Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: willowstreetguzziguy on February 24, 2019, 07:27:57 AM
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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...
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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.
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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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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..
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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.
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:popcorn:
This is good
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“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
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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.
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Enjoy the bike, the outdoors and get home safe.
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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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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
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Ride my whole life. Then die.
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I have three
RIDE
RIDE
RIDE
:)
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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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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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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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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.
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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..
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"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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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.
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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.
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99% of my riding is for pleasure. I don't need a philosophy.
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I don't think I have a philosophy of riding any more than a drunk has a philosophy of drinking.
Moto
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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.
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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.
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From Chuck:
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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99% of my riding is for pleasure. I don't need a philosophy.
Well that IS your philosophy.
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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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Descartes said it best, “I ride therefore I am”
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Cogito ergo zoom.
(As Moto International had it, but from an automotive writer before that.)
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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.
Very sound advice... :thumb: :cool: :smiley:
Also, this year, make a plan to take an overnight weekend getaway someplace new by motorcycle...just for the long ride...as it will "cleanse your soul..." :smiley: :thumb: :cool:
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Having been nearly kilt when a guy in a red chevy truck decided he wanted the piece of road I was on... well... my outlook may be a bit skewed, but here it goes.
I ride as much as I can, to wherever I can, for as long as I can.
I watch out for traffic, and I actively try to make myself more visible. I keep my bikes well maintained so that I can use 100% of their ability if I need it. I've taken the motorcycle defensive riding course, and am planning to take the advanced course with my wife, aka, my riding buddy. All that said, I refuse to let the fear of being wrecked again dictate if I ride.
I don't ride because "I want to" rather, I ride because "I need to." There's just something, deep inside me, that riding a motorcycle makes "me" better. I'm a better husband, father, and friend when I've been riding. Sure, part of it is the stress relief, but there's... more. Words fail me here, but you know what I mean. An older gentleman who I am honored to call a friend out it like this:
"For those who ride motorcycles, no explanation is necessary.
For those who don't ride motorcycles, no explanation is possible."
That kinda says it all....
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Be Safe & Enjoy
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When you come to a fork in the road , take it .
I was an ugly kid , the motorcycle didn't make me any less so , it just gave the girls something else to look at instead of my ugly mug .
Dusty
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I know I have one... I mean, everyone has a philosophy for everything they do... including drunks for why they drink (never met one that didn't have a deep abiding philosophy for it, actually).
But I can't put it into words.
I like simple bikes, with simple looks. I like smelling the smells, good and bad, as I ride. I like feeling the air change temperature around me. Riding my bike, mid-deluge is infinitely better than watching the same deluge from behind a windshield, being lulled to sleep by wipers. I like the feeling, about an hour or so into the ride, when my brain empties entirely and nothing exists but me, the bike and the world around me. I prefer to ride alone, or with my wife... but detest large groups. Riding, living in a tent, ending my days in front of a campfire... is where I realize life ain't so shitty.
I dunno. I don't remember a time in my life there wasn't a bike present, and to be without one now would feel wrong.
But I don't know if any of that is philosophy.
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Philosophy is the talk on a cereal box
-- Edie Brickell
That's my position, I think.
What I am is what I am
Are you what you are - or what?
Moto
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Religion... is a smile, on a dog.
hey, I like Ms. Brickell, she writes a catchy tune... but she's got some pretty pseudo-intellectual wanna-be beat-poet thing goin' on most of the time.
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Edie Brickell and Steve Martin make good music together. :thumb:
GliderJohn
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Edie Brickell and Steve Martin make good music together. :thumb:
GliderJohn
Yes, vary talented.
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I know I have one... I mean, everyone has a philosophy for everything they do... including drunks for why they drink (never met one that didn't have a deep abiding philosophy for it, actually).
But I can't put it into words.
I like simple bikes, with simple looks. I like smelling the smells, good and bad, as I ride. I like feeling the air change temperature around me. Riding my bike, mid-deluge is infinitely better than watching the same deluge from behind a windshield, being lulled to sleep by wipers. I like the feeling, about an hour or so into the ride, when my brain empties entirely and nothing exists but me, the bike and the world around me. I prefer to ride alone, or with my wife... but detest large groups. Riding, living in a tent, ending my days in front of a campfire... is where I realize life ain't so shitty.
