Zen and the art of riding...

[Blackbird]

Thought I’d share the attachment which I just received from a fellow Blackbird owner. The language is a little esoteric but the sentiments really struck a chord. I think the fact that I’ve been riding for 40 years with only a 15 year gap make the sentiments easy to identify with and although I enjoy the odd crazy fang with my mates, longer distances are what really “do it” for me.

Two of the writer’s comments are particularly telling: the instant common bond between bikers meeting up for the first time and what the writer calls “dissociation”. I’ve always called it my “Zen” state. Easier to drop into on a longer run than a short one, and often easier when riding solo or with a small bunch of people that you really know well. When managing to drop into this state, it feels like a mere fraction of mental activity is spent in positioning the bike correctly and at the right speed and you hardly notice the distance being gobbled up. The largest proportion of activity seems to be reserved for heightened awareness of ones’ surroundings and conditions. Wish I could do it all the time!

It actually makes me wonder whether there’s some inevitability with respect to individuals with a certain type of psychological profile being drawn to motorcycling, flying or sailing. I think all 3 of these pursuits are pretty much interchangeable.

Does this strike a chord with anyone else?

Geoff

[Quasievil]

Yeah thats a good read cheers for posting that, now i wanna ride !

[Ixion]

So seek natural beauty and serenity in your surroundings, find
exotic roads and landscapes and lose yourself in them, only to find
oneness with the air, the wind and nature in its entirety.


Sums it all up really.

Know just what he's saying. And with the disassociation thing. I call it letting my soul run free.

I definately think that there is a certain psychological profile in LONG TERM motorcyclist.

Some bikers start , get keen, and a few years later they've lost interest. The ones that keep it up for years have a commonality.

[Maybe this just means that we're a weird lot]

[Virago]

A thoughtful and well written response to the question we all find difficult to answer with the right words - why do we ride?

I don't agree that it takes severals days ride to reach the right mental state - some of us don't get that luxury too often. For me it takes just an hour or two.

For Mrs VV, it takes just minutes. She doesn't ride, but loves being pillion, so most of my riding is two-up. On the bike, she can drop into a "Zen" state within minutes, reaching a state of disassociated meditation where she can contemplate life and its' problems, from a plateau of calmness.

We can ride together for hours, no conversation, perhaps the occasional squeeze or pat to acknowledge the shared experience.

Dammit, I want to go for a ride now........! :ride:

[pritch]

Thanks for posting that.

Years ago I read a magazine article about long night rides. Both authors would have recognised what the other was talking about.

[Big Dave]

Sailing interchangable with motorcycling?!?

I can't remember falling asleep motorcycling.

[Hitcher]

Bugger it. I want my soul to run free. NOW!

[Blackbird]

Depends what you're sailing. Racing a single handed catamaran or even a Laser in a 30 knot breeze is pretty darned exhilarating. Don't knock it till you've tried it, especially with that over-used journalistic phrase about Americas Cup racing. :yes: Motorcyling might be regarded as boring unless you're actually doing it too.

[Ixion]

Thanks for posting that.

Years ago I read a magazine article about long night rides. Both authors would have recognised what the other was talking about.

Yeah, there's something especially magical about a long night ride, once you get clear of the city shit.

Just sliding through the night in the deep countryside, with the moon and stars for company, you can fool yourself into thinking that you're the only person alive in the whole world . Especially if you have the sea alongside.

The most beautiful sound in the world has to be a big single with crashing surf in the background.

[Blackbird]

Yeah, there's something especially magical about a long night ride, once you get clear of the city shit.

On the 1000 miler Grand Challenge in 2004, 3 of us travelled north over the Desert Road at just after midnight in clear skies and no other traffic for miles. The snow on the mountain really stood out and I've never seen such a blaze of stars. I don't know whether altitude had anything to do with it, but it was a sight that will stay with me forever.

[Big Dave]

Depends what you're sailing. Racing a single handed catamaran or even a Laser in a 30 knot breeze is pretty darned exhilarating. Don't knock it till you've tried it, especially with that over-used journalistic phrase about Americas Cup racing. :yes: Motorcyling might be regarded as boring unless you're actually doing it too.


yeah mate - tried them all - lasers to maxis. just doesn't cut it with me.
I can't 'equate' 140 horsepower and hard bitumen to canvass and water.

I'll meet you at the bar after the race.

[Motu]

The old indefinable ''something'' eh? Some people can ride everyday and not know what it's about,some just a few times a year and connect with the spirit of riding.I like to be by myself on a bike,on some remote back road - no cars,no bikes,just the odd farmer and the animals of the area,stopping for a rest,and....resting,very satisfying.

He mentions Richard Bach - I enjoy his writings,to me what he writes about his thrill of flying is interchangable with riding a bike.He also knows the mechanical side and as a mechanic I find someone who can put into words the world behind the spanners a rare thing.The Reluctant Messia should be compulsory reading for everyone,particualy motorcyclists.

[Blackbird]

Have read JLS, but not the Reluctant Messiah - must get a copy.

