The zone!

[beyond]

Everyone talks about "the zone."
What is "the zone?"
Why is it so good?
How do you get there?

This topic is deep, so deep that many will
not understand it: but if you've been "in the zone"
you will know exactly what is spoken about here.

The zone is not an extra terrestrial experience
complete with visiting aliens and anal probes.

Is is not a place you visit in an out of the body
experience or something straight out of the Xfiles.

It is a place that anyone passionate about motorcyling
can come back to time and time again.

It is a place that is nearly as good as sex but for
males lasts a lot longer :)

It is a place that causes you to break the rules,
to reach past your normal boundaries and allow you
to ride past your fears.

It is a place that means the inherent risks of riding
become lodged in the back of your mind and causes
you to throw your leg over your bike every chance you
get so that on the next ride you may reach the zone
once again.

The zone is reached when all you are thinking about
on a ride, is the road ahead, how your bike is moving
beneath you and how you feel.

It is reached when you practice and practice and
ultimately reach a point on a ride where every corner
is taken perfectly, without error, where the envelope
is pushed and you don't even know you are pushing it.

It is when you put yourself and your bike through a
a road where every corner and every movement melds into
one and your mind becomes one with your machine.

The zone is where you think and your bike does, where
it truly becomes an extension of your mind and body.

It is when you ride a road hard but feel like you
were on a Sunday afternoon jaunt but your senses are
buzzing and you know you just went through that section
of highway, a lot quicker and without effort like never
before.

It is a place of euphoric delight and is not reached by
taking stupid risks. You become fully aware, you
know the risks, the dangers, the sections of road that
are dangerous and through it all know exactly what to
do, when to do it, how to react and how to move.

It is as if you can see every event unfold before you
and know what is around the next corner like you are
actually watching a movie and already know the end.

It is what makes an experienced rider long to mount
their machine and what makes them return to their
favourite piece of road when others may be bored.

Once you have touched the zone you will be hooked on
motorcyling forever. There will be no going back.
Circumstances may cause you to be without a bike
but your mind and body will crave for this place..

[Katman]

I can't help but fear that many more motorcyclists will die in the process of trying to understand what you have just said.

[beyond]

Not if they read it correctly. I did say with no risks......( By that unnecessary risks)
In fact if they reach the zone they will know how to ride and ride a lot longer.

[Katman]

Not if they read it correctly. I did say with no risks......( By that unnecessary risks)
In fact if they reach the zone they will know how to ride and ride a lot longer.

Fuck's sake Paul. When has anything ever been read correctly on here?

[beyond]

Fuck's sake Paul. When has anything ever been read correctly on here?

Well, rephrase...hope they read it correctly then....

Just sharing my passion for riding man....

[Katman]

Well, rephrase...hope they read it correctly then....

Just sharing my passion for riding man....

And your method of "sharing my passion for riding" does absolutely nothing to try to reign in the irresponsibility and recklessness that is constantly being displayed on motorcycles.

[stify]

Not if they read it correctly. I did say with no risks......( By that unnecessary risks)
In fact if they reach the zone they will know how to ride and ride a lot longer.

well, i get where you're coming from....and will enjoy the moment next time too

[beyond]

No offence mate.... but should we just shut this forum down and boycott it and then let no one share how they feel about riding... no one share about their experiences... the good and the bad?

This is an "open forum" which means anyone who is interested can register and post on how they think and feel about their favourite topic. That's what it's all about.

Anyone who has any common sense and can read, has enough brain power to realise that anothers opinion may not or may be the truth. Anyone who can read knows what is risky and what is not.

Anyone who rides knows when they are riding beyond their own abilities or not:

For clarification:
How do you know you are riding beyond your abilities:
a) Your breathing gets rapid.
b) You visor fogs up easily, especially in the tight
stuff.
c) Your heart rate increases.
d) You feel uncomfortable.
e) You know you are going quicker than you should and
you know you are pushing it more than usual.
f) Your lines go to pieces and things get out of
shape under braking.
g) You have a nice view of the sky through native
foliage and you hurt lots.

[Mom]

Interesting thread and one I thought I could contribute to without disagreement.

Yes there is a place when you are riding that all is going well, everything is flowing and you are feeling on top of the world. Your lines are smooth, your bike is doing it for you. You are in that lovely space where you have the wind in your face, enjoying what you are doing immensly. That is what riding a bike is about after all.

So I agree with;

"It is a place that anyone passionate about motorcyling
can come back to time and time again."

But I totally disagree with;

"It is a place that causes you to break the rules,
to reach past your normal boundaries and allow you
to ride past your fears."

I think your definition of "The Zone" needs re-defining.

My personal version of The Zone, may or may not lead me to break a few rules around speed, but it never, ever leads me past my normal boundaries, and certainly does not allow me to ride beyond my fears of leaving children without a Mother, or husbands without a wife.

[Katman]

No offence mate.... but should we just shut this forum down and boycott it and then let no one share how they feel about riding... no one share about their experiences... the good and the bad?



Quite frankly Paul, it's posts like yours claiming that riding to (and even pushing past) your boundries gives some sort of sense of euphoric rush that seemingly transcends life and death, that will result in further deaths.

Think about what it is you're contributing to.

[bogan]

just to clarify, are there two zones? or am i thinking of something else. Cos when riding sometimes (not hardout) i go to like a different place or summat, where its all about the ride and enjoyment thereof, no thoughts etc, just riding.

[beyond]

just to clarify, are there two zones? or am i thinking of something else. Cos when riding sometimes (not hardout) i go to like a different place or summat, where its all about the ride and enjoyment thereof, no thoughts etc, just riding.


You got it bud... everything just comes together... perfectly.

[doc]

Faaark you've found some of those funny little mushrooms . They always put ya in the zone. Well thats what i've been told anyway

[beyond]

Faaark you've found some of those funny little mushrooms . They always put ya in the zone. Well thats what i've been told anyway


LOL :) You funny bugga! Yeah, love those mushrooms.

[Spyke]

I suppose everyone has their own type of zone. This is beyonds zone, another persons zone maybe that glazed eye look, then realising they've ridden 5ks and wake up from their zone.

Sounds like beyonds zone is quite fulfilling.

[Katman]

Sounds like beyonds zone is quite fulfilling.

But it's the people who read about Beyonds 'zone' and try to prematurely replicate it that place themselves in a high level of risk.

The zone that Beyond is taking about is something that may well come to an individual in their own good time but searching for it is not something that should be actively promoted.

[beyond]

But it's the people who read about Beyonds 'zone' and try to prematurely replicate it that place themselves in a high level of risk.

The zone that Beyond is taking about is something that may well come to an individual in their own good time but searching for it is not something that should be actively promoted.

We agree!!!! That's what I said about finding it.... practice and practice and then one day........ the zone!

[Headbanger]

Found it:Punk:

http://www.thezone.com/

[Headbanger]

oh yeah, Beyond...Katman, Your both nuts.

And I mean that in the nicest possible way.


But your a couple of nuts all the same.

[Katman]

We agree!!!! That's what I said about finding it.... practice and practice and then one day........ the zone!

No, we don't agree. :weird:

You are actively promoting it and encouraging people to search for it and that will inevitably lead to more motorcyclists dying.

Leave people to discover 'it' for themselves (whatever 'it' may be for the individual).

[98tls]

Found it years ago.WWW.TLZONE.NET :shutup::Offtopic:

[pzkpfw]

And your method of "sharing my passion for riding" does absolutely nothing to try to reign in the irresponsibility and recklessness that is constantly being displayed on motorcycles.

Oh fuck me. For that matter - your constant bleating does nothing to help. You just become noise. Something to ignore.

Go tilt at windmills or something.


I call "troll".


Now, I'm off to write a post about how I really like Vodka. With any luck I'll create an alcoholic or two.

[Headbanger]

woot woot, There is a Harley one as well. Its just louder, slower, heavier....

http://harleyzone.tenmagazines.com/ew/forums.asp

[sondela]

Don't think it's Beyond's zone actually, I believe anybody is allowed to go there..
Great place it is too..a place of complete focus and concentration and heightened awareness that makes all who venture there better riders..

[oldrider]

Hmm, I think I know what you mean beyond.

I have read all the above posts and you are all quite correct in what you think and say!

Well at least from your own perspectives anyway.

From my own perspective and interpretation of the meaning of your post, beyond, I agree with you, completely!

Once one finds and experiences the "zone" of which you speak, it takes on an attraction of orgasmic proportions!

A place and time in life that you want to return to, again and again and again......and again!

That zone is what has kept me riding motorcycles of all shapes and sizes for 55 years!

It doesn't matter so much as how you say it that counts, it's how you do it!

You can only continue to do it again if you are still alive so carefully managing the extreme edge has to be the "main" objective. :shifty:

It is my intention to keep on visiting "the zone" for a long time yet :ride: although admittedly "mine" may not be as bright as it once was! :laugh:

[greminn]

I dont feel there is any thing wrong with this, or that if people read it correctly and in context that they are straight away going to go out and kill themselves on their bike (unless they are thick).


It is a place that causes you to break the rules,
to reach past your normal boundaries and allow you
to ride past your fears.

This seems to me to be what most people are griping about.. I dont think this is at bad either... if fact the opposite... I had my best day on my bike by myself being very careful about breaking "the rules in my head that say im going to die". This did not mean that i was going fast or riding recklessly... just that i was breaking my rules and reaching past my normal boundaries and ride past my fears. Oh wait.. thats what it says.

I had the absolute!!!!!! best day that day and totally knew i was in "The Zone". I was on a high for the rest of the afternoon.

The next weekend i wasnt.

Good contribution dude!

[beyond]

Don't think it's Beyond's zone actually, I believe anybody is allowed to go there..
Great place it is too..a place of complete focus and concentration and heightened awareness that makes all who venture there better riders..

Ahhh, you've found it then :)

and yes.... it creates better riders.

[beyond]

Hmm, I think I know what you mean beyond.

I have read all the above posts and you are all quite correct in what you think and say!

Well at least from your own perspectives anyway.

From my own perspective and interpretation of the meaning of your post, beyond, I agree with you, completely!

Once one finds and experiences the "zone" of which you speak, it takes on an attraction of orgasmic proportions!

A place and time in life that you want to return to, again and again and again......and again!

That zone is what has kept me riding motorcycles of all shapes and sizes for 55 years!

It doesn't matter so much as how you say it that counts, it's how you do it!

You can only continue to do it again if you are still alive so carefully managing the extreme edge has to be the "main" objective. :shifty:

It is my intention to keep on visiting "the zone" for a long time yet :ride: although admittedly "mine" may not be as bright as it once was! :laugh:

:) I hope to be enjoying it as much as you when I get to your "young years."

Enjoy my friend.

[beyond]

I dont feel there is any thing wrong with this, or that if people read it correctly and in context that they are straight away going to go out and kill themselves on their bike (unless they are thick).



This seems to me to be what most people are griping about.. I dont think this is at bad either... if fact the opposite... I had my best day on my bike by myself being very careful about breaking "the rules in my head that say im going to die". This did not mean that i was going fast or riding recklessly... just that i was breaking my rules and reaching past my normal boundaries and ride past my fears. Oh wait.. thats what it says.

I had the absolute!!!!!! best day that day and totally knew i was in "The Zone". I was on a high for the rest of the afternoon.

The next weekend i wasnt.

Good contribution dude!

Ahhh... another believer who knows exactly what I mean.... :)

Thanks.

[Katman]

Ahhh... another believer who knows exactly what I mean.... :)

Thanks.

FFS - there will be no shortage of people who will chime in here to say they know "exactly what you mean".

My problem is the fact that you're promoting something that should not be part of any accelerated learning programme.

[greminn]

Ahhh... another believer who knows exactly what I mean.... :)

Thanks.

It was a really good afternoon :D

See this page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_(psychology)

Ayrton Senna says it well:

The Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna, who during qualifying for the 1988 Monaco Grand Prix explained: "I was already on pole, [...] and I just kept going. Suddenly I was nearly two seconds faster than anybody else, including my team mate with the same car. And suddenly I realised that I was no longer driving the car consciously. I was driving it by a kind of instinct, only I was in a different dimension. It was like I was in a tunnel."

