I just recently re-watched a movie by Transworld Motocross called Why. The movie asks the question of several top level riders from many different disciplines in the moto world. Why do you ride? It’s a great movie with some excellent riding footage and interesting answers to the question. I’ve watched it several times and it’s got me thinking about why I ride.
As I sit in front of the computer trying to put it into words, it’s much more difficult to articulate than I thought it would be. Initially my response to this question is, because its mad fun! But this answer neglects the depth of the reasoning behind why I ride and really only scratches the surface.
The more I think about it, the more I know there’s no simple answer. For me the reason is more of a body and soul thing, sure riding is fun but it’s more like the blood that pulses through my veins. Most riders, if not all that I talk to, can totally relate to this. Ask any of these guys what its like for them to go without riding for a month or more. Then try to describe this to a non-rider and it makes no sense to them, often resulting in them giving you a blank look while doing so.
Explaining this “in my veins” concept to a non rider, while sometimes difficult, is a good exercise as it enables me to reflect more deeply the why I ride. As I do, I realize just how much more there is to the reason I do. One of the most important reasons for me has to be the fact that every time I go riding it is a new experience. Even if I am riding at the same track or trails I ride every weekend, conditions are never the same. This keeps it interesting and ever challenging.
Another reason is there is always room for improvement in my riding technique, no matter how long I ride there will always be something new to learn, a technique to improve or some other rider whose line makes a section of track more fun or faster. Next is the concentration factor; a favorite of mine. Off-road riding is the only place in my life where I can escape the constant assault from my mind, I go to a place where nothing else exists except for the next obstacle. This escape has been a primary reason for my continued sanity throughout my sordid life.
As long as I’m riding fast enough there is no room for thought and there is no room for a laps in concentration, we all know what happens when we lose concentration. Can you say lawn dart?
Another part of why I ride has little to do with the actual act of riding, it’s the camaraderie. A sense of belonging is vital to the human condition and the guys I ride with regularly are the greatest. I’m glad to have met them. We tease each other constantly and challenge one another to reach for greater heights. Good times, it’s a good thing.
In addition to this, the different people who turn up to the track always adds something to the day. You never know how you might meet, what kind of bikes will be there, the different levels of riding ability, all the different personalities.
Isn’t this sport the greatest?
Tell us why do you ride in the comments field below.
Benjamin
