I often make riding notes on my iPhone after I ride my 2024 Triumph Speed Twin 900, I call Lucy. I write about my experience and note things that occurred during my ride both mentally and physically. I also note how my training went and generally discuss things that I need to work on and, of course, my achievements. Usually my achievements are small but important victories. Like turning OFF my turn signals when completing a turn. Or, giving myself enough space cushion between me and the vehicle in front of me. Sometimes its completing a weaving exercise during training that results in not missing a single parking spot while weaving a long row of parking spaces. These are small but important achievements that build confidence for me before I start riding on the busy roads of Charleston. Yet, this past Saturday, while out on a ride towards the beautiful country roads in Ravenel, South Carolina, I hit the wall. Not physically speaking, thank goodness, but mentally. The past week leading up to my Saturday morning ride, was during Christmas week. A busy time for everyone. Aside from family stuff, I completed over 400 minutes of exercise which included, cycling, running, and, strength and conditioning workouts. Beginning in December, I started to build my fitness schedule for a triathlon I plan to participate in this coming Summer. So when I started riding Lucy on a beautiful Saturday morning in late December, the weather close to Spring like, I had pushed myself physically hard over the past few weeks. As I left my Mom’s house that morning, I felt good. I was thinking that this Saturday morning ride would be a nice reward for the hard work I had completed that past few weeks.

Riding down Highway 17, towards Ravenel, I began to feel the weight of my fitness journey. I started to feel a cold sweat running down my forehead. Panic began to rise. My old friend, fear, returned, that I had dealt with on so many rides this past year. This fear soon began to make me feel very uncomfortable. I started to loose focus. Though I had complete control of Lucy, was riding within the speed limit, my inner soul spoke to me and suggested I pull over to get a cup of coffee. Spotting a Circle K gas station a few lights ahead, I moved to the right lane, pushed the turn signal for right, and entered the parking lot with relief. I parked as far from the Circle K as possible and took a deep breath. “Let’s get that cup of coffee,” I said to myself. Removing my helmet, gloves, and mask, I entered the Circle K, and found the coffee station. Returning back to Lucy, I enjoyed a hot black cup of coffee, watched the cars and trucks fly by on Highway 17, and smiled. I was relaxed. I felt my confidence reborn and I knew it was time to head home.

“Live to ride another day,” I wrote in my riding notes. Sure, I was disappointed that I didn’t ride those wonderful country roads and let Lucy roar across the beautiful two lanes without many stoplights. Yet, I had to be honest with myself. Mentally, I had hit the wall. The weeks of training for the triathlon had caught up with me. I didn’t feel safe on the bike. Taking a coffee break at Circle K, grounding myself, working on my breathing exercises, had allowed me to realize I was not in the right headspace for a demanding motorcycle ride. And instead of pushing myself more, risking more, I knew that turning around, and riding home, would allow me to live to ride another day. Because at the end of the day, the roads aren’t going anywhere and I would rather enjoy the experience, instead of fighting the experience. I guess as the older I get, it’s more important to put myself in a position to succeed when I feel at my best. Sure, I immediately felt regret at not riding in Ravenel, but later the same day, I was very proud of myself for knowing my limits and saving the experience for another time.

As I close out 2025, and begin 2026, I seek more opportunities to see how my mental health and riding Lucy work out. It’s funny, I can be in the best shape of my life, have a beautiful day to ride Lucy, but if mentally I am not 100%, I know it’s best to return home or not ride at all. Maybe this acknowledgement comes from experience but ultimately, I want to have a long and successful motorcycle career. Returning home after a coffee break at Circle K is a step that will allow me to ride many more days ahead. Too many times in the past, I would “push through” which can create more risk. And riding a motorcycle is risky enough. For now, I will always listen to my inner voice and live to ride another day. Happy new year everyone! May 2026 bring you many wonderful experiences.

Rolf