He was in "The Zone"

[Katman]

The Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna, who during qualifying for the 1988 Monaco Grand Prix explained: "I was already on pole, [...] and I just kept going. Suddenly I was nearly two seconds faster than anybody else, including my team mate with the same car. And suddenly I realised that I was no longer driving the car consciously. I was driving it by a kind of instinct, only I was in a different dimension. It was like I was in a tunnel."

He was in "The Zone"

He was also in a Formula 1 race.

The road is not a fucking racetrack.

[greminn]

My problem is the fact that you're promoting something that should not be part of any accelerated learning programme.

No offence... but where was this thread marked as having anything todo with an accelerated learning programme?

The fact that people are chiming in and saying "i know exactly what you mean" is just saying that what beyond wrote rings true with alot of people on this forum.

[Katman]

The fact that people are chiming in and saying "i know exactly what you mean" is just saying that what beyond wrote rings true with alot of people on this forum.

Then those people should realise that there is a very real danger of encouraging new riders to go out and search for 'the zone'.

Do you really think that new riders won't read this thread and think "fuck, I'm going out to get me a piece of that"?

It comes back to the 'collective responsibility' that has recently been discussed in another thread.

[greminn]

He was also in a Formula 1 race.

The road is not a fucking racetrack.
Dude!, it is about a state of mind. Most people here are adults with a sound mind (well maybe :) ). If you are not one of them and are going to read it wrong and go out an kill yourself thinking that you can cheat death... then you were probably going todo that at some stage in your life anyway.

Just because Sennas comment was said about a race on a racktrack does not mean that it does not apply to many many other things in life. Riding your bike, surfing, running, hell - i know computer programmers that talk about getting "In the zone".. They are not on a "fucken" racetrack.

I also get that it would be hard to kill yourself being a computer programmer :laugh:

Again... no offence.

[JohnC]

He was also in a Formula 1 race.

The road is not a fucking racetrack.

The road may not be a race track,but the ideal being spoken about is the same,,,You just seem to have attached your own negitive spin to something that every bike rider is going to find for themselves one way or another sooner or later,,,,so they read about it on a motorcycle site from a guy that likes to talk about his own inturpretation of it.
Frankly I'm supprised somebody as judgmental as your coming across rides at all.
This could of been a good thread,,,,but then along came you with your "fucking" race track.:no:

[Katman]

The road may not be a race track,but the ideal being spoken about is the same,,,You just seem to have attached your own negitive spin to something that every bike rider is going to find for themselves one way or another sooner or later,,,,so they read about it on a motorcycle site from a guy that likes to talk about his own inturpretation of it.
Frankly I'm supprised somebody as judgmental as your coming across rides at all.
This could of been a good thread,,,,but then along came you with your "fucking" race track.:no:

Sorry, I should have realised as soon as I saw your 'Posts: 10'.

Hi, I'm Katman.

[greminn]

Then those people should realise that there is a very real danger of encouraging new riders to go out and search for 'the zone'.

I must say that the first post only wants me to go out, learn more, ride better so that i can get into "The Zone" more often.

[GOONR]

Then those people should realise that there is a very real danger of encouraging new riders to go out and search for 'the zone'.

Do you really think that new riders won't read this thread and think "fuck, I'm going out to get me a piece of that"?

It comes back to the 'collective responsibility' that has recently been discussed on here in another thread.

Im a new rider, I know my own limitations and will always stay well within them.

[Katman]

I must say that the first post only wants me to go out, learn more, ride better so that i can get into "The Zone" more often.


And that is why a new rider should not be encouraged - in an "accelerated learning" type of fucking way - to search for any fucking 'zone'.

(Fuck me, this is like pulling fucking teeth).

[beyond]

And that is why a new rider should not be encouraged - in an "accelerated learning" type of fucking way - to search for any fucking 'zone'.

(Fuck me, this is like pulling fucking teeth).

Keep it up and you'll be a dentist soon eh? :)

[greminn]

Sorry, I should have realised as soon as I saw your 'Posts: 10'.

Hi, I'm Katman.

Ah i should have realised your comments come from a mind at The Gates of Delirium. :bleh:

Hi, Im greminn. Here in "normal land". Its a nice place. Common down!

[beyond]

The Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna, who during qualifying for the 1988 Monaco Grand Prix explained: "I was already on pole, [...] and I just kept going. Suddenly I was nearly two seconds faster than anybody else, including my team mate with the same car. And suddenly I realised that I was no longer driving the car consciously. I was driving it by a kind of instinct, only I was in a different dimension. It was like I was in a tunnel."

He was in "The Zone"

That's the zone alright and yep, it's not for learners but learners will get there if they practice and work on getting their lines right and getting to know their bike inside and out and........ never mind... I won't convince Katman....

[Headbanger]

I'd expect F1 drivers to live in the zone when behind the wheel, That's where greatness happens. And you have to be pretty damn great to drive an F1....Let alone race them.

All Hail the Zone.

[greminn]

More on the same topic:

Nine elements of flow ("The Zone)


Csikszentmihalyi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mihaly_Csikszentmihalyi) identified nine elements of flow that he saw repeatedly in his research:

1. There are clear goals every step of the way. In many everyday situations, there are contradictory demands and it’s sometimes quite unclear what should occupy our attention. But in a flow experience, you have a clear purpose and a good grasp of what to do next.

2. There is immediate feedback to one’s actions. When you’re in flow, you know how well you’re doing.

3. There is a balance between challenges and skills. If a challenge is too demanding compared to your skill level, you get frustrated. If it’s too easy, you get bored. In a flow experience, there is a pretty good match between your abilities and the demands of the situation. You feel engaged by the challenge, but not overwhelmed.

4. Action and awareness are merged. People are often thinking about something that happened - or might happen - in another time or place. But in flow, you’re concentrated on what you’re doing.

5. Distractions are excluded from consciousness. Because you’re absorbed in the activity, you’re only aware of what’s relevant to the task at hand, and you don’t think about unrelated things. By being focused on the activity, unease that can cause anxiety and depression is set aside.

6. There is no worry of failure. In a state of flow, you’re too involved to be concerned about failing. You just don’t think about failure. You know what has to be done and you just do it.

7. Self-consciousness disappears. People often spend a lot of mental energy monitoring how they appear to others. In a flow state, you’re too involved in the activity to care about protecting your ego. You might even feel connected to something larger than yourself. Paradoxically, the experience of letting go of the self can strengthen it.

8. The sense of time becomes distorted. Time flies when you’re really engaged. On the other hand, time may seem to slow down at the moment of executing some action for which you’ve trained and developed a high degree of skill.

9. The activity becomes “autotelic” (an end in itself, done for it’s own sake). Some activities are done for their own sake, for the enjoyment an experience provides, like most art, music, or sports. Other activities, which are done for some future purpose or goal - like things you have to do as part of your job - may only be a means to an end. But some of these goal-oriented activities can also become ends in themselves, and enjoyed for their own sake. Csikszentmihalyi concludes by saying that “in many ways, the secret to a happy life is to learn to get flow from as many of the things we have to do as possible.”

A-bloody-men to that!

[Katman]

Im a new rider, I know my own limitations and will always stay well within them.

Congratulations, but at the risk of offending you, you don't quite fit the profile of the 'new rider' that I was talking about.

[beyond]

More on the same topic:

Nine elements of flow ("The Zone)


Csikszentmihalyi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mihaly_Csikszentmihalyi) identified nine elements of flow that he saw repeatedly in his research:

1. There are clear goals every step of the way. In many everyday situations, there are contradictory demands and it’s sometimes quite unclear what should occupy our attention. But in a flow experience, you have a clear purpose and a good grasp of what to do next.

2. There is immediate feedback to one’s actions. When you’re in flow, you know how well you’re doing.

3. There is a balance between challenges and skills. If a challenge is too demanding compared to your skill level, you get frustrated. If it’s too easy, you get bored. In a flow experience, there is a pretty good match between your abilities and the demands of the situation. You feel engaged by the challenge, but not overwhelmed.

4. Action and awareness are merged. People are often thinking about something that happened - or might happen - in another time or place. But in flow, you’re concentrated on what you’re doing.

5. Distractions are excluded from consciousness. Because you’re absorbed in the activity, you’re only aware of what’s relevant to the task at hand, and you don’t think about unrelated things. By being focused on the activity, unease that can cause anxiety and depression is set aside.

6. There is no worry of failure. In a state of flow, you’re too involved to be concerned about failing. You just don’t think about failure. You know what has to be done and you just do it.

7. Self-consciousness disappears. People often spend a lot of mental energy monitoring how they appear to others. In a flow state, you’re too involved in the activity to care about protecting your ego. You might even feel connected to something larger than yourself. Paradoxically, the experience of letting go of the self can strengthen it.

8. The sense of time becomes distorted. Time flies when you’re really engaged. On the other hand, time may seem to slow down at the moment of executing some action for which you’ve trained and developed a high degree of skill.

9. The activity becomes “autotelic” (an end in itself, done for it’s own sake). Some activities are done for their own sake, for the enjoyment an experience provides, like most art, music, or sports. Other activities, which are done for some future purpose or goal - like things you have to do as part of your job - may only be a means to an end. But some of these goal-oriented activities can also become ends in themselves, and enjoyed for their own sake. Csikszentmihalyi concludes by saying that “in many ways, the secret to a happy life is to learn to get flow from as many of the things we have to do as possible.”

A very good symopsis. Thanks for sharing that.
Brutale... nice bike mate.

[greminn]

A very good symopsis. Thanks for sharing that.
Brutale... nice bike mate.

To infinity and beyond!

[DMNTD]

I have several different 'zones (shhhhhhh to all those that know me!).
I find that my "road zone" is quite different to my "track day zone".
I LOVE 'cruising through the twisties, duck 'n diving, flowing with apparent ease... but not necessarily 'fast' and with large differences with where the boundaries of comfort are. I know how hard the road is damn it and I wouldn't wish that upon anyone!
Just loving up the roads...feeling the flow. My Road 'zone'.

'Track day zone' (at the track:blink:) is something exactly the same....but different :confused:
Carving, ducking, nailing it, pushing but with a sense of flow. YUMMY!

Exactly the same but different...











Shit...well I know what I mean

[JayRacer37]

For me, The Zone is what you are aiming for whenever you get on a racetrack. The Zone is the mindset where your concentration can be on anything - really, any damn thing. It's when you go out on a bike and turn unbelivible laptimes, with next to no effort. It means you can concentrate on just where that one big piece of chip seal is in the middle of the sweeper. It makes it so you can do things you didn't think you would, without any difficulty. The Zone is a beautiful place, and one rarely inhabited.

The flipside of The Zone is when you just can't get into the day. When every time you get on the bike it's difficult, and no matter what you seem to do it doesn't get better or faster, you fight it the whole time.

To me The Zone is FLOW. It just happens (man).

And bejeezus it's a wonderful thing when it does.

[BMWST?]

the zone is all in the head....some of my best rides have been at speed/risk level far below the "danger zone".I think the boundaries you push are mental ones....perfect braking ,perfect lines,perfect gearshifts,perfect overtaking manouvres,all with the most subtle of inputs......ppUUUUURFECCCt

[erik]

Everyone talks about "the zone."
...
This topic is deep, so deep that many will
not understand it: but if you've been "in the zone"
you will know exactly what is spoken about here.
...
It is a place that anyone passionate about motorcyling
can come back to time and time again.
...

You're implying that if someone doesn't agree with what you wrote, the topic is too deep for them, they haven't experienced "the zone" and they aren't passionate about motorcycles.

I haven't ever experienced "the zone" like you describe, but I don't think my experience of motorcycling is lacking. I suspect I experience things differently and/or think about/describe them differently to how you do.

I wouldn't ever advocate "riding past your fears". Your fears and knowing your limits keeps you alive. If you're not confident at something, practice within your comfort zone and your skill and confidence should increase.

[Chrislost]

Quite frankly Paul, it's posts like yours claiming that riding to (and even pushing past) your boundries gives some sort of sense of euphoria that seemingly transcends life and death, that will result in further deaths.

Think about what it is you're contributing to.

Boundries are like being annoying on a forum!

You keep trying harder and harder to do it, untill you are better than everyone else...

[oldrider]

Boundries are like being annoying on a forum!

You keep trying harder and harder to do it, untill you are better than everyone else...

