shot at in 7 different countries.  None of these events happend on the back country roads of southern Michigan.


I choose a nice easy ride, or a twisty seat of my pants thrashing, back home in Michigan.  “Life’s to short”.

T4



Welcome to the group....and Thank you for your service!!  Ride on up to our Michigan Rally in August this summer.
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è il viaggio non la destinazione che è importante

Offline JeffOlson

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #14 on: February 24, 2019, 10:45:19 AM »
Being young again and free and having fun! That is why I ride.

Whether it is a motorcycle, a scooter, or a bicycle, I love being outside on two wheels, moving through the wind, taking in the sights and smells. The less traffic, the better!

Even short rides are better than no rides.
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Online tazio

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #15 on: February 24, 2019, 12:46:19 PM »
To explore this incredible land.
Backtrack as little as possible.
No commuting to work. (They're what I call "crap miles" TO ME)
Say a silent prayer for safe travel.
"Spook" myself once in a while.
Choose roads and directions randomly.
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Offline Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #16 on: February 24, 2019, 01:02:40 PM »
I ride for enjoyment, not prove anything to myself or others. I generally will only ride in poor or cold weather by lack of choice as when traveling. I enjoy up to about 400 mile days, after that it becomes more of an endurance thing. I prefer to ride alone when traveling but enjoy short small group rides with people I trust. I adjust my bikes to be as comfortable for me as reasonably possible. I enjoy the two lane blacktop riding the most in uncongested areas.

This pretty much how I feel as well, except I will ride in cold weather as long as there's no snow, ice or "salt" on the road.
Charlie

Offline Huzo

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #17 on: February 24, 2019, 04:42:53 PM »
To re-invent the type of riding you do that most reflects the stage of life that you are at, or even better the stage of life that you were at a couple of years ago.
I suggest a couple of years ago, because that will keep you at your comfortable limit without biting off too much, or slipping away into mediocrity before it's absolutely necessary.
I'm currently packing my bike for the UK and Europe (literally) and balked at the idea of having to drag myself up the stairs back into the house to get my glasses because I can't read the directions on the tyre repair kit..!
Makes me wonder how I'll do 15-20,000 k's in Europe, but I know it'll be doable when the time comes.
Point is..
Keep pushing, (or pulling) yourself... :wink: :embarrassed:... to the degree that your achievements are satisfyingly enriching by YOUR standards and don't rate what you do and quantify it by what someone else has done..
« Last Edit: February 24, 2019, 11:34:14 PM by Huzo »

Offline geoff in almonte

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #18 on: February 24, 2019, 05:06:49 PM »
"And I, I took the road less travelled by"

Bad paraphrase, but a life/riding philosophy to pursue.

Always forward - Never straight.

G
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Tennmoto

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #19 on: February 24, 2019, 05:10:39 PM »
I have always had various interests so I never get hyper focused on one thing. I do enjoy things that stimulate the senses and riding and flying cover that well.
I ride for enjoyment, not prove anything to myself or others. I generally will only ride in poor or cold weather by lack of choice as when traveling. I enjoy up to about 400 mile days, after that it becomes more of an endurance thing. I prefer to ride alone when traveling but enjoy short small group rides with people I trust. I adjust my bikes to be as comfortable for me as reasonably possible. I enjoy the two lane blacktop riding the most in uncongested areas. Although riding is a significant part of my life it is a hobby and the bikes are my toys so I would never barrow money to feed the habit.
GliderJohn

What you said, 2lane uncontested roads. Everything smooth and easy, it’s a great way to enjoy good weather
And sometimes I take a short hike along the way. I’m near the Smokey’s here and trails are available.
It’s 2 wheel therapy and Zen too. Truth is my 08 Breva Sport wants to go fast all the time so I’ve been considering
A lighter smaller bike like a V7.

Offline mjptexas

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #20 on: February 24, 2019, 05:32:44 PM »

1. Life is too short to spend it riding a bike you don't really enjoy.  Get rid of it and get a different one.
2. Really great riding buddies are a rare commodity.  That's why so many of us ride alone. 
3. Don't put off that ride of a lifetime you have always wanted to take.  Only God knows how much time you have left.
Mike

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Offline Perazzimx14

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #21 on: February 24, 2019, 05:55:56 PM »
99% of my riding is for pleasure. I don't need a philosophy.
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Moto

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #22 on: February 24, 2019, 05:57:28 PM »
I don't think I have a philosophy of riding any more than a drunk has a philosophy of drinking.

Moto

Online s1120

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #23 on: February 24, 2019, 06:39:59 PM »

3. Don't put off that ride of a lifetime you have always wanted to take.  Only God knows how much time you have left.


Right on the nail there..  With talks to my parents in their last years, there were many things left undone...  that when they had the time, they didnt have the health..  tomorrow is not guaranteed.
Paul B

Offline Chuck in Indiana

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #24 on: February 24, 2019, 06:49:39 PM »
Quote
tomorrow is not guaranteed.
Absolutely. The Reaper has mentioned that to me.
Another thing. Dorcia's dad wasn't a mensa candidate, but one time he told me, "If you want to do something, just do it. When you get older you won't *want* to do it any more."  I've remembered that one, and made a conscious decision to do just that.
Chuck in (Elwood) Indiana/sometimes SoCal
 
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 "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."
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Offline Gliderjohn

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #25 on: February 24, 2019, 08:29:18 PM »
From Chuck:
Quote
Absolutely. The Reaper has mentioned that to me.
Another thing. Dorcia's dad wasn't a mensa candidate, but one time he told me, "If you want to do something, just do it. When you get older you won't *want* to do it any more."  I've remembered that one, and made a conscious decision to do just that.
:thumb:
GliderJohn
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Offline Huzo

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #26 on: February 24, 2019, 11:35:11 PM »
99% of my riding is for pleasure. I don't need a philosophy.
Well that IS your philosophy.

Offline Perazzimx14

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #27 on: February 25, 2019, 05:02:33 AM »
Well that IS your philosophy.

Its more situational and I'm extreamly fortunate to have it that way. I work 55 miles (all highway) from home. Fortunately I have a company vehicle so riding to work is an extreme rarity like one or twice a year.



 
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Offline blackcat

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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #28 on: February 25, 2019, 06:10:30 AM »
Descartes said it best, “I ride therefore I am”
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Re: What's your "Riding Philosophy"?
« Reply #29 on: February 25, 2019, 07:55:18 AM »
Cogito ergo zoom.

(As Moto International had it, but from an automotive writer before that.)

 

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