almost spiritual experience whilst riding.

[FROSTY]

Whilst out on a decent ride the other day I found myself in an almost trancelike state. The world had slowed down even though I was at the legal speed limit. Totally aware of everything around me yet able to sort out in my head a heap of major and minor issues in my life.
I finished the ride feeling refreshed and as if a huge load had been lifted from my shoulders
Sorry if this sounds like gibberish Im just wondering if I'm alone in this experience.

[yungatart]

Definitely not alone. I love riding for that very reason. it gives me time to think, plan, organise my muddled up head, commune with nature and talk to my God. After that I get to sing to my hearts content!! Yep riding is truly a wonderful thing!

[MSTRS]

Whilst out on a decent ride the other day I found myself in an almost trancelike state. The world had slowed down even though I was at the legal speed limit. Totally aware of everything around me yet able to sort out in my head a heap of major and minor issues in my life.
I finished the ride feeling refreshed and as if a huge load had been lifted from my shoulders
Sorry if this sounds like gibberish Im just wondering if I'm alone in this experience.
No you are not alone, but their names haven't been published yet.
Know what you mean. It is the greatest feeling. Like hooking up that 4th pluglead after trying it on 3 for awhile.

[sAsLEX]

The world had slowed down even though I was at the legal speed limit.

Had that feeling on TS rg coming back from KB rally, felt like I was only going walking pace then a cop flashed me and I relised I wasn't lol

[inlinefour]

Whilst out on a decent ride the other day I found myself in an almost trancelike state. The world had slowed down even though I was at the legal speed limit. Totally aware of everything around me yet able to sort out in my head a heap of major and minor issues in my life.
I finished the ride feeling refreshed and as if a huge load had been lifted from my shoulders
Sorry if this sounds like gibberish Im just wondering if I'm alone in this experience.

I make alot of my major decisions while riding a motorcycle...

[Zed]

Sorry if this sounds like gibberish Im just wondering if I'm alone in this experience.Well put Frosty. You're not alone there at all!

Motorcycling is my preferred method of escapism, and it is often when I feel most alone with God. :niceone:

[Ixion]

Nope.Not alone . Know that whereof you speak. Suspect many motorcyclists do, even if not all articulate it. Only surprised if it's the first time it's happened to you.

And agree Mr Zed, too. 'Tis a blessed moment, in all senses of the word.

[FROSTY]

nope Ixion--far from the first time.Funny thing that when Im totally in the zone racing I have a similar experience.Of all things in the last race at taupo I realised I needed washing powder to wash my work clothes

[Ixion]

nope Ixion--far from the first time.Funny thing that when Im totally in the zone racing I have a similar experience.Of all things in the last race at taupo I realised I needed shopping powder to wash my work clothes

Hm. Mr Zed at such times finds his thoughts turn to God. Yours turn toward washing powder. Ah well, who can say which is more important in the great schem of things.

[Zed]

Hm. Mr Zed at such times finds his thoughts turn to God. Yours turn toward washing powder. Ah well, who can say which is more important in the great schem of things.O don't be so daft Ixion, I've had insignificant thoughts when riding too such as paying my bills!! :wacko:

[Ixion]

O don't be so daft Ixion, I've had insignificant thoughts when riding too such as paying my bills!! :wacko:

Calm down, lad. Twas but the contrast betwixt thee speaking of God at such moments and Mr Frosty speaking of washing powder , struck me as amusing. 'Tis the comedy of the sublime and the profane, on two wheels. No offence intended to either party

[myvice]

3 days without riding and Jax wants to kill me!
Best way to clear the head.

[Zed]

Calm down, lad. Twas but the contrast betwixt thee speaking of God at such moments and Mr Frosty speaking of washing powder , struck me as amusing. 'Tis the comedy of the sublime and the profane, on two wheels. No offence intended to either partySorry Ixion, I should have used the :msn-wink: smilie to clarify that my post was a PT.

As you were...

[erik]

I don't think I've ever had that experience while riding. I think I'm too busy focusing on riding and making sure I don't lose concentration etc. Maybe I'm just not experienced enough.

Kinda on the topic: attached is an article from Australian Motorcycle News on being in the zone.

[Pathos]

After my ride to raglan I stopped at the beach shore and just stared for about half an hour. I had never felt more relaxed.

Its probably because you burn so much adrenalin while riding.

[FROSTY]

nope Eric---not kinda--actually exactly -darn doncha hate it wjhen someone says what you wanna say but 10 times better

[Ixion]

Yeah, the article sounds sort of the same thing, though, speaking for myself, I don't have to be racing (in fact never will be!), or even going fast.

Never had it happen in a cage, never had it happen in city traffic. Have had it on the open road, on beaches and on bush tracks. Always on the bike.

When it happens the actual riding sort of becomes almost automatic - not in the sense of not concentrating on it, but sort of becoming so aware of everything that I can ride and still have heaps of clarity and attention to spare.

Wish I could do that on demand, maybe that's what those Eastern mystics, or Christian saints can do.

EDIT. And, yeah it is sort of an "out of body " thing, in that it doesn't seem to be "me" doing the riding (even though it obviously is). But I'm sort of aware of myself riding, from the outside so to speak. And it's the "outside" me that is so calm and relaxed.

