Motorbikes, mental health and big smiles.

[Dixiethedog]

Yesterday, my mate popped in and told me that he had had his first ride of the year on his Royal Enfield bike. And looked happy.

He is 71 (or 2?) and on New Years Eve as the fireworks went off he lost his 93 yr old Mam. Leaving behind his 97 yr old Dad. Sadly his Dad died soon after. May they both RIP.

Understandably, this has taken a tole on him. He seemed to go from a happy go lucky "my glass is half full" to something not so good. It would be safe to say that he has had a lot on his plate this year with what has happened. But I have seen a big chang in him.

"Come in and I'll put the kettle on and tell me all about your ride" I said, and he did. He said, "It was a bit nippy, but it was great to be out on the bike". And he was smiling. And he then told me, "I have managed to get my new rims/wheels back on my new (to him) Triumph", which I think is either a 1959 or a 1961? And he grinned.

What does this say to you? To me it say's, get yourself a bike. Whether it is a project or something that you can use straight away, get yourself a bike!!

[weeksy]

it's not just motorbikes

My bikes give exactly the same in spades.
IMG_20250314_124247 by Steve Weeks, on Flickr

[Trinity765]

I couldn't agree more.

I've been through a period where I didn't want to go out on the bike, especially in the cold or wet. However, even though I'd lost some enthusiasm, when I did go out I'd come home much happier than when I left.

I'm please to say that I've regained my old enthusiasm and looking forward to this years adventures

[Dodgy69]

I think a lot of it is being outdoors. Doing your favourite thing at the same time is a double winner.

[Cousin Jack]

I think a lot of it is being outdoors. Doing your favourite thing at the same time is a double winner.

I always get a kick out of being outdoors in wild places like mountains and moors. My bike is the ideal vehicle to get me there. I enjoy the journey and it is quicker, cheaper and easier to park than any other transport options.

[Noggin]

100% - I've so so missed bikes the last few years. Last summer was bitter sweet as it wasn't a bike that I could easily ride and caused a fair bit of discomfort/pain. But at least I could ride a bit.

Winter is interesting - skiing creates the same mental happiness as motos do in summer. But this year, due to how busy the pistes have been, I've done as much of that either

But, I get a lot out of ski touring when I do that and planning to get a bike I can actually ride as often as I want to for this summer

[Yorick]

When I go out on the Gasgas I just giggle.
100 kgs. 50 gee gees. It's a hoot.

And some of the places we ride are just indescribable here.

When we pass folk they think we're daft kids having fun. Youngest is 54

[Scootabout]

I've recently rediscovered orienteering, after a nearly 50 year break. It's occurred to me I can use the bike to get to events. But I'll need lockable luggage, to put the bike kit in while I'm getting lost in a forest. So, logically, that might imply a new bike...

[mboy]

Currently seeing a therapist to help with a few personal issues I'm going through... Turned up to my first meeting to see a Triumph 1200 Scrambler parked outside. Went in, met the guy, saw his helmet and jacket and confirmed the obvious with him... Great stuff!

Had my 3rd session with him today, turned up on my KTM instead of driving... He wanted to have a look.

He has categorically recommended spending more time on 2 wheels to me (motorised or not as @weeksy states, both are equally effective)... In fact he's gone as far as to say that he thinks riding bikes should be prescribed on the NHS to combat mental health problems!

He's definitely having a positive impact on my mental health anyway, so is well worth the fee!

[Noggin]

Just to add. I didn’t start riding bikes until I was 33 (ok, 32, but only for a couple of weeks!!). I did take my test at 27 but a parachute accident put paid to actually buying a bike at the time and then life got in the way

It I 100% know that getting my first bike and actually using it (all year round for all the time I lived in the uk!!) gave me a balance that I’d been missing. Still took me a few years to get depression under control, also, working out why (probably why anyway) I’ve suffered since I was 13 helped.

But having a bike and some great people teaching me how to ride really saved me - I’d spent quite a few years trying to work out ways to end it all with the least effect on anyone else - didn’t find that way so didn’t do it. But it was in my head from about 15. Bikes reduced that desire a lot!!!