Quite a significant point you make actually! :shifty:

[rosie631]

I dont feel there is any thing wrong with this, or that if people read it correctly and in context that they are straight away going to go out and kill themselves on their bike (unless they are thick).



This seems to me to be what most people are griping about.. I dont think this is at bad either... if fact the opposite... I had my best day on my bike by myself being very careful about breaking "the rules in my head that say im going to die". This did not mean that i was going fast or riding recklessly... just that i was breaking my rules and reaching past my normal boundaries and ride past my fears. Oh wait.. thats what it says.

I had the absolute!!!!!! best day that day and totally knew i was in "The Zone". I was on a high for the rest of the afternoon.

The next weekend i wasnt.

Good contribution dude!

I second that. After reading recent threads on here I realised I had a bit of a 'mental block' about one aspect of riding. i.e. being too much of a nana through corners, not trusting myself and the bike to get throught them, buttoning off the throttle and sitting up way too often. I went out for a ride on a twisty road that I know well and made myself push through them. And I did it. I think I am now a better and SAFER rider because of it.

[GOONR]

Congratulations, but at the risk of offending you, you don't quite fit the profile of the 'new rider' that I was talking about.Ahh, maybe I'm a "little older" than the people you are talking about. ;)

Oh and no offence taken by the way. :2thumbsup

[crazyhorse]

The Zone............... is whatever or wherever you want it to be:Punk:

[2wheeldrifter]

No offence mate....

Anyone who rides knows when they are riding beyond their own abilities or not:

For clarification:
How do you know you are riding beyond your abilities:
a) Your breathing gets rapid.
b) You visor fogs up easily, especially in the tight
stuff.
c) Your heart rate increases.
d) You feel uncomfortable.
e) You know you are going quicker than you should and
you know you are pushing it more than usual.
f) Your lines go to pieces and things get out of
shape under braking.
g) You have a nice view of the sky through native
foliage and you hurt lots.


C - think that's hard one as when you ride hard your heart will rise because your working your body, ever part.. and your brain is processing at a faster rate which all in turn increases your heart rate to pump more blood around the body, it doesn't mean I am pushing myself beyond my limits, does it?

Maybe C could be "if you scare yourself" or give yourself a fight?

The Zone.... It's just when you go out for a ride and everything falls into place, had a fucking good ride today! :)

[Katman]

Boundries are like being annoying on a forum!

You keep trying harder and harder to do it, untill you are better than everyone else...

I know it wasn't meant as one, but I'm going to take that as a compliment.

:niceone:

[Maha]

The Zone.... It's just when you go out for a ride and everything falls into place, had a fucking good ride today! :)


And thats all that needs to be said about it really.
Can happen on all levels, whether you been riding for 3 months or 30 years, some days you get home and think '' that was pretty much perfect''.

[bogan]

You're implying that if someone doesn't agree with what you wrote, the topic is too deep for them, they haven't experienced "the zone" and they aren't passionate about motorcycles.

I haven't ever experienced "the zone" like you describe, but I don't think my experience of motorcycling is lacking. I suspect I experience things differently and/or think about/describe them differently to how you do.

the zone is just a very, very nice place! in such a zone nobody would think of judging others on what they have or have not done, all is merely observation.

I think he is more impyling that the topic is very difficult to describe to others, and it is not a product of passion about motorcycling, but the cause in many cases.

[bones135]

Well for me gaving returned to the biking scene after a looong absence & on a completely differant bike "the zone" is getting everything right.

I have the Tairua hill reasonably close to home & going over them before a lngish ride i can tell whether its all good or not so good.

The bends etc lets me test my abilities each time i travel them & somedays it all goes sweet as, other times i just dont feel comfortable.

I ride at my own pace & no one elses, if im with a few others & im slower than them they will wait till i catch up, doesnt happen that often,lol

The way i look at it each & every one of us should stick within our capabilitys & not try to impress others with how fast we can go or how much we can cut a corner. Thats one thing i see a lot of on these roads.

Anyhoo thats my 2 cents worth so have fun & be careful is what i say.:laugh:

[Grubber]

I have never heard such a load of egotistical clap trap in all my life.
THE ZONE!!!! oooooo jeez thats spooky.You either have a good day or a bad day. ZONE???? Give me a break!

[bogan]

I have never heard such a load of egotistical clap trap in all my life.
THE ZONE!!!! oooooo jeez thats spooky.You either have a good day or a bad day. ZONE???? Give me a break!

how long you been riding for? Its the type of thing you cant really explain to someone who hasn't experienced it.

[Swoop]

You either have a good day ...

So, when you are hitting every corner exactly right, everything is "flowing" nicely, awareness is unbelievable... etc, etc, you only have "a good day"?

[vifferman]

"The Zone" occurs when you are so immersed in what you are doing that the left hemisphere of your brain (the "rational" part) stops yammering away, gives up and stops trying to control things. This can happen when engaged in all sorts of activities, from sports through music and art, when you find you are no longer consciously thinking about things (the words stop!) and it just seems to happen magically, by itself.
This is in part due to the left hemisphere being primarily responsible for language and rational thinking, and usually dominant in most people, so it's constantly beavering away, and the thoughts that you have seem to be always full of words, rather than just being abstract, images, or whatever. Because the left hemisphere's doing this so much of the time, it can seem like you're on auto-pilot when you're doing something and there seems to be no connection between that and your conscious mind. It's also usually accompanied by a rather blissful feeling, and often you find that you can be thinking about completely different things to what you're doing, or even thinking about what you're doing, but it seems like you're doing it "from outside yourself", almost like you're an observer and your body's not under your control.

Motorcycling is a prime candidate for this, because once you've spent a lot of time repeating things, learning, improving, etc., you get to the point where the pattersn are all there and you don't need to occupy your brain thinking about it, so your left hemisphere "buts out" or goes into standby as far as riding the bike is concerned.

I've had it happen too, when doing stained glass work, when skiing some perfect linked turns (feels just like stringing together some perfect corners on the bike!), playing guitar, laying tiles, painting, and even mowing the lawn (!) when being shut away from the world, inside the ear muffs, I can disconnect from a very familiar activity.

One of the best experiences I've had of "being in the zone" was after doing some exercises from a book called "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain (http://www.amazon.com/New-Drawing-Right-Side-Brain/dp/0874774241)". I've never been particularly good at art, but once I managed to train/trick my brain into letting the right hemisphere be in charge, I drew some very nice and accurate drawings. It was like being someone else!

Must get it out and re-train my brain...

[Grubber]

been riding for 30 plus years dude. Raced rallied and rolled. Last time i heard the ZONE mentioned was in a kids movie called "The Monster House". Haven't been watching too much tele by any chance?

[Grubber]

"The Zone" occurs when you are so immersed in what you are doing that the left hemisphere of your brain (the "rational" part) stops yammering away, gives up and stops trying to control things. This can happen when engaged in all sorts of activities, from sports through music and art, when you find you are no longer consciously thinking about things (the words stop!) and it just seems to happen magically, by itself.
This is in part due to the left hemisphere being primarily responsible for language and rational thinking, and usually dominant in most people, so it's constantly beavering away, and the thoughts that you have seem to be always full of words, rather than just being abstract, images, or whatever. Because the left hemisphere's doing this so much of the time, it can seem like you're on auto-pilot when you're doing something and there seems to be no connection between that and your conscious mind. It's also usually accompanied by a rather blissful feeling, and often you find that you can be thinking about completely different things to what you're doing, or even thinking about what you're doing, but it seems like you're doing it "from outside yourself", almost like you're an observer and your body's not under your control.

Motorcycling is a prime candidate for this, because once you've spent a lot of time repeating things, learning, improving, etc., you get to the point where the pattersn are all there and you don't need to occupy your brain thinking about it, so your left hemisphere "buts out" or goes into standby as far as riding the bike is concerned.

I've had it happen too, when doing stained glass work, when skiing some perfect linked turns (feels just like stringing together some perfect corners on the bike!), playing guitar, laying tiles, painting, and even mowing the lawn (!) when being shut away from the world, inside the ear muffs, I can disconnect from a very familiar activity.

One of the best experiences I've had of "being in the zone" was after doing some exercises from a book called "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain (http://www.amazon.com/New-Drawing-Right-Side-Brain/dp/0874774241)". I've never been particularly good at art, but once I managed to train/trick my brain into letting the right hemisphere be in charge, I drew some very nice and accurate drawings. It was like being someone else!

Must get it out and re-train my brain...

Which tells me you don't multi task too well.

[bogan]

been riding for 30 plus years dude. Raced rallied and rolled. Last time i heard the ZONE mentioned was in a kids movie called "The Monster House". Haven't been watching too much tele by any chance?

yeh probly do watch too much tele, but dont hear the zone mentioned. I reckon its pretty much similar to meditation, only you are doing something, instead of just sitting there, so its easier to attain.

[MSTRS]

Vifferman...trust you to describe it in 'technical' terms and destroy the magic!!
Still, whatever one calls it and however it happens, it is clear that some people are incapable of experiencing it and therefore must deny it's existence. And that's a sad thing.

[vifferman]

Which tells me you don't multi task too well.
Well, you'd be wrong. (You're probably thinking of my wife, so I may need to give you a beating :laugh:)
I am perfectly able to do three or four things at once, while carrying on a conversation (as long as one of them isn't using the cellphone while driving :eek:)

Vifferman...trust you to describe it in 'technical' terms and destroy the magic!!
Not at all!
Anyone who's experienced the zone - whatever they were doing - knows how magical it is! :niceone:

[Grubber]

Incapable??? Don't think so! Just don't go sensationalizing it with a word called the ZONE. Jeez get over yaselves guys and stop tryin to emulate Valentino Rossi. A good day riding when everything just clicks is a day when ya got ya shit together basically. A day when ya had a good nights sleep and all alert. A ZONE is an area of land or place with restrictions.

[Katman]

This is in part due to the left hemisphere being primarily responsible for language and rational thinking, and usually dominant in most people, so it's constantly beavering away, and the thoughts that you have seem to be always full of words, rather than just being abstract, images, or whatever.

Personally, I'd rather share the road with people who employ rational thinking, thanks all the same.

[Bronson]

Incapable??? Don't think so! Just don't go sensationalizing it with a word called the ZONE. Jeez get over yaselves guys and stop tryin to emulate Valentino Rossi. A good day riding when everything just clicks is a day when ya got ya shit together basically. A day when ya had a good nights sleep and all alert. A ZONE is an area of land or place with restrictions.

Exactly. "ya got ya shit together"

[bogan]

Exactly. "ya got ya shit together"

tis more than that though, its a lack of conscious thought and effort, everything just happens and everything just is. Ive had days where ive got my shit together, but its not the zone, maybe you guys have not experienced it, or do not do so in the same way as others, that does not mean such a thing does not exist.

[Grubber]

Hang on....something just flew past my window....Damn another pig!
"Just haven't experienced it" Oh please....give me a break. Starting to sound like zombie material here now.

[Bronson]

tis more than that though, its a lack of conscious thought and effort, everything just happens and everything just is. Ive had days where ive got my shit together, but its not the zone, maybe you guys have not experienced it, or do not do so in the same way as others, that does not mean such a thing does not exist.

Totally zen Brother Bogan lol. However on an ass-clenching ride, I'd rather have all the synapses firing wildly than have a lack of conscious thought, otherwise I wouldn't have my shit together, it'd be all down my leathers. Maybe having MY shit togther IS being in the zone. Ooh spooky.

[bogan]

Hang on....something just flew past my window....Damn another pig!
"Just haven't experienced it" Oh please....give me a break. Starting to sound like zombie material here now.

Elbert Hubbard

The recipe for perpetual ignorance is: Be satisfied with your opinions and content with your knowledge.

Do you not wonder why so many people agree on this 'zone' if you do not think it exists, what other rational explanation can you offer for our opinions?