[Zed]

...I think I'm too busy focusing on riding and making sure I don't lose concentration etc.That's partly where this "almost spiritual experience" comes from, during that deep concentration your mind can wander off on to other more/less important issues, but the riding must always remains your focus point as the object to the whole feel of it. If you lose concentration your spiritual experience will become a painful physical one!


Maybe I'm just not experienced enough.Probably true.

[riffer]

I think I now what you mean Frosty.

The bike gets lighter and smoother, you forget about the little niggles that you had - that aching neck is gone and that irritating noise that's been bugging you about the bike goes...

and everything goes kinda quiet...

nearest thing to heaven mate. :yes:

[FROSTY]

I think I now what you mean Frosty.

The bike gets lighter and smoother, you forget about the little niggles that you had - that aching neck is gone and that irritating noise that's been bugging you about the bike goes...

and everything goes kinda quiet...

nearest thing to heaven mate. :yes:
thats not a good way to talk about the missus there mate :devil2:
the neck pain was her karate choppin ya and the noise was her screamin at ya to slow down --you lost em both when ya slid her off the back pullin that big mono :devil2:
dare ya to show this to G

[riffer]

Yeah right like she's up at this hour.

Or she'd actually get on the back of my bike.

You'll keep, matey.

[oldrider]

Stay alive just so you can just keep on experiencing those feelings they just get better and better and better etc etc etc everytime you :ride: :yes:

[Dadpole]

Posted by Riffer

The bike gets lighter and smoother, you forget about the little niggles that you had - that aching neck is gone and that irritating noise that's been bugging you about the bike goes...

and everything goes kinda quiet...

I have always put it down to the concentration you are putting in. Have had similar (but much shorter) sensation fly fishing

[mstriumph]

....it's as though there is no defining line between me, the bike, the air, the light, the road, the engine note, the universe --- and i/we/whatever are intoxicated with the glory of it..... truly the only time i feel fully alive.

....and now i've told you that i shall have to kill you.

[SPman]

Fully with you there Tony.

Today, as the speed ramped up, the road turned into a waif like ribbon, the engine smoothed, the scenery turned into a blur, apart from the thought of lurking plod and walking for the rest of my life..., all felt at one with the world....

[Pixie]

After my ride to raglan I stopped at the beach shore and just stared for about half an hour. I had never felt more relaxed.

Its probably because you burn so much adrenalin while riding.
People who describe extreme pursuits as producing a surge of adrenaline are totally off the mark.
If you have ever experienced an adrenaline surge you will know the difference:frighteningly rapid pulse accompanied by the urge to throw up,often with time dilation effects -It is not a pleasurable experience.
What we experience on a bike or in other activities,is the result of other hormones,dopammine being one of many.

[Pixie]

I've often wondered if riding a bike is a better way to reach that state which adherents of Transcendental Meditation try to achieve,than sitting on one's butt chanting 'Om mani padme om'

[loosebruce]

A GSXR1000 doesn't go slow enough for that kinda carry on, it's all about the next corner and next straight to wheelie down and er every now and then is that cop turning around?

[justsomeguy]

Yup - know what you mean......

Finish a whole days riding out in the country and feel like you've just slept for hours......

Or just do a lap of scenic drive - more fun at night.....

[raster]

I'm still yet to get that on a bike as I haven't been relaxed enough on a bike yet.
Had it cages many times,
Most memorable: Had cortina GTE MkII, pride and joy at the time, just rebuilt the engine and running it in, thort I'd go to wellington and back. South of Hamilton somewhere, when they started putting cats eyes as lane markings, new passing lane, 3 lines of cats eyes late at night, wheels running sweet, sweeping bends.....I did a Uee and did that bit of road 3 more times.

Still got back in 16 hours, bought an icecream at Pikokariki(JAFFA sp) :whistle:

I love anything motorised.

[750Y]

Hm. Mr Zed at such times finds his thoughts turn to God. Yours turn toward washing powder. Ah well, who can say which is more important in the great schem of things.

cleanliness is next to godliness...

[Beemer]

nope Ixion--far from the first time.Funny thing that when Im totally in the zone racing I have a similar experience.Of all things in the last race at taupo I realised I needed shopping powder to wash my work clothes

Tell me Frosty, what is this shopping powder you are speaking of? Is it more effective than washing powder or does it do the same old job? :whistle:

Know what you mean about your experience though, sometimes I can be riding along and everything seems right - the traffic (if there is any!) is flowing well, the sun is warm and high, the breeze light - and I get that excited feeling in the pit of my stomach that reminds me of why I ride a bike. I'm still alert - in fact I seem to notice every little thing - but I feel totally relaxed and at peace.

[notme]

Know what you mean Frosty.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=11780

Actually I had another bloody good one today but that was less sadn/reflective and more happy/forward looking. :ride:

[FROSTY]

Tell me Frosty, what is this shopping powder you are speaking of? Is it more effective than washing powder or does it do the same old job? :whistle:

oops eeejut me

[FROSTY]

need another long ride methinks

[ZorsT]

I just got back from a large (ish) ride, I feel great :)