[dern]

So in short we’re happier when we get to do things we like to do? Thanks

[Bigjawa]

but a parachute accident put paid to actually buying a bike........

This is just so "on brand" for you..........

[David]

but a parachute accident put paid to actually buying a bike at the time

I

Why does that not surprise me.....?


And how come they let you drive buses?

[Noggin]

but a parachute accident put paid to actually buying a bike........

This is just so "on brand" for you..........

Wasn't the first time I broke my back either

but a parachute accident put paid to actually buying a bike at the time

I

Why does that not surprise me.....?


And how come they let you drive buses?

Well, TBH, I didn't tell them!! And my boss didn't understand the severity of my disabled arm until January (still not sure he totally gets it!!))

[David]

There are better life choices.....the only bone I have possibly ever broken was a rib....and I have done some moderately scary shit...

[Noggin]

There are better life choices.....the only bone I have possibly ever broken was a rib....and I have done some moderately scary shit...

Define 'better'

First broken vertebra was age 10 - horse riding!!
Second at 27 failed landing of parachute!!

Only did a rib and bits of fingers until age 47 when I destroyed my shoulder!!!
Oh, I did break my leg 3 years ago - mainly trying to protect my shoulder

Considering the way I used to ride bikes (much faster on road than track ), how much time I spent hurtling around the countryside on horses and doing competitions, the skiing etc, I'm quite chuffed I've even survived!!!

The odd broken bone in the last 45 isn't "that" bad

[David]

you are a star...look after yourself.

[Dixiethedog]

So in short we’re happier when we get to do things we like to do? Thanks

Mrs. Dixiethedog and myself recently took the train in Newcastle, a 15 minute journey with trains probably running 3 times an hour. So, just the train equivalent to a bus, nothing special, just a train. And as we pulled in towards the platform we noticed "Trainspotters" jotting down something into their notepads as we passed by. I am not going to call these anorak wearing (trainspotters uniform) people, saying the usual things that you might hear about them. I am going to say the opposite. These saddo's ( ) have a passion, a lust for their hobby. They must get up in the morning with excitement to know they are going to stand at the end of a platform in a train station to watch trains go by.

But they are happy , as like you say, because they are doing something that they like doing.

But whether it be doing the garden, spotting a train, riding a bike, riding a motorbike, baking a cake, painting a picture, playing a musical instrument... the list could go on forever, you have hit the nail on the head. We are happier when we do things that we like to do.

[darthpunk]

I'm constantly in the midst of mental health struggles, won't bore anyone with the details.

What I can add is that when I did my CBT about 3 years ago, having never ridden anything other than a scooter round a car park and a mountain bike, I never had a negative thought during the training or for about 2 days after, the nearest I can say I came to being filled with joy. While doing the CBT and riding around with the instructor, I just could not give up any brain power to feeling down.

I started mountain biking again just this last week, been out three times. Every time is a struggle to get over the door, but it does take my mind off things quite nicely while i'm out.

There's a lot to be said for two wheels

[Noggin]

I'm constantly in the midst of mental health struggles, won't bore anyone with the details.

What I can add is that when I did my CBT about 3 years ago, having never ridden anything other than a scooter round a car park and a mountain bike, I never had a negative thought during the training or for about 2 days after, the nearest I can say I came to being filled with joy. While doing the CBT and riding around with the instructor, I just could not give up any brain power to feeling down.

I started mountain biking again just this last week, been out three times. Every time is a struggle to get over the door, but it does take my mind off things quite nicely while i'm out.

There's a lot to be said for two wheels

I find this too. I know it's not two wheels, but I bloody love ski touring (the simple sort, only ON piste!!) - it makes me so happy, calmer, more chilled and definitely keeps the demons at bay. But damn it's hard to actually get out and do it.

Daft as it makes me feel good, I know it will make me feel good, but I really struggle to get my shit together and JFDI


(I don't have the same issue with getting out on a bike - the moto type!! I do sometimes put it off if my arm is hurty, but I find it way easier to JFDI than the ski touring)