Totally zen Brother Bogan lol. However on an ass-clenching ride, I'd rather have all the synapses firing wildly than have a lack of conscious thought, otherwise I wouldn't have my shit together, it'd be all down my leathers. Maybe having MY shit togther IS being in the zone. Ooh spooky.

sort of, but what if all your synapses are firing wildly, but you don't have to oversee their operation, just sit back and enjoy the ride and know that all is running much smoother without your input. Now that is Zen. :headbang:

[Bronson]

Elbert Hubbard


Do you not wonder why so many people agree on this 'zone' if you do not think it exists, what other rational explanation can you offer for our opinions?



sort of, but what if all your synapses are firing wildly, but you don't have to oversee their operation, just sit back and enjoy the ride and know that all is running much smoother without your input. Now that is Zen. :headbang:

No. That's Drugs! " Excuse me! I'll have what he's having"

[Grubber]

[QUOTE=bogan;1129405098]Elbert Hubbard


Do you not wonder why so many people agree on this 'zone' if you do not think it exists, what other rational explanation can you offer for our opinions?



Oh please....i think there is a total of 3. How does that equate to "so many people"
The fact that the 3 of you are rubbing each others nuts probably has something to do with it.:doh:

[bogan]

Elbert Hubbard


Do you not wonder why so many people agree on this 'zone' if you do not think it exists, what other rational explanation can you offer for our opinions?



Oh please....i think there is a total of 3. How does that equate to "so many people"
The fact that the 3 of you are rubbing each others nuts probably has something to do with it.:doh:

Ive read about this in more places than here, while i respect many of beyond's opinions, i simply do not swing that way, any other explanations?

I do not ask anyone to completely believe in this zone, merely keep an open mind about its possibility.

also, tip for quoting, leave the [/quote] at the end of edited quotes and itll come up in the box. The multi quote button is also real useful.

[Bronson]

Which sounds better? I fkn flew over the takas today, I really had my shit together, what an awesome thrash.
or.....Gosh what a great ride over the rimutakas today. I was totally in the zone. Latte anyone?
Just jokes. Doesn't matter what you call it as long as you crush the roads' nuts & enjoy yourself.

[MSTRS]

Do you not wonder why so many people agree on this 'zone' if you do not think it exists, what other rational explanation can you offer for our opinions?



Oh please....i think there is a total of 3. How does that equate to "so many people"

Everyone I know uses the word 'zone' to describe that zen-like state whilst riding. As well as in other pastimes. But primarily as regards motorcycling.
Obviously you don't call it 'the zone', and it seemed you denied such a state, but I'm now sensing that you acknowledge it does exist. Calling it 'the zone' is the same thing as using the word 'centrifugal' to describe the forces pushing one to the outside of a corner. It might be the wrong word, but most people understand exactly what is meant...

[Maha]

Which sounds better? I fkn flew over the takas today, I really had my shit together, what an awesome thrash.
or.....Gosh what a great ride over the rimutakas today. I was totally in the zone. Latte anyone?
Just jokes. Doesn't matter what you call it as long as you crush the roads' nuts & enjoy yourself.

'The Zone' is just an euphemism, same as 'The Takas', both of which are euphonious terms to many a bikers state of great (but often unjustified) happiness, or to put it simpler ......euphoria...:eek:

[MSTRS]

'The Zone' is just an euphemism, same as 'The Takas', both of which are euphonious terms to many a bikers state of great (but often unjustified) happiness, or to put it simpler ......euphoria...:eek:

You on your euphonium again, young man?

[Maha]

You on your euphonium again, young man?

Na......my mate Dic Tionary fell open on the 'eu' words page!!...:msn-wink:

[MSTRS]

Na......my mate Dic Tionary fell open on the 'eu' words page!!...:msn-wink:

Eureka. Yes, you'll find 'eulogy' in that section, but you'd be better applying eucalytpus oil on troubled waters, or even suggesting a nice game of euchre.
Mind you, euthanising yet another mortally-wounded thread isn't such a bad idea...

[Grubber]

Which sounds better? I fkn flew over the takas today, I really had my shit together, what an awesome thrash.
or.....Gosh what a great ride over the rimutakas today. I was totally in the zone. Latte anyone?
Just jokes. Doesn't matter what you call it as long as you crush the roads' nuts & enjoy yourself.

Ditto dude! Calling it "the ZONE" kinda turns it into some airy fairy crap. It's a good ride is what the f...k it is. I say don't over do it racer boys.

[R-Soul]

The zone is when you are so focused on what you are doing, that there is nothing else, except the next corner. No worries, no planning, none of lifes troubles. The feeling of being at one with the bike and corner. You blink your eyes and you have done 200km in flawless technque and smooth riding. For those moments you are living completely in the "now".

There definitely is a Zone.

[CookMySock]

The zone is when you are so focused on what you are doing, that there is nothing else, except the next corner. No worries, no planning, none of lifes troubles. The feeling of being at one with the bike and corner. You blink your eyes and you have done 200km in flawless technque and smooth riding. For those moments you are living completely in the "now". There definitely is a Zone.Yep. It's quite a shock when it is interrupted by something called "The reality", usually starting off with a somewhat bumpy little off-road gravel excursion, transitioning to a solid "wallop" as you clout a culvert, along with a very stressful airborne "quiet bit" while you grit your teeth and wait for the painful and inevitable "whack" and then the deafening "rustle" as you slide to a stop, with hopefully not too much "darkness" at the end of it.

I recognise the onset of "the zone" and take it as my "slow down" or "cut it out" warning. Such a warning is unlikely to be repeated, so you better hear it the first time.

Steve

[Grubber]

The zone is when you are so focused on what you are doing, that there is nothing else, except the next corner. No worries, no planning, none of lifes troubles. The feeling of being at one with the bike and corner. You blink your eyes and you have done 200km in flawless technque and smooth riding. For those moments you are living completely in the "now".

There definitely is a Zone.

Oh Paaleeese! Enough already!

[bogan]

Oh Paaleeese! Enough already!

still haven't found it then, keep trying dude!

[MSTRS]

Yep. It's quite a shock when it is interrupted by something called "The reality", usually starting off with a somewhat bumpy little off-road gravel excursion, transitioning to a solid "wallop" as you clout a culvert, along with a very stressful airborne "quiet bit" while you grit your teeth and wait for the painful and inevitable "whack" and then the deafening "rustle" as you slide to a stop, with hopefully not too much "darkness" at the end of it.

I recognise the onset of "the zone" and take it as my "slow down" or "cut it out" warning. Such a warning is unlikely to be repeated, so you better hear it the first time.

Steve

If that's what you think, then you have NOT experienced TheZoneTM
If you ever do, only then may you comment on what it is/does/leads to.

[Grubber]

still haven't found it then, keep trying dude!

HAHAHAHA. Ya so funny! when ya finish tokin let me know so we can talk sense again. I notice there is only about 3 of you in here ranting about this, so called zone. Tells me there are plenty who don't give a toss or don't give it any credit. I'm one of them.
Would love to stay and argue the point but it's a bit like arguing about religion. One says you just haven't met him and the other says it's because he doesn't exist.
Guess which side of the camp i'm on?

[bogan]

HAHAHAHA. Ya so funny! when ya finish tokin let me know so we can talk sense again. I notice there is only about 3 of you in here ranting about this, so called zone. Tells me there are plenty who don't give a toss or don't give it any credit. I'm one of them.
Would love to stay and argue the point but it's a bit like arguing about religion. One says you just haven't met him and the other says it's because he doesn't exist.
Guess which side of the camp i'm on?

:lol: still outnumber those ranting about it's non-existance, tis all relative you see. And the difference is, we'll all meet our makers eventually, will you find the zone first? DB's going to find it on the way by the sound of it :rofl:

[R-Soul]

Yep. It's quite a shock when it is interrupted by something called "The reality", usually starting off with a somewhat bumpy little off-road gravel excursion, transitioning to a solid "wallop" as you clout a culvert, along with a very stressful airborne "quiet bit" while you grit your teeth and wait for the painful and inevitable "whack" and then the deafening "rustle" as you slide to a stop, with hopefully not too much "darkness" at the end of it.

I recognise the onset of "the zone" and take it as my "slow down" or "cut it out" warning. Such a warning is unlikely to be repeated, so you better hear it the first time.

Steve

The Zone does not necessarily coincide with speed or risk taking. Quite the opposite in fact. Because you are completely focussed, and yet not consciously thinking about it, but reacting and moving with it, you are probably riding the best you can.

It coincides more with perfection of technique, and finding the perfect position to be in perfect balance on the bike in the corner, with no stress on arms, a relaxed body and arms, smooth transitions, steady bike stability and great vision. Its more about your ability to focus than about speed. When you are in teh zone, it feels like you can go a lot faster (and I am sure you can), but you dont have to.

[R-Soul]

Oh Paaleeese! Enough already!

I think its because you ride a Triumph... :shutup:

[Swoop]

Yep. It's quite a shock when it is interrupted by something called "The reality", usually starting off with a somewhat bumpy little off-road gravel excursion, transitioning to a solid "wallop" as you clout a culvert, along with a very stressful airborne "quiet bit" while you grit your teeth and wait for the painful and inevitable "whack" and then the deafening "rustle" as you slide to a stop, with hopefully not too much "darkness" at the end of it.
I believe what you are referring to is "The Hyosung Zone". Totally different experience altogether.

[avgas]

Out of interest how many in this thread are right handed.......

[Grubber]

I think its because you ride a Triumph... :shutup:
So it's all to do with the brand!!!! Bugger me, if i'd only known that i would have brought meself a vespa.

Out of interest how many in this thread are right handed.......
Never a truer word has been spoken. Well said young man. Just what i been thinking for some time.

[CookMySock]

Out of interest how many in this thread are right handed.......I always use my right hand.

Steve

[schrodingers cat]

I always use my right hand.

Steve

From what I read on here I suspect you alternate. Most of your posts read like you use both hands - I can't imagine its possible to be that big a wanker with one hand

[R-Soul]

So it's all to do with the brand!!!! Bugger me, if i'd only known that i would have brought meself a vespa.


Its just that its difficult to concetrate on riding when you are concerned about bits falling off your bike...

:dodge:

[duckonin]

HAHAHAHA.
Guess which side of the camp i'm on?

Got that figured out already!!!..I agree with others, the zone is personal, you are in a world of your own, there is no end to your ride at the time, it is not about speed as those that do speed have to concentrate to hard.

When my wife and I have been in the 'zone', when we do get home we ask each other why did we come home rather than keep on riding to knowhere..

[shrub]

I can't help but fear that many more motorcyclists will die in the process of trying to understand what you have just said.

bloody hell Katman, I owe you big time. I was about to read the thread header, but I am so glad I read your post first. I don't know what he wrote, but if it can kill someone just trying to read and understand it there is no way it should be on the internet.

WARNING TO OTHER READERS - do NOT attempt to understand what was written, IT COULD KILL YOU.

[Grubber]

Got that figured out already!!!..I agree with others, the zone is personal, you are in a world of your own, there is no end to your ride at the time, it is not about speed as those that do speed have to concentrate to hard.

When my wife and I have been in the 'zone', when we do get home we ask each other why did we come home rather than keep on riding to knowhere..

Yep....been there done that. Just don't go on about it like it's some kind of euphoric state. Which it isn't. Thats all!
Calling a great ride out "The Zone" . I don't think so. Sounds pretty pratish if ya ask me!

[Grubber]

Its just that its difficult to concetrate on riding when you are concerned about bits falling off your bike...

:dodge:

But hang on a minute....the next post just said that if your speeding you won't be in the zone cause you have to concentrate too much. Here your saying you need to concentrate.....bugger me, who ya suppose is in the zone here now?

What bit by the way are you refering to? the japanese aftermarket bungy cord was the last thing to fly off mine....bloody jap shit.

[R-Soul]

But hang on a minute....the next post just said that if your speeding you won't be in the zone cause you have to concentrate too much. Here your saying you need to concentrate.....bugger me, who ya suppose is in the zone here now?

What bit by the way are you refering to? the japanese aftermarket bungy cord was the last thing to fly off mine....bloody jap shit.

It must have been designed in England...

When you go out trying to speed, you scare yourself, and end up riding white knuckled and fixated on teh next thing you are going to crash into. Too much concentration.

When you concentrate on the smooth execution of technique without trying to be fast, trying to make that technique second nature so that you dont have to think about it (ie not concentrating or fixating on it) and expanding your awareness of the road and things around you (and hence your vision) to take in all at once, you feel the harmony within, then you end up riding fast (or safer at normal speeds because of increased awereness) without trying.

[Grubber]

It must have been designed in England...

When you go out trying to speed, you scare yourself, and end up riding white knuckled and fixated on teh next thing you are going to crash into. Too much concentration.

