Why we ride..

[Novice_imp]

Here is an excerpt from a book I'm reading called "The Power of Now." I think it states very well why many of us are attracted to this dangerous yet exciting activity we call motorcycling.

"The reason why some people love to engage in dangerous activities, such as mountain climbing, car racing, and so on, although they may not be aware of it, is that it forces them into the Now —that intensely alive state that is free of time, free of problems, free of thinking, free of the burden of the personality. Slipping away from the present moment even for a second may mean death. Unfortunately, they come to depend on a particular activity to be in that state. But you don’t need to climb the north face of the Eiger. You can enter that state now."

That's it. The need to concentrate on the now overwhelms all other thoughts. I was asked recently if I found riding to be relaxing. I said no. I went on to explain one reason I enjoy riding is the necessity to focus on the now, you get to forsake all other thoughts and focus on what is going on right now. Sitting in the recliner is relaxing, I don't find riding to be.