I suppose that the reason a lot of us occasionally post whilst we're at work might indicate that whilst we enjoy our jobs, it still doesn't offer the fulfilment of being on 2 wheels eh :whistle: ? When I semi-retire to Coromandel in 2 years, bikes are going to figure somewhat larger than they currently do :Punk:

[John]

Riders frequently encounter other riders on desolate roads, in gas
stations, in far away towns, states and countries, and always seem to
find an immediate common bond.


Its truer that true, every biker I meet I seem to make a common bonds, bikes seem to be a stepthrough for personality, I am often told I am dumb for riding after my mean incounters but I just love turning up at a fuel station meeting someone on a crusier/sports/other and having a yarn and ending up going for a blat and finishing it off with a few cold ones in the pub, how could anyone give that up? engines and lots of mates :D

Thanks for the read, I'm sending it to a few 'non-beleavers with your regards' :drinkup:

[Hitcher]

On the 1000 miler Grand Challenge in 2004, 3 of us travelled north over the Desert Road at just after midnight in clear skies and no other traffic for miles. The snow on the mountain really stood out and I've never seen such a blaze of stars. I don't know whether altitude had anything to do with it, but it was a sight that will stay with me forever.
I think you mean the 2003 GC, but I agree with the sentiment. Riding at night is way better than a car. Breathing the night air and its night air smells. Under the stars. The bike running superbly on the cooler night air. Mrs H and I went for a fang under the stars a couple of years ago when we took our 250s to Gisborne. A perfect night as we followed the sweep of the coastline, stars sparkling above, moonlight dancing on the ocean. Central Otago is also terrific under its starry canopy. I envy Jantar that...

[White trash]

Not that I actually read it, but I expect it's a load of old codswallop.

I ride for the sheer enjoyment of doing stoopid shit and intimidating other road users.

In fact, I'm gonna start a bikie gang and chuck some apehangers and forward controls on the Shitzer. Fuckin' thing only does 108kph anyway.....

[Blackbird]

Not that I actually read it, but I expect it's a load of old codswallop

You'll fit into Auckland quite well then :niceone: (That's doing Ixion, Motu and quite a few others a grave disservice and I apologise)

Hitcher: 2003 it was - one year blends into another at my age :weird:

[Ixion]

You'll fit into Auckland quite well then :niceone: (That's doing Ixion, Motu and quite a few others a grave disservice and I apologise)

Hitcher: 2003 it was - one year blends into another at my age :weird:

A little bird told me (as part of my defenses against Mr Motu's infamous cat, I am organising an elite force of aerial scouts -armed with bioorganic weapons of terror and destruction - they can poop in unison!) that Mr White Trash did read it.

[Legolas]

People (non riders) have asked me in the past, why I ride, I’ve never been able to explain. As a quick get out, I normally say, “Because I can”.
The writer of the letter has put it all into words beautifully. Northamptonshire here in the UK seems so crowded these days that it is very difficult to find quiet roads and chill out. Sometimes early on a Sunday Morning you can be lucky. Then I can slip into what you call the Zen state after only a couple of miles. That’s probably why I get lost so often. Lol.

I lived in London when I was in my Teens. I would quite often go for ride after 10 pm. Head on out of London into the countryside for a few hours. Sometimes coming back through London at 2 in the Morning it was easy to believe that you were the only person on Earth. I still love that time of the day but don’t see it very often these days, as I’m asleep.

After reading that letter, now when people ask me why I ride? I’ll probably say, “Because I am”

Thanks for sharing it with us Geoff.

Steve.

[RiderInBlack]

Well put.

This is why I like doing the long rides:niceone:

There have been a few things in life that put me in a simalar "Space":
Free Diving/ Snorkling when it's just me and the sea. I've almost meditating, relaxed my whole body but at the same time hyperalert. Get great bottom time when I'm in that "Zone" and "at one with the surroundings".
Dressage on a loopy horse. Again I've put myself in that meditative "Zone". The horse and I become "one". Nothing else exists. Just me, the horse and the ground we are riding on. Bloodly good work/movements just happen if I can get us there.
Now, when I'm riding "Roxanne" out on my own, "going the distance" so to speak, I find the same thing. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy group rides, but I find it hard to "get in the Zone" when riding in a group.

Think your refering to "Illusions" by Richard Bach, Motu. The adventures of a reluctant Messiah. If so, I have the book. Will post it to you, Blackbird, if you wish (it's not a very big book).
Motu, have you ever managed to managed to float a 9/16" wrench?
Faviourite quote it that book:
"You are quoting Snoopy the Dog, I believe?"
"I'll quote the truth wherever I find it, thank you"

I must read "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintainance" one day. From what I recall being told about this book, it has a lot to do with what the this guy was writing about. Has anyone here read it?

[Kickaha]

Have read JLS, but not the Reluctant Messiah - must get a copy.


It's called "Illusions","There's no such place as far away" is another good one of his

[Hitcher]

I must read "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintainance" one day. From what I recall being told about this book, it has a lot to do with what the this guy was writing about. Has anyone here read it?
Try the most excellent "search" facility. There are some interesting and opposed views on the key messages from said tome.