When you concentrate on the smooth execution of technique without trying to be fast, trying to make that technique second nature so that you dont have to think about it (ie not concentrating or fixating on it) and expanding your awareness of the road and things around you (and hence your vision) to take in all at once, you feel the harmony within, then you end up riding fast (or safer at normal speeds because of increased awereness) without trying.

Hehe. England eh! you must be confused with the ealrier trumpy's i think. Scooped the oil up from underneath a couple of those before. Hinkley's seem to have it all sorted.
You have just described most of my ride outs. The only difference is that i don't give it some fancy euphoric name. It's no different to when i drive my car (although i don't enjoy it as much) or my trucks. Been doin it for so long it becomes second nature. It sounds like it's being described by someone form the art fraternity. You know, how they get all these fancy names as such for various pieces of art..." Oh it's warm and violent and busy and ...." whoa let me stop you right there...it's a friggin river runnin through a valley. Think you get the picture!
For those who go on with the "if you haven't experienced it then you won't understand" please don't, it's embarrassing.

[bogan]

For those who go on with the "if you haven't experienced it then you won't understand" please don't, it's embarrassing.

you sure about that? :shifty: ever tried explaining how awesome riding is to someone who as never ridden before, similar thing init

[Owl]

Quite a rush being in "The Zone", but personally I think it's less stressful to fuck off and park somewhere else.:p

[duckonin]

"The Zone" . I don't think so. Sounds pretty pratish if ya ask me!

Nope do not recall asking you anything at all !! After reading all of your replys on this thread it would appear you really have no fucken idea, you would be better off going for a walk rather than a ride !!

[Grubber]

Nope do not recall asking you anything at all !! After reading all of your replys on this thread it would appear you really have no fucken idea, you would be better off going for a walk rather than a ride !!

Considering you don't even know me from a bar of fuckin soap dude, i would say YOU probably have no idea!
There is in actual fact only 5 that are having any say here, which tells me it doesn't have a whole lo0t of substance.
I understand that people like Michael Schumaker and Rossi and many others in that league could rightfully state they have their ZONE, but you and i???? Don;t think so. I also think that for the likes of you and i to state that we do is an insult to those people.
Like it or not....we have different opinions on this and probably always will.

[Grubber]

you sure about that? :shifty: ever tried explaining how awesome riding is to someone who as never ridden before, similar thing init

Yep...it's not that hard really!
The word zone doesn't come into the conversation either.

[beyond]

Considering you don't even know me from a bar of fuckin soap dude, i would say YOU probably have no idea!
There is in actual fact only 5 that are having any say here, which tells me it doesn't have a whole lo0t of substance.
I understand that people like Michael Schumaker and Rossi and many others in that league could rightfully state they have their ZONE, but you and i???? Don;t think so. I also think that for the likes of you and i to state that we do is an insult to those people.
Like it or not....we have different opinions on this and probably always will.

Just because 5 people have an idea and the rest don't, doesn't mean this state doesn't exist. In fact, I know heaps of people who didn't know what it was and when they finally found it knew exactly what we are talking about. No one has to be Rossi or Schumacker either and it's not an insult to suggest that anyone can find and ride in the zone for whatever level they are at.

These professionals have merely perfected the zone in which they drive or ride and anyone can do that at the level they are at personally.

Do not forget, that this is a forum where people can share there experiences and if people like yourself go around dissing everyone that posts their experiences this forum is going to be a pile of shit in no time at all. Who is going to post here and who is going to come and read if all everyone does is put others down and snipe about something they don't understand or refuse to accept exists???

[wysper]

I think you may find many have read this thread.
Many don't feel the need to post because they agree mostly with Beyond, with a few minor personal difficulties.
For me 'the zone' has nothing to do with speed, racing or anything like that.
It is just having one of those rides where it all works, and Grubber, it is fine if for you it feels right to say 'shit just clicked' or what ever.

For me it is smooth lines, smooth ride, no sphincter clenching moments. Sometimes this means the ride was well within my abilites, sometimes I am convinced I pushed them a bit. On those rides I probably wouldn't be able to tell you how fast I was going or how slow, how hard I was cornering, if I was riding like a Nana or not. It is all about my ride, that road, that moment.

I have had times like that on the archery range too, where I didn't need to think about nock points, range, windage, elevation etc, I just got up and shot and felt really good. Again, I wouldn't necessarily be able to tell you what I shot, or it might be that it was a day I shot damn near perfect scores. But that would be irrelevant.

Hell, mostly this discussion is about semantics or has been taken there, and Katman going on about the mortal danger to new riders by describing your enjoyment on the bike. I have to disagree with Katman, I doubt anyone will go out seeking 'the zone', most would agree that you will click or not, be in the zone or not. Some days I jump on the bike for a ride and it is just shit, I seem to misjudge corner entry speeds etc and the ride doesn't gel. Those are not the best days. But I am still on the bike, still shiny side up. Still loving the ride.

For me 'the zone' isn't about pushing my limits, but I bet when you are riding in that place, that mental mind space, you probably will ride better and therefore push your boundries.

My 2c.

oh and I am left handed. right eye dominant, and play most sports right handed.

[bogan]

Yep...it's not that hard really!
The word zone doesn't come into the conversation either.

:confused: how do you explain all the leaning and feel etc, you must be a better worderer than I. Unless you ride with trainer wheels or something?

[Vgygrwr]

There is a guy called Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, who has done a lot of work on "flow ", "the mental state in which a person in an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and success in the process of the activity"
also referred to as: on the ball, in the zone, in the groove etc. Wikipedia, provides lots more, inclined to feel something simple is being dressed up, suspect most of us experience it hopefully at least daily, seems closely related or even essential to happiness.

[duckonin]

[QUOTE=Grubber;1129802565

I understand that people like Michael Schumaker and Rossi and many others in that league could rightfully state they have their ZONE, but you and i???? Don;t think so. I also think that for the likes of you and i to state that we do is an insult to those people.
[/QUOTE]

This thread has nothing to do with the above persons, but anyway 'AS U SAY' why can they rightfully state they have the zone and not others ? I have found a piece in all of my sports where for a moment or so I have 'MY ZONE' the zone is absolute contentment everything has come together as it should it is bliss nothing in the world at that moment can beat what you are doing..Are you getting the picture now ? Nope I do not think you would be able to conceive that others could have so much contentment in what they are doing. Drag yer self up a chair grasshopper, we'll go back to basics about how to enjoy life, then you may understand..(The Zone )

[Smifffy]

My wish is for those of you who experience 'the zone' whilst motorcycling are able to access that at any time you ride. Further may you be able to achieve that state in all aspects of your lives.

If you feel good while on your motorcycle you are 'in the zone', it has very little to do with speed, cornering lines etc. I would even argue that if you came home from a ride feeling really good about it, and thought "hey, ya know next time if I did x corner in y manner it could be even better" then you are well and truly there.

If you come home buzzing and thinking "hell yeah I frikken aced that ride, it was pefect. I rock." then you most likely weren't in the zone and are simply deluding yourself as you daydream your life away on a motorcycle.

[toycollector10]

A Hikau for youse guys...

Beyond, Zone Riding,
Fast, along the open road,
A milk tanker waits.

[beyond]

A Hikau for youse guys...

Beyond, Zone Riding,
Fast, along the open road,
A milk tanker waits.

LOL. funny thing is I know some real tight good roads where you don't have to go too fast, actually you can't, but often I get right in the zone on those. Never seen a milk tanker there yet and if I did, plenty of room to move anyways. But cheers mate :)

[bogan]

A Hikau for youse guys...

Beyond, Zone Riding,
Fast, along the open road,
A milk tanker waits.

a quote for yourse self :bleh:


I'm not afraid of death. It's the stake one puts up in order to play the game of life
-Jean Giraudoux

also, bit of milk would be spot on to quench the thirst from some hardout riding, will make sure to thank the truckie for waiting for me :shifty:

[Latte]

Well, the doomsayers were right, reading this thread caused me to have an accident.

Spilt my beer laughing :D

I've decided to just say no, and not read any threads that even hint at motorcycling being an enjoyable past time.

[beyond]

Now that's funny :)

[Katman]

This thread needs to be viewed in context with Pauls other threads.

This one's a doozie. http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/39294-Coro-GP

[beyond]

This thread needs to be viewed in context with Pauls other threads.

This one's a doozie. http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/39294-Coro-GP

Now that is a good thread.... thanks for bringing that one up again Katman. :)

[wysper]

This thread needs to be viewed in context with Pauls other threads.

This one's a doozie. http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/39294-Coro-GP

Bollocks. This thread is a thread on its own. Take it as such.

[Katman]

Bollocks. This thread is a thread on its own. Take it as such.

Open your eyes - it's just another one of his 'Treat the road like a racetrack like I do' threads.

[wysper]

Open your eyes - it's just another one of his 'Treat the road like a racetrack like I do' threads.

Funny, you see what you want to see. I don't see his posts like that. Maybe because that is not what I am looking for. I see a guy who loves to ride. *shrug*

[mashman]

Funny, you see what you want to see. I don't see his posts like that. Maybe because that is not what I am looking for. I see a guy who loves to ride. *shrug*


that's blasphemy http://onlyonline.org.uk/images/stories/blasphemy.JPG

[R-Soul]

Hehe. England eh! you must be confused with the ealrier trumpy's i think. Scooped the oil up from underneath a couple of those before. Hinkley's seem to have it all sorted.
You have just described most of my ride outs. The only difference is that i don't give it some fancy euphoric name. It's no different to when i drive my car (although i don't enjoy it as much) or my trucks. Been doin it for so long it becomes second nature. It sounds like it's being described by someone form the art fraternity. You know, how they get all these fancy names as such for various pieces of art..." Oh it's warm and violent and busy and ...." whoa let me stop you right there...it's a friggin river runnin through a valley. Think you get the picture!
For those who go on with the "if you haven't experienced it then you won't understand" please don't, it's embarrassing.

Yes OK so you get the zone, but are just too embarrassed that someone may label you a fag or something because you dare to label it. Or maybe you are just a guy that calls a zone a spade...

Whatever... you cannot deny that you get a feeling of harmony with the universe, time standing still. OK for you "ace ride".

Sometimes it is not even in the achievement of a perfect ride, but in the striving for it.

Its like the "Last Samurai", where Tom Cruise says that "those Japanese people wake up every day and attempt to do whatever it is that they are doing, perfectly". It is not necessarily the fact that they have achieved perfection, but the state of mind and focus associated with them attempting to do so in the first place.

[flyingcrocodile46]

Open your eyes - it's just another one of his 'Treat the road like a racetrack like I do' threads.

Still chewing the crotch out of Beyond's posts eh!.... Kooky shit Scatman.

[Grubber]

Just because 5 people have an idea and the rest don't, doesn't mean this state doesn't exist. In fact, I know heaps of people who didn't know what it was and when they finally found it knew exactly what we are talking about. No one has to be Rossi or Schumacker either and it's not an insult to suggest that anyone can find and ride in the zone for whatever level they are at.

These professionals have merely perfected the zone in which they drive or ride and anyone can do that at the level they are at personally.

Do not forget, that this is a forum where people can share there experiences and if people like yourself go around dissing everyone that posts their experiences this forum is going to be a pile of shit in no time at all. Who is going to post here and who is going to come and read if all everyone does is put others down and snipe about something they don't understand or refuse to accept exists???

Sounds to me like your trying to force your opinion on me here! It's simple really....you say what you want to say and so will i...end of really.
I think your so called zone is crap and basically quite egotistical, not to mention pretty airy.
But hey thats your buzz, not mine.
I think what gets me the most is that you label this thing and just carry on like those that don't experience this so called zone are either not real bikers or don't know how to ride or on a different planet or what ever.
I find that all very egotistical and quite frankly i get the impression your right up ya self.
Could be wrong maybe.
Anyhow i've had enough of this thread now so ....moving right along.

[MSTRS]

For those who go on with the "if you haven't experienced it then you won't understand" please don't, it's embarrassing.

