Last weekend I attended “Scrambler Saturday” at my local Triumph Dealer and had an amazing experience. With a bit of light rain, I rode two different Triumph Scrambler motorcycles and had a blast. During my three-hour visit I met other motorcyclists who, like me, shared a love for all things two-wheels, especially Triumphs. We talked about motorcycle travels, life, and how much we all love riding motorcycles. It was fantastic. After a lunch break, I spoke with a fellow rider and described how I navigate the busy Charleston roads. During our conversation we discussed matters about how much traffic impacts our rides and how being aware while riding is so important to our safety. I soon revealed a philosophy of mine, I called it “The Box”. I described how I think of a box that surrounds me while I ride my Triumph on the busy Lowcountry roads. The Box is an imagery box that keeps me safe and aware at all times. Using this particular mindset, I know that any vehicle or animal that enters my box, I must take action. What surprised me is how well this resonated with the person I was speaking too.

To break it down The Box theory, it is an invisible boundary that surrounds me at all times while I travel on my Triumph. The box expands the slower I go and tightens up the faster I go. Thus, the box protects me from myself and makes me consider all that surrounds me while on the road. I must be patient. I must acknowledge that I am vulnerable, and above all, threats that enter my box, at any time, must be dealt with. This can mean either speeding up to create more space, which means my box tightens up, or slowing down and moving to a more open space on the road, if possible, which thus keeps the box wide and me safe.

I honestly don’t remember when I started applying The Box theory to my riding but lately, I have been using The Box while riding each time. The Box is a constant reminder to be ever on-guard against threats. Motorcycling is an amazing experience. But with such high risk, the out comes can be life-changing. By instituting The Box into my rides, I have quickly learned to always check my mirrors, every 5-10 seconds, watch my speed, be aware of traffic patterns in front and behind me, and always, always, prepare for the unexpected. The Box is a testament to understanding space and lane position on the road. This negotiation of position, especially on two lane roads, keeps me focused and ultimately as safe as I can be while riding. Of course, shit happens. But if I can improve my changes of being successful with The Box, I feel more confident each and every ride. Feel free to use The Box theory yourself while riding. It might just save your life.

Rolf