I dunno. I don't remember a time in my life there wasn't a bike present, and to be without one now would feel wrong.
But I don't know if any of that is philosophy.
For a bloke who can't put it into words mate, you did a damn nice job.
'Wish I'd written that.. :bow:
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We:
Try to get semi-lost and try not to run out of fuel.
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When you come to a fork in the road , take it .
I was an ugly kid , the motorcycle didn't make me any less so , it just gave the girls something else to look at instead of my ugly mug .
Dusty
You've grown into a handsome man. With the bonus that you ride a Guzzi as well.
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Cogito ergo zoom.
(As Moto International had it, but from an automotive writer before that.)
David E Davis, Car & Driver
"no boring cars"
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Interesting concept, but Philosophy?
I'll take that to mean Why I do it....
I ride 'cause I can.
Its a good way keep up your fitness and perception of youth as well as stamina, coordination, balance and I'll throw in your sense of humor, because your out in elements with no protection no creature comforts and really makes no sense if there is an enclosed vehicle available to travel in.
Maybe that's why I enjoy traveling or just riding around on a moto as not everybody can do it and it takes some effort to brave the elements and road hazards.
Its also an economical way to travel and depending on the climate you live in can be year around.
But its really illogical from a safety stand point.
Why I do it is a complete? mystery. I think about hanging it up every year because of the law of averages....I'm pushin' it me thinks.
:-)
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Why I do it is a complete? mystery. I think about hanging it up every year because of the law of averages....I'm push'in it me thinks.
Ahhh, you know why you do it. It's that man/machine relationship/being one with the machine. It's really no different than flying.. :smiley:
Of course, it is *much* more dangerous than flying. I get what you are saying..
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Couple of years ago one of my co-workers asked me to attend church with him and his family. Our only day off from work was Sunday. I explained to him that when I was riding my bike was when I had my little talks with God. If I was sitting in a church it would be counter productive as I would just be thinking about my bike out in the parking lot.
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While riding, my philosophy is safety first, fun second, and speed third. Any time I've got into trouble is when I got the priorities out of order - like fun ahead of safety.
As for why I ride at all... I love the independence and sense of freedom. I confess that there is a little rebel in me that enjoys being a motorcyclist. I also like the practical aspects of lane splitting (California has its privileges) and free parking. Sometimes I make my own free parking by using "informal" entrances or exits, which also satisfies my inner rebel. I also like riding a machine that I personally maintain (or one that I have improved to its current condition). I think part of my philosophy is that I should be able to fix the majority of stuff on my on machine. This is especially important off-road - and I carry the appropriate tools.
And I like have a variety of bikes. The stable is currently balanced toward dirt riding, but they all have license plates so I can go anywhere. I don't like being limited... so dual-sport or adventure bikes give me access to most possible riding areas, street and dirt. And I gravitate toward the unusual or rare - as I suppose many of us on this site do. Moto Guzzis and Husqvarnas seem to resonate the most for me. Given that these are two of the oldest motorcycle brands, maybe there is something in my philosophy about that... but it doesn't draw me to Harley Davidson, so brand-longevity must need to be paired with something else to attract me.
My recent release of my Ducati ST3 and addition of the Stelvio NTX fits my philosophy really well. Better fuel economy, long-range comfort, ease of maintenance, still a "weird" or rare motorcycle. And, of course, I can ride it on street or dirt.
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From Guzzidad:
Couple of years ago one of my co-workers asked me to attend church with him and his family. Our only day off from work was Sunday. I explained to him that when I was riding my bike was when I had my little talks with God. If I was sitting in a church it would be counter productive as I would just be thinking about my bike out in the parking lot.
Okay, not trying to get religious here but...if one is a believer, God created what we call nature so when riding, flying, walking, whatever outdoors you are in church as far as I am concerned. Enjoy.
GliderJohn
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From Guzzidad:
Okay, not trying to get religious here but...if one is a believer, God created what we call nature so when riding, flying, walking, whatever outdoors you are in church as far as I am concerned. Enjoy.