For who?
The Zone isn't a real place. We know that. It's a barely adequate term to try to describe in one word, that state of mind that exists when one is totally immersed in what they are doing (esp when on a bike) and everything seems to be in balance. Could also be called 'in tune with whatever'.
A state that leaves one feeling slightly euphoric, probably from the flood of endorphins one gets from the pleasure of everything flowing 'just right'.
The counter state is that one that leaves you feeling slightly bewildered as to what was wrong. We've all had a ride where nothing felt right, we were all thumbs, corners didn't link well, the bike seemed unsettled no matter what we were doing. Nothing you can really put your finger on as to what was wrong, but you just know nothing felt right.

[duckonin]

For who?
The Zone isn't a real place. We know that. It's a barely adequate term to try to describe in one word, that state of mind that exists when one is totally immersed in what they are doing (esp when on a bike) and everything seems to be in balance. Could also be called 'in tune with whatever'.
A state that leaves one feeling slightly euphoric, probably from the flood of endorphins one gets from the pleasure of everything flowing 'just right'.

Sums it up some what, can be in any sport not (esp when on a bike ) but + 1

[bogan]

and you know where the word zone came from, Zen obviously, someone must have thought that was too faggy and renamed it, or maybe an error in translation. But The zone seems to mean the same as zen, and sound so similar, coincidence, I think not!

[DMNTD]

Jebus....starting to zone out

[duckonin]

Jebus....starting to zone out

Absolutely, that can happen also ha ha ....

[flyingcrocodile46]

and you know where the word zone came from, Zen obviously, someone must have thought that was too faggy and renamed it, or maybe an error in translation. But The zone seems to mean the same as zen, and sound so similar, coincidence, I think not!


I was tempted to make some kind of comparison but could not do so as Zen is so much more encompassing than the subject matter at hand. Finding the zone is but a very small and superficial part of what Zen is about.

Zen can't be explained , only experienced. A very small taste of the Zen state is infinitely more humbling than the state of mind achieved when 'in the zone' riding a motorcycle.

Zen makes no sense in our world of logic. No sense at all.


An old Zen student called Hsiang-yen went to dokusan with Kuei-shan Ling-yu (771-853), the T'ang dynasty master, and Kuei-shan gave him a koan, of which over and over he was unable to see into it's mysteries.

Hsiang-yen decided that it was all too much for him and he would surrender. He went away and found a sacred site, the grave of the Sixth Patriarch of Chinese Zen, Hui-neng, and maintained it as a shrine. Day in and day out he had no thought about the world except his sweeping. Then one day, sweeping away, he swept a pebble into a bamboo grove beside the shrine. The pebble hit a piece of hollow bamboo and went "ping!" and he jumped up and down.

The "ping!" shook him to pieces and he said, "One ping! and I have forgotten all I knew!" and he composed a poem in his excitement: "Last year's poverty was not true poverty, this year even the wind can get through". Hsiang-yen was Enlightened

[imdying]

The Zone isn't a real place. We know that. It's a barely adequate term to try to describe in one word, that state of mind that exists when one is totally immersed in what they are doing (esp when on a bike) and everything seems to be in balance. Could also be called 'in tune with whatever'.
A state that leaves one feeling slightly euphoric, probably from the flood of endorphins one gets from the pleasure of everything flowing 'just right'.What he said. I would expect that most have been there, even if they don't identify with it re motorcycling. Motorcycling, running, dancing, welding, even working; been in 'the zone' during all of these activities more than once. The triggers are all a little different, but all the same too in many ways.

[avgas]

and you know where the word zone came from, Zen obviously, someone must have thought that was too faggy and renamed it, or maybe an error in translation. But The zone seems to mean the same as zen, and sound so similar, coincidence, I think not!
No it came from the word "Home" where the sex is made. It was said that before reaching climax in sex, members of the the home would reach "the zone".
Sadly it was tarnished in the US by claims of incest.

[onearmedbandit]

All I know is that the Red Zone is not for parking.

[Edbear]

What he said. I would expect that most have been there, even if they don't identify with it re motorcycling. Motorcycling, running, dancing, welding, even working; been in 'the zone' during all of these activities more than once. The triggers are all a little different, but all the same too in many ways.

Used to get that playing tennis, too. That situation where everything is working as it should, the rhythm is smooth and steady and you are at one with the activity and you are hitting everything right. It is a natural "high". Also had it when working in the forestry.

[Katman]

It is a natural "high". Also had it when working in the forestry.

No, that's called smoko.

[bogan]

No it came from the word "Home" where the sex is made. It was said that before reaching climax in sex, members of the the home would reach "the zone".
Sadly it was tarnished in the US by claims of incest.

:lol: so you ride your bike at home, and liken it to sex? theres a word for that sorta behavior, don't think its the zone though

[Edbear]

No, that's called smoko.

Especially when sitting downwind of the others....

[R-Soul]

What he said. I would expect that most have been there, even if they don't identify with it re motorcycling. Motorcycling, running, dancing, welding, even working; been in 'the zone' during all of these activities more than once. The triggers are all a little different, but all the same too in many ways.

Yup- I have even been in the zone from drafiing a good specification.

[avgas]

:lol: so you ride your bike at home, and liken it to sex? theres a word for that sorta behavior, don't think its the zone though
I liken everything to sex. Sex is the cumming and going of all life don't ya know

[flyingcrocodile46]

Yup- I have even been in the zone from drafiing a good specification.


Assuming you are talking building. That's a big claim. Do you use Materspec?

[R-Soul]

Assuming you are talking building. That's a big claim. Do you use Materspec?

Nope patent specifications

[flyingcrocodile46]

Nope patent specifications

No understandee. You use a patented specification? Or do you mean, No patented specifications (i.e write your own from scratch)?


Careful, next thing they will start denying its existence...

I have found that the drunken zone is merely a passage way to far more sinister places

[R-Soul]

No understandee. You use a patented specification? Or do you mean, No patented specifications (i.e write your own from scratch)?



I am a patent attorney - and I draft patent specifications for inventors.

[flyingcrocodile46]

I am a patent attorney - and I draft patent specifications for inventors.

Oh! That sounds like an exci...........

[onearmedbandit]

Moderators Note:

I've just removed 51 posts of crap from this thread. I've decided to not biff the whole thing because while being controversial to a degree, and I'm sure a few would like to see it gone, it is a popular thread. However I'm not wasting my time again. Up to you guys.

[Edbear]

Moderators Note:

I've just removed 51 posts of crap from this thread. I've decided to not biff the whole thing because while being controversial to a degree, and I'm sure a few would like to see it gone, it is a popular thread. However I'm not wasting my time again. Up to you guys.

LOL!!! I wondered how long it could ramble along off-topic like this and not wind up in PD! I hope we can get back on track.

[Genie]

I did try...I mentioned that tomorrow I am going to get into the Zone and I shall be smiling.

[stify]

I did try...I mentioned that tomorrow I am going to get into the Zone and I shall be smiling.

good for you ;), my "zone" is switched off and outside my coverage area...untill I get sum new rubber anyways...then I'll be at one with said "zone"

[Genie]

good for you ;), my "zone" is switched off and outside my coverage area...untill I get sum new rubber anyways...then I'll be at one with said "zone"

I feel your pain...I too have been out of the zone for some time and am very excited that tomorrow I shall have my moment in the sun

[stify]

I feel your pain...I too have been out of the zone for some time and am very excited that tomorrow I shall have my moment in the sun

good for you :) (and shiny side up an all).....my time of "zone" joy will soon be with me, I can feel it.... gee I almost feel like a drug addict...shit this "zone" ting could be a new fitness craze

[Genie]

good for you :) (and shiny side up an all).....my time of "zone" joy will soon be with me, I can feel it.... gee I almost feel like a drug addict...shit this "zone" ting could be a new fitness craze

You are an addict....and so am I. It has been almost two months since my last decent ride (anythign under 100k is crap)..... I have been pulling my hair and snarling for weeks...after tomorrow I shall love everyone. My ride is my fix just as it is for you and all of KB.

[stify]

You are an addict....and so am I. It has been almost two months since my last decent ride (anythign under 100k is crap)..... I have been pulling my hair and snarling for weeks...after tomorrow I shall love everyone. My ride is my fix just as it is for you and all of KB.

yes I am...and I understand....it's been 3 months since my last fix(I've only had a small flirtation with speed tripple...for wof purposes only)so yes I will be a mucho joy filled stify after my next fill of fresh rubber and miles of riding..

[Genie]

and those small flirtations are just damn teasers....just enough to keep you hooked, just enough to show you what you are missing.
Geez, this biking is such a slut of a thing....needs a damn good thrashing to be sorted for sure.

[stify]

and those small flirtations are just damn teasers....just enough to keep you hooked, just enough to show you what you are missing.
Geez, this biking is such a slut of a thing....needs a damn good thrashing to be sorted for sure.

oh yes....such flirty little triumphs they are too...still I have managed to resist such temptations(after all I do own a honda)...I think I'll go and spend some quality shed time with my honda and a bottle of polish...happy times aye ;)

[beyond]

It's tough when you don't get a chance to ride for whatever reason.
Hope you both get a good fix in the sort term. :)

Rubber side down of course.

[Edbear]

Regretfully due to circumstances beyond, (Oops, sorry...:innocent:), my control, I am zoned out for the forseeable future... :bye:

I've put the Rego on hold meantime so have to be content with reminiscing and dreaming... :mellow:

[R-Soul]

Oh! That sounds like an exci...........

Hehe sometimes you are not wrong...
But sometimes it can be incredibly interesting.
Like when Ducati has invented a frameless motorbike....

The point I was trying to make was that even in mundane things, when you focus on doing whatever you are doing as well as you can, it can zone you out.

[R-Soul]

and those small flirtations are just damn teasers....just enough to keep you hooked, just enough to show you what you are missing.
Geez, this biking is such a slut of a thing....needs a damn good thrashing to be sorted for sure.

I got my fix on Saturday - awesome riding, and zoning out all the way - even on rubber that is too small for the bike.

[flyingcrocodile46]

Hehe sometimes you are not wrong...
But sometimes it can be incredibly interesting.
Like when Ducati has invented a frameless motorbike....

The point I was trying to make was that even in mundane things, when you focus on doing whatever you are doing as well as you can, it can zone you out.

I got my fix on Saturday - awesome riding, and zoning out all the way - even on rubber that is too small for the bike.

Funny. people use drugs to 'zone out'. It's naughty using drugs then riding

[Katman]

Unfortunately, all too often, focusing intently on a narrow band of functioning comes at the expense of noticing things happening around you.

[MSTRS]

Unfortunately, all too often, focusing intently on a narrow band of functioning comes at the expense of noticing things happening around you.

That's being TOOOO focussed = zoning out.
The Zone TM is an entirely different thing

[Katman]

That's being TOOOO focussed = zoning out.
The Zone TM is an entirely different thing

Do you think inexperienced motorcyclists are going to intuitively know when their focus has passed from being in The Zone TM to being zoned out?

[Swoop]

That's being TOOOO focussed = zoning out.
The Zone TM is an entirely different thing
Quite true. Your sensory inputs can be working overtime with the flow of information coming in. Full HD viewing pleasure as the road trundles past.

[MSTRS]

Do you think inexperienced motorcyclists are going to intuitively know when their focus has passed from being in The Zone TM to being zoned out?

No, I don't. Other than misinterpreting that state of mind, are you saying that TheZone can only be truly experienced by the truly experienced?.

[Katman]

No, I don't. Other than misinterpreting that state of mind, are you saying that TheZone can only be truly experienced by the truly experienced?.

No, I'm saying that a very real danger exists in the inexperienced being seduced into searching for'The Zone'. Hence my comment back on page one that we need to consider what it is that we're contributing to by glorifying/mystifying 'The Zone'.

[Genie]

sat myself on the couch in the sun before...found a nice zone out there :lol:

[MSTRS]

No, I'm saying that a very real danger exists in the inexperienced being seduced into searching for'The Zone'. Hence my comment back on page one that we need to consider what it is that we're contributing to by glorifying/mystifying 'The Zone'.

Fair enough. Suffice to say, do not seek it, for it will find you when you are ready.

[duckonin]

No, I'm saying that a very real danger exists in the inexperienced being seduced into searching for'The Zone'. Hence my comment back on page one that we need to consider what it is that we're contributing to by glorifying/mystifying 'The Zone'.

