Less bothered about riding

I haven't touched my bike since October and I'm not missing it at all at the moment. I don't need to go anywhere on it and I sure as hell don't want to go anywhere on it!

I'm toying with the idea of selling mine at some point this year and devoting my time to other pursuits for a while, we'll see...

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by Alpinestarhero

I've been happy to give it all up and sit on a nice warm train, even if it takes a little longer and is at the moment costing me more.

..sitting in hot traffic is often worse than being cold...

Matt

A nice warm train full of poor people and terrorists? I think I'd rather freeze

Sitting in traffic? Stop riding like a girl then.

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

A nice warm train full of poor people and terrorists? I think I'd rather freeze

Sitting in traffic? Stop riding like a girl then.

I dunno chris...trains are pretty expensive

as for riding like a girl...well, I filter through most stuff, but when the gap is physically smaller than my SV, I can't get through, and people arn't always so kind to move over

[rictus01]

Hmmmmmmm, interesting debate, can't say I've ever seen it as a "pickup and put down" hobby myself, but appreciate others view it differently.

Oh I've heard all the reasons why this "option is sensible", and "it makes common sense" an so on, but lets be fair, unless you ride a 250 or 500 twin or something of that type the economics don't really add up, the danger and risks are always present to one extent or another, and it's easy to get backing from your peer group on "taking a break", there is always going to be a reason to not ride your bike

IMO it breaks down into two catagories, the I can't ride and the I don't want to, personal limits and practicalities will dictate where your draw the line.

I've been in the former a considerable amount times, but can't remember being in the latter at any point up until now.

For instance I rode over Ice and snow for a week, whilst even close friends who know me well were telling me it couldn't be done, had I chosen to listen to them it no doubt would have been seen as the "sensible choice", and yet I didn't instead I wrapped up warm and used learnt skills from previous years and enjoyed my time on the bike.

The possibility of an off or some other mishap of course exists, but then it always does, and I for one don't ride because it's "safe", that's part of the thrill.

For the first time ever I'm engaged on planned "down time" from the bike and have found my limit, I've had to go to some considerable length to make it happen, in short I've made myself not able to ride currently, the want is still there and burning away, even if it's only 3 days since my last ride, and if I could physically manage it; I know I'd be out there now, but the body isn't capable which is a good thing because it stops me trying......

I've another 25 days to go, I don't know whether I'll manage it, but fortunately I can take my frustration out on exercise; which in turn will make it impossible to ride, so hopefully that'll restrain me enough.

I haven't needed to ride in over 5 years an yet still maintain between 20-40,000 miles a year, I do it for no one else but myself, my "Can't ride" criteria is fairly small and apart from currently, my "don't want to" is virtually none excitant.

It won't be the first or last time others have thought me weird, but I'm happy with that, I guess I share an enthusiasm those new to biking (well done Mike) have even after more than 35 yrs on two wheels.

Cheers Mark.

Had the same feeling when i got back on the bike and i still don't ride like i used to, no where near as confident so i made the decision to be a bit more of a fair weather rider, a lil bit of rain is ok but most of the time, with the lack of confidence it just makes me feel like i gonna crash, but as my cousin says "nowt wrong with riding half the year if you ride it well"

Mark, thanks for your input. I'm in the "dont want to ride" catagory at the moment; i could ride if i wanted to, but i dont want to - never felt like that before though, or at elast not felt it so strongly that I have actually decided the train is better . Going back to what dizzy said, walking out when its cold and unlocking the bike and moving it out for its daily use puts me in a less than enthusastic mood!

Nemesis - thats a good way of thinking

A few years ago I was knocked of my R6 and said right Im stopping....

Then I was introduced to trackdays which then led to riding back on the road and now I get fidgety and stressed if I haven't rode for a few days.

Also getting knocked off seemed to improve my riding maybe it was the thought of 'its gonna happen at some point' which was holding me back.

Originally Posted by Alpinestarhero

I dunno chris...trains are pretty expensive

as for riding like a girl...well, I filter through most stuff, but when the gap is physically smaller than my SV, I can't get through, and people arn't always so kind to move over

Yes- poor people 'cos they've had to fork out for substandard rail service!

I've used public transport way more than usual since Christmas- generally I resent being around people, but for some reason it's been tolerable.

It's funny when you mention filtering, Matt- I think about stuff like that when I'm not on the bike, and worry about all the other drivers on the road and what might happen. Once I'm on the bike, it's fine- but then I'm actually there assessing the situation, rather than sitting in the comfy, worrying about what might happen.

Originally Posted by Alpinestarhero

... not felt it so strongly that I have actually decided the train is better...

For me the train to work is infinitely better at the moment. Sit on a warm train reading a book, fare costs around £3 per day, Vs. 30 odd miles of the M6 in sub-zero temperatures, with ice-rink car parks at either end. I haven't even given taking the bike a serious thought!

Car, train or bus for snowy weather

Hi Matt...

great topic to open up as a debate as I think a lot of folk will be thinking the same with the bad weather and fallen friends lately making us all think,


one comment.. feeling vulnerable.. if you Do go to a VFR I can tell you it feels more stable, more solid and more planted than any other I have ridden.. it is comfy and solid and weighty. good points


bad point is that due to the above you have to remind yourself that you are indeed vulnerable and on a bike.. cos you feel like you are in a car.


just take a break and chill and when the sun comes out you will want to ride again.. especially when you factor in the friendship, the meets. the laughs too.. its not only about the a to b of the ride its the social side as well