GliderJohn
Church! I'll drink to that.
Ziggay Zaggy OYE!
https://youtu.be/oYCO2_6WO5Q
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My philosophy is "viv l'differance." I really have a thing for two-wheeled conveyances. Bicycles, mini-bikes, mopeds, scooters, dual sport, cruiser, tourer, or sport bike; I love them all. Right now, I have 4 motorcycles, a maxi-scooter, and five bicycles. I've always thought of riding as two-dimensional flying...so much more natural to lean into turns. And to be able to ride bikes that are so different from each other makes the two-wheeled paradigm exponentially larger. This obsession is too big for a single lifetime!
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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.
Starting about ten years ago I used the GPS to wander without a care then plot a course home to make sure I arrive on time. The dirt roads that show up make exploring even more fun.
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Motorcycles used to be my main hobby. I built 'em, wrenched 'em, rode everywhere. I have other hobbies now, and only ride occasionally. I like day trips and bombing around on the back roads. Like to catch a couple bike shows each summer. IMOC, and British Iron in Haddam Neck. Just an old guy on a old bike... Hope to make a Whistle Stop breakfast this summer.
Larry
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Had a friend who has a philosophy aligned to the Bee Gees famous song:
Stayin' Alive! Staaayyyin Alive!
:)
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:popcorn: Well i figured I'd better get on here before page #2 expires ---- My philosoppppp is simple, try 2 never break down more than 2 miles from a phone(that works),+don't carry less than a 6pak of beer always!!! :thumb:
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:popcorn: Well i figured I'd better get on here before page #2 expires ---- My philosoppppp is simple, try 2 never break down more than 2 miles from a phone(that works),+don't carry less than a 6pak of beer always!!! :thumb:
Coors ?
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Road surfing. :thumb:
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From LowRyter:
Coors ?
To Fubar's defense when he was at my house he drank beer out of a bottle that wasn't Coors. :boozing:
GliderJohn
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Don't know where I read it, probably a T-shirt, but: You don't stop going fast because you get old. You get old because you stop going fast.
Ride while you can. There will come a day, too soon, when you can't.
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From LowRyter:To Fubar's defense when he was at my house he drank beer out of a bottle that wasn't Coors. :boozing:
GliderJohn
assume it was was cold, or at least, luke warm?
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Some rides are good, some are shit but... memories are always great. Does this qualify as philosophy?
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My philosophy is simply BE SEEN, BE SEEN, BE SEEN!!!
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Have fun, don't crash.
Also, any amount of time spent lost on a motorcycle is still time on a motorcycle, which is time well spent.
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Don't be the second guy to hit a skunk. The first guy won't get sprayed but the second guy will.
I don't think that's my total philosophy , maybe it's just a good rule. It been interesting to note that at some point during a lifetime of riding, some of us, myself included, will get addicted and for years will ride as much as possible.
Guzzis lend themselves well for that, there are a few others that do it for me, the youthful exuberance of twisting the throttle is what I crave. It's also the feeling of a task accomplished, successfully completing a ride that I would not even remember had I been in a car.
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completing a ride that I would not even remember had I been in a car.
That right there. :smiley: I certainly don't know why.. maybe a "heightened sense of awareness" when riding, but I can remember vignettes of things I've seen from bike trips 20 or more years ago. At my age, yesterday is mostly lost in the fog.. :rolleyes:
And, after all, if you don't remember a day, what is the point in living it? :evil: :grin:
Therefore.. ride more. :boozing: :smiley:
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Everyone is out to kill me.
I do wish to arrive alive first and foremost (I do commute on bike a lot), and had a bad accident when I was 16. None since, and I ride like a madman sometimes, but maintain hypervigilant situational awareness when others are around me, especially in cars. They are out to kill me.
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Riding philosophy ...........i really dont have one as such .....i do say out loud before a tour 'let the adventure begin' and as others have said its about the journey and not the destination .
I do know that i would be less of a man , without a motorcycle in my life and that travelling alone is for me ideal .i have met some of the best people riding motorcycles of which most know and would share the passion of it with anyone that would listen .
I retire next year 2020 and the adventure of life will be extraordinary ...especially when riding a motorcycle .
