What's your "Riding Philosophy"?

[JJ]

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...

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..."   

[Rick in WNY]

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....

[LowRyter]

Be Safe  &  Enjoy

[oldbike54]

 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

[Toecutter]

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.

[Moto]

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

[Toecutter]

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.

[Gliderjohn]

Edie Brickell and Steve Martin make good music together.
GliderJohn

[s1120]

Edie Brickell and Steve Martin make good music together.
GliderJohn

Yes, vary talented.

[Huzo]

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..

[rdbandkab]

We:

Try to get semi-lost and try not to run out of fuel.

[LowRyter]

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.

[LowRyter]

Cogito ergo zoom.

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

David E Davis,  Car & Driver

"no boring cars"

[kirby1923]

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.

:-)

[Chuck in Indiana]

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.. 
Of course, it is *much* more dangerous than flying. I get what you are saying..

[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.

[Scud]

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.

[Gliderjohn]

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

[LowRyter]

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

[Sheepdog]

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!

[oilhed]

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.

[larrys]

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

[PJPR01]

Had a friend who has a philosophy aligned to the Bee Gees famous song:

Stayin' Alive! Staaayyyin Alive!   

:)

[fubar guzzi]

  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!!!    

[LowRyter]

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!!!   

Coors ?

[Tom]

Road surfing.   

[Gliderjohn]

From LowRyter:

Coors ?

To Fubar's defense when he was at my house he drank beer out of a bottle that wasn't Coors. 
GliderJohn

[jbell]

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.

[LowRyter]

From LowRyter:To Fubar's defense when he was at my house he drank beer out of a bottle that wasn't Coors. 
GliderJohn

assume it was was cold, or at least, luke warm?

[j.r.r.]

Some rides are good, some are shit but... memories are always great. Does this qualify as philosophy?