I have been to therapy. I have even visited the psych ward, twice. I currently take medication for my mental illness. Yet, my struggle with my mental health is a daily reminder that I must always take the time to check in on my mental state and above all, rest. So, when I began my motorcycle career this past August, I soon realized how beneficial throttle therapy is for me. Motorcycling is a dangerous activity. Death is always present, and the public roads are so unpredictable that arriving to my designation is always a blessing. Yet, through all the challenges I face navigating the Lowcountry on 2-wheels, the benefits of practicing the Art of Motorcycling have outweighed the negativity.

Recently, I read an article in Road Runner magazine, which features motorcycle travels from all over the world, and a small paragraph from an article in Road Runner really hit home for me. The paragraph, which is featured above, sums up much of the positive mental aspects to motorcycling that I agree with. Personally, I have witness a physical and mental transformation in my life. Physically, I have lost weight. I even had to buy a new motorcycle jacket that fits better. Many of the pants and jeans no longer fit and my dress shirts feel enoromus on me. I still wear my larger clothes because I like the reminder of how much weight I have lost. Though I can’t physically document the mental changes, my outlook towards life is improving.

Now, I will say that the Art of Motorcycling is not a cure for my mental illness. Just like medication, therapy, and meditation, motorcycling is just another activity to support positive growth in my life. Sure, I still have bad days. I even rode on Sunday, early, and afterwards spent most of the day struggling with my mental health but I knew I would make it just like I made it home from my early morning ride. To be clear, the Art of Motorcycling is NOT for everyone. But I do encourage those who suffer with a mental illness that they find a postive physical activity to really get the endorphins going. For me, motorcycling offers a brief escape from my daily struggles and always makes me appreciate all the things in my life when I get home after a ride. Maybe it is the little things in life that do us the biggest benefit. And I know, how much better my life is after 2-wheel therapy.

Rolf