[Blackbird]

Originally Posted by RiderInBlack
I must read "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintainance" one day. From what I recall being told about this book, it has a lot to do with what the this guy was writing about. Has anyone here read it?

I have. As Hitcher said, there are opposed views. I found it depressing but an interesting read nonetheless and still glad that I read it.

[ajturbo]

I must read "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintainance" one day. From what I recall being told about this book, it has a lot to do with what the this guy was writing about. Has anyone here read it?


i have read it twice....

once wheni was VERY young (teenager)and again in my late 20's.

i would reconmend it to anyone, but (if you ask a few of my mates) i have a very warp veiw on life and what i like is, is what i like.

the book promted (sp) me to "get out there and do it".. the long rides, the hitch hiking in Mexico, shit like that.

something that i am missing at the moment. due to comittments.
oh and lack of money :whistle:

so read the book, make your own mind up to weather it is good or not, the guy is just telling a story.......

[RiderInBlack]

Try the most excellent "search" facility. There are some interesting and opposed views on the key messages from said tome.Thanks just tried that for KB site and it bounced me back here:rofl: Do you mean full world wide web search or just this site?

Thanks for that BB. Have been curious about said book, but have never got around to reading it.

[Kickaha]

I have. As Hitcher said, there are opposed views. I found it depressing but an interesting read nonetheless and still glad that I read it.

I found it boring as a really boring thing,but that was a few years ago I must have a nother read and see if my opinion chnages

[scumdog]

A perfect night as we followed the sweep of the coastline, stars sparkling above, moonlight dancing on the ocean. Central Otago is also terrific under its starry canopy. I envy Jantar that...

Yes, you haven't lived 'til you have spent a summer night in a sleeping bag (no tent) under the stars in a Southern Alps valley where all you can hear is the creek in the distance. the odd breeze through the trees and the clearest stars in the world above you with the odd meteor... and not a single man-made noise to be heard. :yes:

Or giving a V8 death through the Cromwell Gorge early in the morning to hear the echo of the engine noise bouncing off the gorge walls when you throttle off...... :niceone:

[Big Dave]

Yes, you haven't lived 'til you have spent a summer night in a sleeping bag


"We regard 'roughing it' as less than 4 stars in the AA directory." - Co-pilot

[TonyB]

Nicely written. Amazing how hard it is to actually explain why you ride- why you are hopelessly and happily addicted.

I do have a bit of a problem with his writing off those that only ride on fine weekends or for short distances as not understanding motorcycling. For a start, some of us simply don’t have the time or money to spend day after day riding. We have family commitments, or our own businesses that must be run, or a thousand other reasons. To assume that people who only go on short rides don’t understand motorcycling is just bloody arrogant. I would love to be able to sport tour for weeks and weeks. If I go out for a three day lap of the joys of the south island, I’m always reluctant to return home. But the fact is I’m lucky to be able to find the time and money to do that.

The other thing I have an issue with is his lack of understanding of the other end of the concentration scale. We’ve all seen it on TV- the ‘race face’. When a race car driver lapping at maximum speed has a face that is totally devoid of expression, they seem almost machine like, so total is their concentration. Yes I understand where he’s coming from where riding becomes automatic and your mind is free to roam, but the other end of the scale is just as amazing- when ALL of your conscious thought and concentration is directed towards the task of riding. When your mind is empty of everything except you, your machine, and the road ahead. When all of lifes troubles are momentarily forgotten and all there is, is the ride.

[Blackbird]

Completely agree with you.

There is no way I can go onto autopilot when I'm running at perhaps over 85% of my meagre competence. That's a different scene entirely. Like you, I'm principally a weekend rider but try and do some decent distances occasionally to compensate and keep a reasonable skill level up. The writer could have used better wording about that as it comes across as a wee bit arrogant. I understand his sentiments though as it's only on longer hauls that you get the opportunity to really dial in to the whole motorcycling experience. That's not to say that we don't love a short haul commute or fang though! Pleasure comes at all levels.

Geoff

[pritch]

Regarding Zen and the Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance, I just dusted off my copy. When I read it, over twenty years ago now, it was hard work. Just now on opening a page at random I found it quite absorbing.

Be warned, however, that there is a loose ranging discourse on the meaning of the word "quality" that runs to some thirty pages from memory. If you've never read a book that had the word "metaphysical" in reviews you could find this heavy going.

The BMW (with chain drive) is almost incidental to the story.

Former All Black Captain Graeme Mourie rated it the best book he had ever read.
Then again he did attend the Sorbonne.

Anyway, I'm glad I read it.

[ajturbo]

Sailing interchangable with motorcycling?!?

I can't remember falling asleep motorcycling.

i cannot remeber falling asleep either.. BUT i can remember WAKING UP!!! on the bike.... not good when it was just before a corner.... some how i made it around.... but what i would like to know... WHY DID I WAKE UP JUST THERE????