I spend a fair amount of my time trying to get things done as quickly as possible. From the work I do, to cooking dinner, I have noticed that I am in a bit of a rush throughout my day. While working to complete tasks in a efficient manner, getting dinner cooked and served before “The Wheel of Fortune” is delightful, this process of speeding throughout the day will create mental fatigue and decrease positivity if rest is not activated. As much as I try to slow day during my day, I always feel I need to go faster and get more shit done.

Last Friday during my commute to work while riding Lucy, my 2024 Triumph Speed Twin 900, I felt aggressive and ready to attack each turn as fast as possible. While exciting as the ride was, the next day I wondered if I was really having fun on the bike? Or was I just trying to get to ride as fast as possible and ultimately ride my motorcycle like working my job. I honestly felt that it was more about getting to work as quick as possible and not about enjoying the ride. Taking in the sights, the smells, and the experience of being on two-wheels. It was almost as if I had a deadline I needed to meet. Like if I didn’t go as fast as I could on my new motorcycle, my reward would be lost. This was silly and dangerous mentality to have while riding a bike. I want to enjoy my ride, not create a “rushed” experience.

This past Sunday, after having a phone conversation with a fellow motorcyclist, who is supporting me on my motorcycle journey, he emphasized a few important ideas for me to apply to during my ride. Once I had finished the call, I looked at my notes and in large red letters, and underlined, the words “HAVE FUN” and “taking your time” were written at the top of my steno pad paper. I knew I had to employ this understanding into my next ride. It is true that you need to be aggressive on the bike in certain situations but this does not mean for the entire ride.

Waking up Sunday, I finished cleaning Lucy, and went back to bed for an hour to rest. I was going to ride this day but wanted to set the mood for my ride by instilling the idea of “having fun” and “taking my time”. During my rest period, I practiced meditation, listened to positive affirmations, and worked on slowing my breathing down. I deliberately went slow with my pre-ride routine after an hour of rest. Making sure I had everything I needed. I opened the garage door, played some chill music and took inventory of everything around me. I got dressed slowly, checked the pressure in my tires, and rolled Lucy out onto the street. After suiting up, I started Lucy, did my pre-ride check, and mounted her. Slowly I closed my eyes, visualized a epic ride, and opened my eyes. I was ready.

Arriving back home, safely and in one piece, me and Lucy, I checked my watch. I was gone for 5 hours! Please note I did not ride for 5 hours but about 3 hours. Throughout my Sunday ride, I made stops, took mental breaks which my friend had encouraged, ate at each stop to keep sharp and focused on the road, and really had fun. It was one of favorite rides yet. Slowing down helped me to focus better, have more fun, enjoy the experience of riding Lucy, and really be more safe on the road. Looking back at this riding experience on Sunday, I have applied what I learned throughout the week without riding my motorcycle. The small bits I focused on this past Sunday really allowed me to progress through my work week in a better state of mind. Now the goal is to be consistent. And practice this each time I ride.

Rolf