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I have a pretty bad bone bruise on my ribs. Dr. said take it easy 2-3 weeks. Yesterday the clouds cleared, the sun came and the temps climbed into the low 60’s. As soon as I got outta work I went home, got the bike and headed east. My wife said I probably shouldn’t have but I said at 55 there are only so many warm spring days left and I didn’t wanna waste one taking it easy!
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It started with the 150 Honda Dream in 1966, and except for a few years, always had a bike. Decided the Virago wasn't practical in rainy old Portland and sold it in 89. A year later the R90 showed up and have been riding year-round ever since. Guess I wasn't thinking straight - the Yamaha just didn't ring my chimes and that's why it went.
My philosophy? Do what feels good. What feels right. When you like something, if it enhances survival, you can't OD. Either I'll burn out, or it just keeps getting better. And so it is with riding - it just keeps getting better.
Of course, that has to dovetail with another one of my philosophies: go for the maximum fun in life. I'm sure you know what I mean - you can't just play all the time, so do whatcha gotta, what needs doing, and then open up the biggest slot possible for play.
So in this case, twisting the throttle all the way open and going for it, only gets a short bit of fun till either the MAN stops you or some road hazard permanently puts an end to it.
Another part of my philosophy is to take good care of myself physically, mentally and spiritually so I'm 'all there' in the moment able to respond to any hazard that might pop up.
As for the bikes - simple is the word and that's one of the reasons I like these older guzzis. I'd rather do things myself than have them automatically taken care of for me. Confront the weather and experience it rather than sit in a climate controlled cage. If I'm cold, add layers. If hot, soak the T and open vents. Just confront it!
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I'm in the same boat as tomorrow is not a given. My Dad , gone 17 years now always told me do it now or you gonna be like me when you get my age and not feel like doing it anymore. I know he wished he would have fulfilled his bucket list before his health went south. I'm leaving the end of April for a trip to mesa Az. On my Stornello Riding by myself. Recently retired I have all the time I need, no planned route just head west. Who knows, may not be here next summer or may not feel like doing it. (Taking my Dads advice )
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Why Mesa? Family?
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Visiting a buddy of mine I grew up with who's also a motorcycle nut. Been out there many times but never did the trip on a bike. So I figured now is the time.
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I have enjoyed almost every trip on two wheels since I started on a Kawasaki 2-stroke triple at 17. It truly is something that brings a smile to my face every time, be it commuting or a rip to the store, business travel, or poking around the back country just seeing what is out there. I have spent more time getting my kit on than it took to get to the store, but it made the trip fun. I work from home now, but for a time I commuted an hour or better each way every day. In my car, it was a drag, but on a bike it was recreation. Because I could engage in a recreation activity while getting to and from work, my mood was better, I felt relaxed, and my blood pressure was lower. I have gone from sport bikes to the Stelvio because I just don't fold up like I used to, and honestly today's sport bikes have so much more capability than I have nerve it would be a crime to ride it, like making a race horse work a kiddy party pony ride. Riding turns every trip into fun, makes me feel alive. So my philosophy is to ride often, and if there isn't a reason to go, make one up. Just go. 3 miles, 300, or 3,000; just go.
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2 things in my life spoke to my soul from about the age of 10; surfing and motorcycles. Between about 1979 and 1993 I surfed (boogie then kneeboard) any time that time and swell and opportunity was available. Its still a huge part of me, but opportunities very much reduced from 1993 when I moved inland, and then in 2000 when I moved to the UK. All the while until 1996 I had been riding dirtbikes, even trials competition in the 90s, but in 1996 I got an SRX600 and hit the road - for 10 days straight.
It changed me. More confident, happier, less caring what other people thought. Lots of quiet contemplative smiling.
So now I ride my Breva whenever I can, all over the UK, France, Spain, and this June to Italy. I make time to stop and eat the roses. Me and speed limits stay in touch. I'm a man who is definately aware of his limitations. I ain't fast in a sprint, but over 500 miles I can cover the ground well enough. Every human who rides on 2 wheels is a potential comrade. I have had so many strangers on bikes who 5 minutes after we meet are strangers no more.....
Ride on.....