MOOD - its affect on riding

[TheDark]

Has anyone any comment on how their mood affects their riding?

This morning I rode to work agitated --- I won't do that again;

my usually smooth, enjoyable and almost spiritual ride was replaced by something jerky, aggressive, inconsiderate and pre-occupied.

I rode way faster than my skill level, pissed off other road-users and generally relied on luck to get me thru.

OK confession-time over ............. time to share YOUR experiences.

[WickedOne]

Totally agree, when I am in a bad mood I ride inconsiderably and much faster (and take greater risks) than normal.

[Motu]

I've always been an exceptional rider when drunk,few are as fast as me.

[DemonWolf]

Welcome to KB TheDark.. and you are correct.. your mood does affect your riding ability if you let it. When riding you need to concentrate on riding... not on whats pissing you off.. which is why most people (that I know) enjoy riding, because it takes the mind off whats annoying\pissing them off.. and they then tend to relax (from the stressful situation) and concentrate on the ride.

[DemonWolf]

I've always been an exceptional rider when drunk,few are as fast as me.

I've only riden once while 'drunk' way back in my 'hayday' and I dropped the bike doing a U-turn because I missed my driveway.. haven't done it again and will never do it again.....

but in saying that I've riden while being seedy-as-hell which isn't any good either.

[WickedOne]

Welcome to KB TheDark.. and you are correct.. your mood does affect your riding ability if you let it. When riding you need to concentrate on riding... not on whats pissing you off.. which is why most people (that I know) enjoy riding, because it takes the mind off whats annoying\pissing them off.. and they then tend to relax (from the stressful situation) and concentrate on the ride.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Too true, after a short while and when I get into the ride I forget about my bad mood and enjoy the ride. Once in the zone all those problems seem to fade away.

[The_Dover]

I can't relax or find any rythm if i'm fucked off. My whole body is just too tense and I sit upright.

[DemonWolf]

What do you find yourself thinking about though? Are you concentrating on the ride? and if you are already tense before the ride.. how about trying some stretches and calming deep breaths before jumping on the bike? Ya just need to learn how to relax before jumping on the bike.. and if you can't then think about alternative transportation.. not worth risking your life over... IMHO

[WickedOne]

I know what you mean Dover (Have a bit of a hard time controlling my temper/ moods at times). I find the best way to forget about other stuff is to just concentrate on my riding, work on my lines and never forget to laugh at myself (even though I feel a bit insane talking and laughing to myself in my lid sometimes!!!)

[Dont_die_wondering]

i ride fine in all moods, when im pissed off its usually slightly more aggressive , but not by much lol - its pritty much like that all the time lmao - its true tho, moods effect the way ya handle things, and LOL@wickedone!

[Smorg]

I've always been an exceptional rider when drunk,few are as fast as me.

Thats what i was going to say, im always way more confident when Im really drunk. No way anyone can match my skills

[MrMelon]

Yeah I'm quite self conscious about my riding... a couple of vodkas stops that though!

[sunhuntin]

i prefer a good short blast in the country if im wound up. it doesnt really affect my riding, but i will wear less gear than normal if its sunny enough. i have noticed when riding in an impatient/late for work mind, that i have more near misses [or so it seems]

sometimes i get to work too early and go for a quick [10-20min] blast up by the lake, that involves a coupla hills and a 70k zone that opens onto a nice straight. [seen a cop on that straight though, so now i ease up first] that generally blows that dust out. depending on which hill i take i can get over the top doing about 60/70k. quick short ride, but encompasses everything i like.

[vifferman]

No, my mood doesn't affect my riding - my riding is always bad!

[Str8 Jacket]

I dont find stress etc affects my riding, I go to the gym if im that bad but sometimes I'll get on the bike and everything just feels wrong. I end up riding like shite and like Dover tend to sit upright in a rigid position, nothing I do can stop the feeling. Its weird. Other times I'll get on the bike and everything feels great so I'll keep riding longer and find that I can lean the bike over furthur and brake later into corners etc. The brains a funny 'ol thing...