'Inexperienced' will not have to 'search' for their zone at all, they will know when it happens for them..Plus no need to consider (glorifying-mystifying) 'the zone' K'man it would appear you have sat around on your arse all your life and missed out on the true life thing (enjoyment)

[Katman]

'Inexperienced' will not have to 'search' for their zone at all, they will know when it happens for them..Plus no need to consider (glorifying-mystifying) 'the zone' K'man it would appear you have sat around on your arse all your life and missed out on the true life thing (enjoyment)

You're right - my life has just been spent aimlessly filling in time before I die.:weep:

[flyingcrocodile46]

No, I'm saying that a very real danger exists in the inexperienced being seduced into searching for'The Zone'. Hence my comment back on page one that we need to consider what it is that we're contributing to by glorifying/mystifying 'The Zone'.


Geeeeeze and you accuse others of having their heads in the sand. Time to give it a rest eh!


You're right - my life has just been spent aimlessly filling in time before I die.:weep:

Don't wait on our account

[Katman]

Don't wait on our account

Not just yet. I want to stick around long enough to see you crack and go all Jan Molenaar on our arses.




I say fuck off with all your PC crap and let us live our lives the way we want to. If people keep trying to limit my life experiences I might one day get fed up and decide to limit their fucking lives out of sheer frustration. Seriously, someone will crack and it may happen.

[R-Soul]

Do you think inexperienced motorcyclists are going to intuitively know when their focus has passed from being in The Zone TM to being zoned out?

It depends as what you define as the Zone isn't it? When you are so focussed on all aspects of riding - from good technique to great awareness - that can only be a good thing .

What you are talking about sound like it is more in the nature of absent mindedness - the kind that you get when you are driving a car on a long straight road and you switch off and daydream. That is not what I am referring to at all.

[Katman]

What you are talking about sound like it is more in the nature of absent mindedness - the kind that you get when you are driving a car on a long straight road and you switch off and daydream. That is not what I am referring to at all.

No, I'm actually talking about inexperienced riders mistakenly thinking that they'll find The Zone by totally focusing on the road in front of them at the expense of giving due consideration to the multitude of other issues that need to be taken into account.

And btw, each time I use the words 'The Zone' in a post it makes me want to puke just that little bit more. It sounds so totally ghey.

[Grubber]

No, I'm actually talking about inexperienced riders mistakenly thinking that they'll find The Zone by totally focusing on the road in front of them at the expense of giving due consideration to the multitude of other issues that need to be taken into account.

And btw, each time I use the words 'The Zone' in a post it makes me want to puke just that little bit more. It sounds so totally ghey.

Departed this thread a while ago thinking some of these fellas in here where a bit above themselves.
Then i read this......about sums it up for me too.

Well done young man!

[Spearfish]

After my short riding life...
I only know enough to know that I don't know enough of what I need to know enough of.
So what's this Zone thing DR Katz?

[Grubber]

...Don't wait on our account

I note on your visitors messages that you said you 'don't make friends'
I'm not surprised if ya go round saying shite like this.

[Katman]

So what's this Zone thing DR Katz?

Miyamoto Musashi would liken it to fighting in the Void.

But don't get me started on that.:shutup:

[MSTRS]

After my short riding life...
I only know enough to know that I don't know enough of what I need to know enough of.
So what's this Zone thing DR Katz?

Concern thee self not. For it is written. The Zone will find thee when thee be ready.
In the meantime, just ride, take care, learn, enjoy.

[pritch]

I only know enough to know that I don't know enough of what I need to know enough of.


Congratulations! That's a good start :yes:

[avgas]

Miyamoto Musashi would liken it to fighting in the Void.
But don't get me started on that.:shutup:
But what did Pops Yoshimura liken it too......

[bogan]

Departed this thread a while ago thinking some of these fellas in here where a bit above themselves.
Then i read this......about sums it up for me too.

Well done young man!

still got a bee in your bonnet about this I see, don't worry, as mstrs says If you don't overthink it, it'll find you eventually.

[Grubber]

still got a bee in your bonnet about this I see, don't worry, as mstrs says If you don't overthink it, it'll find you eventually.

still making assumptions on other peoples behalf i see, don't worry, you might find someone who is remotely interested in you eventually.

[Grubber]

still got a bee in your bonnet about this I see, don't worry, as mstrs says If you don't overthink it, it'll find you eventually.

still making assumptions on other peoples behalf i see, don't worry, you might find someone who is remotely interested in you eventually.

[beyond]

Fair enough. Suffice to say, do not seek it, for it will find you when you are ready.

Sounds like you nicked that line right out of a Kung Fu movie :)

[MSTRS]

Nah. But The Zone is a lot like that state of mind I imagine the old Zen masters were describing.

[bogan]

still making assumptions on other peoples behalf i see, don't worry, you might find someone who is remotely interested in you eventually.

oh the irony!


Nah. But The Zone is a lot like that state of mind I imagine the old Zen masters were describing.

wonder if any zen masters ride? they could have double the zone then :D

[Genie]

Sounds like you nicked that line right out of a Kung Fu movie :)

Maybe...he just went to see the Karate Kid :lol:

[R-Soul]

No, I'm actually talking about inexperienced riders mistakenly thinking that they'll find The Zone by totally focusing on the road in front of them at the expense of giving due consideration to the multitude of other issues that need to be taken into account.

And btw, each time I use the words 'The Zone' in a post it makes me want to puke just that little bit more. It sounds so totally ghey.

Well get over the homo eroticism of it - some of us are comfortable in our own skin - or are at least enthusuiastic enough about it to get past the fact that it may be ghey.. Call it the "concentration state" if you want something less ghey...

I appreciate what you are saying, thnking that you have it all under control when you may not be thinking about something. but when I refer to the concentration state, it si more about the state of extreme absorbtion in your concentration, rather than the specifics of what you are fociussing on. Clearly the more experienced that you are, the more you will know to focus on.

Kind of like a golfer,starts off not even knowing what isaffecting their swing, but if they can get their ficus working, they can do those well. Over time, they add awareness of more things to focus on, and manage to control focus on all simultaneously.

Out of interest, what sort of other stuff in the line of "multitude of other issues" would you be talking about? Thsi would be useful and good for safety. I try to be aware of everything from
- braking/transition technique
- surroundings,
- road surface awarenes (disrepair, elevation, camber and radius changes),
- other road users,
- lighting,
- body positioning,
- speed,
- weather,
- bike/tyre/grip awareness

got any others? then I can start trying to be aware of those too.

[MSTRS]

Crap on the road, or a cone (for eg) may mean there is loose stock ahead.

This time of year, sunstrike and deep shadow hiding damp/moss is a real concern

[Genie]

Crap on the road, or a cone (for eg) may mean there is loose stock ahead.

This time of year, sunstrike and deep shadow hiding damp/moss is a real concern


gee I'm a bit worried about you now.....have you got some damp moss between your ears?

[MSTRS]

There are some who'd say so...:laugh:

[Katman]

got any others? then I can start trying to be aware of those too.

Things you can't see.

What might be around the corner?
What might be lurking in that long grass beside the road?
What might that vehicle parked on the roadside be hiding?

Those sorts of things.

[Swoop]

Let's not forget the ever present aircraft that may crash on you from above.

[avgas]

Things you can't see.

What might be around the corner?
What might be lurking in that long grass beside the road?
What might that vehicle parked on the roadside be hiding?

Those sorts of things.
Asteroids crashing into the earth.
Zombie Apocalypse
Financial Crisis
Nuclear war
Famine

[flyingcrocodile46]

Asteroids crashing into the earth.
Zombie Apocalypse
Financial Crisis
Nuclear war
Famine


Don't encourage him. Seriously. He is that ridiculous.

Why don't deluded idiots who feel that they know what is best for everyone else, just mind their own f*cking business.

How would they like it if other people started interfering in their family and business lives on a daily basis by telling them how to raise their kids and run their businesses the politically correct way (when neither the business or family desire or see a need for it). The answer is that they wouldn't like it a bit, but they are so hypocritical that they can't see how unacceptable their ideas are to others. Personally I see there meddlesome attitudes as being the highest form of arrogance. IMO the world could do without them.

[MSTRS]

FFS. How hard is it to understand? We all know that motorcycling is dangerous. That can be, and is, part of it's appeal. However...
It is up to riders to manage those risks well enough that the ultimate dangers are minimised. It is now more than apparent that TPTB are making moves to manage those risks on our behalf, because we won't. The measures 'they' take will not be popular with bikers./
The message is "Manage yourself or we will."

[flyingcrocodile46]

FFS. How hard is it to understand? We all know that motorcycling is dangerous. That can be, and is, part of it's appeal. However...
It is up to riders to manage those risks well enough that the ultimate dangers are minimised. It is now more than apparent that TPTB are making moves to manage those risks on our behalf, because we won't. The measures 'they' take will not be popular with bikers./
The message is "Manage yourself or we will."

Beautiful bit of scaremongering. You don't have any proof of that do you?

[Genie]

FFS. How hard is it to understand? We all know that motorcycling is dangerous. That can be, and is, part of it's appeal. However...
It is up to riders to manage those risks well enough that the ultimate dangers are minimised. It is now more than apparent that TPTB are making moves to manage those risks on our behalf, because we won't. The measures 'they' take will not be popular with bikers./
The message is "Manage yourself or we will."

and here it is written in PLAIN ENGLISH!!!!

How come no-one understands this....how come there are so many think-headed numbskulls out there making up excuses all the time..ffs!

[flyingcrocodile46]

and here it is written in PLAIN ENGLISH!!!!

How come no-one understands this....how come there are so many think-headed numbskulls out there making up excuses all the time..ffs!

Someone said it so it must be true. How sheeplike

[MSTRS]

Getting off topic for this thread...I blame the ostriches.*






* a creature whose eye is bigger than it's brain, meaning it sees everything and understands none of it

[flyingcrocodile46]

Getting off topic for this thread...I blame the ostriches.

How cute. When challenged for proof of statement the bullshitter cries 'Ostrich'.


That shows some real depth of character right there.

While I'm waiting to see your proof to back up your bullshit (off topic) statement maybe you could go cry to the mods (again).

[MSTRS]

I'm not sure - did something out there make a noise? Rooting about in the wrong thread maybe? I thought this one was about The Zone - a allegedly mythical state of mind sometimes experienced by motorcyclists.

[flyingcrocodile46]

Beautiful ostrich impersonation. You feel free to spout your bullshit until challenged, then when challenged you bury your head in your rectum quick as a flash while screaming 'off topic' to divert attention from your being caught out in lies. Truly Pathetic.

[Maha]

Getting off topic for this thread...I blame the ostriches.*






* a creature whose eye is bigger than it's brain, meaning it sees everything and understands none of it

They can also stick thier head up thier own arse cant they?

[flyingcrocodile46]

Yeah! particularly when challenged to back up their scaremongering lies

[yungatart]

It doesn't take the brain of a nuclear physicist to work out that if we don't start being responsible for our own safety, then things will be imposed on us from TPTB.
Look at the boyracer laws and bylaws...people have had enough of what they see as dick head behaviour on our roads, so laws have been enacted. The same will happen to motorcyclists/motorcycling, unless we get in first.

That said...the zone is a lovely place to be.....

[Genie]

Someone said it so it must be true. How sheeplike

Then cover me in wool !

[MSTRS]

While I'm waiting to see your proof to back up your bullshit (off topic) statement maybe you could go cry to the mods (again).

The proof? It's right there in the title of the thread. "The zone!"
If you want to bleat on about busybodies dabbling in your business of how you ride, take it to an appropriate thread like this one (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/125845-The-ACC-saga-a-new-approach.)
As for 'taking it to the mods'...why would anyone do that. All you've done in this thread is make yourself look stupid.

[Katman]

Don't encourage him. Seriously. He is that ridiculous.

Why don't deluded idiots who feel that they know what is best for everyone else, just mind their own f*cking business.

How would they like it if other people started interfering in their family and business lives on a daily basis by telling them how to raise their kids and run their businesses the politically correct way (when neither the business or family desire or see a need for it). The answer is that they wouldn't like it a bit, but they are so hypocritical that they can't see how unacceptable their ideas are to others. Personally I see there meddlesome attitudes as being the highest form of arrogance. IMO the world could do without them.

Flyingcrocodile (http://www.odt.co.nz/files/story/2009/05/jan_molenaar_photo_by_tv_one_close_up__1159210574. JPG)

[AllanB]

Beautiful bit of scaremongering. You don't have any proof of that do you?

Don't know but I have noticed a big increase in the policing in marked and unmarked cars on one of Canterbury's favorite motorcycle racetracks, sorry I mean roads. Obviously someone in authority has noticed the speeds of the motorcycle traffic. And yes often they do a motorcycle only 'documentation' check on this patch as well.

Back to the zone - I've found that 'The Zone' does not have to involve high speeds - often it all clicks on a basically 'legal speed' run. Now that's a safe buzz.

[Genie]

Don't know but I have noticed a big increase in the policing in marked and unmarked cars on one of Canterbury's favorite motorcycle racetracks, sorry I mean roads. Obviously someone in authority has noticed the speeds of the motorcycle traffic. And yes often they do a motorcycle only 'documentation' check on this patch as well.

Back to the zone - I've found that 'The Zone' does not have to involve high speeds - often it all clicks on a basically 'legal speed' run. Now that's a safe buzz.
oh look another sheep who gets "it"

[flyingcrocodile46]

The proof? It's right there in the title of the thread. "The zone!"
If you want to bleat on about busybodies dabbling in your business of how you ride, take it to an appropriate thread like this one (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/125845-The-ACC-saga-a-new-approach.)
As for 'taking it to the mods'...why would anyone do that. All you've done in this thread is make yourself look stupid.

Typical slippery side step from a bullshitting big mouth. You know full well that the comment you made had nothing to do with "The Zone" and to pretend otherwise only serves to show what a lying weasel you are. You made the claim below in this thread... answer it in this thread or admit you are full of shit.
FFS. How hard is it to understand? We all know that motorcycling is dangerous. That can be, and is, part of it's appeal. However...
It is up to riders to manage those risks well enough that the ultimate dangers are minimised. It is now more than apparent that TPTB are making moves to manage those risks on our behalf, because we won't. The measures 'they' take will not be popular with bikers./
The message is "Manage yourself or we will."

It's now pretty clear that you can't back it up and seeing your MO previously I am not in the least surprised.

[Genie]

I'm wondering do you go into a social situation with this attitude!

If you do I'm surprised you're still living...seriosuly, you sound like you've got one hell of a bad attitude.

[flyingcrocodile46]

I'm wondering do you go into a social situation with this attitude!

If you do I'm surprised you're still living...seriosuly, you sound like you've got one hell of a bad attitude.

It would be fair to say that I question everything. Particularly when people try to foist their retarded opinions on me. It has saved my life on more than one occasion, so I won't be stopping soon. In my profession I carry out a lot of investigations and appear as an expert witness. I speak to facts not hearsay or opinion. I don't take bullshit and unlike most, I am not a sheep.

You sheep can carry on criticising me for questioning the line of scaremongering hearsay that you so willingly and gullibley swallow if you want to. That is your choice. I don't eat shit and am happy to fight to preserve my right not to do so. I want facts.

Funny how you lot refuse to swallow the ACC statistics fed to you by the govt but are quite happy to suck up and defend buckets of crap when fed to you by one whom you regard as your own.

[Genie]

Questioning is one thing but you come across as quite scathing and you seem to be personally attacking another.


They too are entitled to their opionion without ridicule and condemnation.

Just because you do not agree with another opinion does not make it retarded...respect another and you too will receive respect.

[Grubber]

I'm wondering do you go into a social situation with this attitude!

If you do I'm surprised you're still living...seriosuly, you sound like you've got one hell of a bad attitude.

Apparently he doesn't "make friends very well".
Does this surprise you at all.

[Grubber]

I'm wondering do you go into a social situation with this attitude!

If you do I'm surprised you're still living...seriosuly, you sound like you've got one hell of a bad attitude.

Apparently he doesn't "make friends very well".
Does this surprise you at all.

[MSTRS]

Questioning is one thing but you come across as quite scathing and you seem to be personally attacking another.



When someone postulates an opinion or fact you don't agree with, you immediately attack the person. Then you don't have to defend your position, discuss anything or even consider that the other person has something of merit to offer.
In sport it is known as playing the man, not the ball. Red cards usually follow.

[Genie]

well getting back to this zone thing...for me...its' about getting every corner just right, getting my flow on...crusiing with my music, smooth lines, easy manouvering....having an aweosme ride....to me that's what the zone is. The place I go to when I'm alone on my bike, no kids, no pressure, just me, my bike and the road (oh and a full tank of gas)

[MSTRS]

You made the claim below in this thread... answer it in this thread or admit you are full of shit.



Oh, I see....I didn't quote your post directly preceding that one of mine. This one. (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/102234-The-zone!?p=1129809572#post1129809572) Which is where the off topic started.
Shame on me for not pointing that out sooner.

[Katman]

well getting back to this zone thing...for me...its' about getting every corner just right, getting my flow on...crusiing with my music, smooth lines, easy manouvering....having an aweosme ride....to me that's what the zone is. The place I go to when I'm alone on my bike, no kids, no pressure, just me, my bike and the road (oh and a full tank of gas)

Unfortunately, if you condense his post down to this..........



It is a place that causes you to break the rules,
to reach past your normal boundaries and allow you
to ride past your fears.
It is reached when you practice and practice and
ultimately reach a point on a ride where every corner
is taken perfectly, without error, where the envelope
is pushed and you don't even know you are pushing it.
It is when you ride a road hard but feel like you
were on a Sunday afternoon jaunt but your senses are
buzzing and you know you just went through that section
of highway, a lot quicker and without effort like never
before.


........it becomes apparent that Beyond is talking about quite a different interpretation of The Zone.

[Genie]

therein lies the difference in all of us...we each have our own interpretation of everything....that is what makes us all unique and makes the world such an interesting place. It's also a matter of respecting those differences.

[Katman]

that is what makes us all unique and makes the world such an interesting place.

It also makes the world a place where the easily swayed are easily seduced into placing themselves at increased risk.

[Genie]

It also makes the world a place where the easily swayed are easily seduced into placing themselves at increased risk.

and that is where my old friend 'personal responsibility' comes into play. shame not many (if any) in the world today know what the hell that means.

[Katman]

shame not many (if any) in the world today know what the hell that means.

And therein lies the problem.

[bogan]

It also makes the world a place where the easily swayed are easily seduced into placing themselves at increased risk.

where are these easily seduced people? I wish to find an aesthetically pleasing female to take back to my 'zone' for a 'bone', if you know what I mean.

Seriously guys, lighten up! Theres a lot more risky things on the internet than a bunch of people discussing the awesomeness of motorcycling :scooter:

[Katman]

Seriously guys, lighten up! Theres a lot more risky things on the internet than a bunch of people discussing the awesomeness of motorcycling :scooter:

Would you treat so lightly a boy racer waxing lyrical about the awesomeness of drifting from one corner to the next on a public road and saying "but it's all cool man, 'cos I'm in the zone"?

[bogan]

Would you treat so lightly a boy racer waxing lyrical about the awesomeness of drifting from one corner to the next on a public road and saying "but it's all cool man, 'cos I'm in the zone"?

iirc nobody here is using the zone as a justification to do illegal shit so I fail to see the relevance.

[DMNTD]

I have sand in my vagina :mellow:

[Katman]

iirc nobody here is using the zone as a justification to do illegal shit so I fail to see the relevance.

You mean you choose not to see the relevance because you would then start to understand what I've been saying throughout this thread.

[bogan]

You mean you choose not to see the relevance because you would then start to understand what I've been saying throughout this thread.

no, I don't see the relevance cos drifting is illegal, and theres nothing illegal about being in the zone. If anything it's safer there, ultra aware, ultra in-tune with the bike, mega-ultra fun! :D least thats how my zone rolls :yes:

[Genie]

I have sand in my vagina :mellow:

You have a vagina?:crazy:

[aprilia_RS250]

no, I don't see the relevance cos drifting is illegal, and theres nothing illegal about being in the zone. If anything it's safer there, ultra aware, ultra in-tune with the bike, mega-ultra fun! :D least thats how my zone rolls :yes:

are these two in the zone then?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNzTho1eNKA&feature=related

[bogan]

are these two in the zone then?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNzTho1eNKA&feature=related

could be, they are certainly going hard anyway! (only watched bout half of it though, then i got too jealous :bleh:)

[DMNTD]

are these two in the zone then?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNzTho1eNKA&feature=related

IMO...no. Can't even keep on their own side of the road, GSXR has more rear end chatter than Julian Clary when entering corners.

[scracha]

IMO...no. Can't even keep on their own side of the road, GSXR has more rear end chatter than Julian Clary when entering corners.
IMO...yes. They're using the full width of the road when appropriate (not illegal in their country) and the GSXR rider is having a bit of fun making an arse of backing it in.

[DMNTD]

IMO...yes. They're using the full width of the road when appropriate (not illegal in their country) and the GSXR rider is having a bit of fun making an arse of backing it in.

Dude...I can't even understand you when you type! :love:

[Owl]

I have sand in my vagina :mellow:

Sounds like you're in a bad zone?

:laugh:

[Spearfish]

Well get over the homo eroticism of it - some of us are comfortable in our own skin - or are at least enthusuiastic enough about it to get past the fact that it may be ghey.. Call it the "concentration state" if you want something less ghey...

I appreciate what you are saying, thnking that you have it all under control when you may not be thinking about something. but when I refer to the concentration state, it si more about the state of extreme absorbtion in your concentration, rather than the specifics of what you are fociussing on. Clearly the more experienced that you are, the more you will know to focus on.

Kind of like a golfer,starts off not even knowing what isaffecting their swing, but if they can get their ficus working, they can do those well. Over time, they add awareness of more things to focus on, and manage to control focus on all simultaneously.

Out of interest, what sort of other stuff in the line of "multitude of other issues" would you be talking about? Thsi would be useful and good for safety. I try to be aware of everything from
- braking/transition technique
- surroundings,
- road surface awarenes (disrepair, elevation, camber and radius changes),
- other road users,
- lighting,
- body positioning,
- speed,
- weather,
- bike/tyre/grip awareness

got any others? then I can start trying to be aware of those too.

Old, old bike so to add to the list...
The clutch grab point has changed
The rear brake is weak, ah, no, there it is
Whats that new rattle, cam chain ?
I hope the filters can cope if I got over spray in the tank when it was painted?
I'm sure these bars are bent, even though every test known says they are ok.
Did I do those bolts up properly/ put the split pins back in?
Did I bring my AA card...
What happens If the one and only headlight bulb lets go...again.
Whats this Zone thing and can it be found on a 1976 xl 125 ?
Is the Zone simply getting the thing started without having to run and jump on...Hell yeah!

all that jammed into the other the head clatter you mention above.

[T.W.R]

It depends as what you define as the Zone isn't it? When you are so focussed on all aspects of riding - from good technique to great awareness - that can only be a good thing.

Too much focus blinds you to what's actually going on. Absorbing what's happening around you instead of assessing/calculating/reacting, it should be all automatic that's why it's currently called "In the Zone" it's a state of being.



What you are talking about sound like it is more in the nature of absent mindedness - the kind that you get when you are driving a car on a long straight road and you switch off and daydream. That is not what I am referring to at all.

Zoning out, lack of discipline, being mesmerisied, what ever label it gets it's the same principle as when single motorcycle accidents involve mostly speed, emergency braking, and failure to negotiate. Getting hooked concentrating one a single item will blind you what the whole picture is showing you.




No, I'm actually talking about inexperienced riders mistakenly thinking that they'll find The Zone by totally focusing on the road in front of them at the expense of giving due consideration to the multitude of other issues that need to be taken into account.


That's why


Sounds like you nicked that line right out of a Kung Fu movie :)


Nah. But The Zone is a lot like that state of mind I imagine the old Zen masters were describing.

Unfortunately we lack the discipline the majority of the time and in reality we only get fleeting glimpses on the road and why as an example:
When on the rare occassions a racer on the track finds his/her zone they look so impressive when they just leave the rest of field in their wake, everything just clicks into place; It isn't just the speed as they may not even be the fastest circulating, it's a whole host of things combined to make a complete package work properly for that rider (synergy). Others in the field may have all the same items working for them but they're trying whereas the rider who's scarpered off has got the balance right and is enjoying it.