Triumphrat

evilfunkgenius · 12-05-2005

What do you think about while riding?

I just picked up Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and started reading it for the second time, and the story is told in first person (inside the thoughts of the main character). And while on a ride yesterday I started thinking about what I actually think about while riding and thought it might be an interesting topic for this forum.

After discussing the topic with a friend after the ride, I realized that I don't typically think of anything at all--it seems to be more like meditation. Ocassionally there is a "ooh look at the nice river"-type thought, but most of my low-level brain functions are busy on a subconscious level with checking traffic or shifting gears or some technical riding skill; keeping the rest of my brain free to relax. Which probably explains why I love riding so much... just me, the bike, and a clear mind. Everything else fades away...

So, how about you? Any "thoughts" on the matter? :-D

03cruiser · 12-05-2005

Besides the paranoid "Everyone is trying to kill me" thoughts, I am constantly finding myself running through Motorhead's greatest hits. Very relaxing.

Thunder_Forever · 12-05-2005

I sing.....out loud even. Not kidding. Unfortunately the songs are usually ones that I hate but can't seem to get out of my head like Cory Hart and junk like that although I don't wear my sunglasses at night.....in fact, where did I put my sunglasses?

evedave · 12-05-2005

When you can think of everything and nothing at the same time you have achieved motorcycling enlightenment. You are the Zenmaster of your Speedmaster .... or Bonnie, whichever be the case.

What better place to de-stress than leaned over in a corner with Led Zeppelin providing the soundtrack to your ride. Misty Mountain Hop .... Black Dog ..... Kashmir .....

boozefighter · 12-05-2005

On long rides by myself I reach a sort of nirvana and enjoy alot of positive thoughts about my life in general. I also have several tunes run through my head by Iron Maiden etc. Occasionally, I'll work out intricate revenge plots against perceived enemies and this gives me a great deal of contentment. Joe :-D

sharpshooter · 12-05-2005

This time of year I am usually thinking how gosh darn cold I am and how I would really rather have a BUICK!!!!!!!!!!

Rick.....................

Ridge · 12-05-2005

Here's my top 10 things I frequently find myself thinking:

"I wonder if I looked as cool as I felt coming around that curve"

"Remember to turn that turn signal off.Remember to turn that turn signal off.Remember to turn that turn signal off."

"Dammit! How long have I been riding with this turn signal on?"

"Where can I find a full length highly reflective storefront window?"

"I need to lose some weight...my gut is like having a tank bag."

"Maybe he'll think it was the car going fast and not me. Can those radars tell if it was the bike or the car...ok Cool, he didn't turn his lights on. "

"I don't think that moron even knows I'm right next to him. Ah good, he's on cell phone..very reassuring...Don't do it, Don't you do it. YOU @#$% !@#$#$...I knew he was going to that.."

"whoa she's hot...probably checkin' me out thinking what it might be like to be with such a super motorcycle stud...with a tankbag-like gut."

"well, screw you too, jackass...That will teach me to wave at a Harley"

"I can't believe I waited so long to have a bike again!"

~Ridge

Ridge · 12-05-2005

Quote:

boozefighter wrote:
...Occasionally, I'll work out intricate revenge plots against perceived enemies and this gives me a great deal of contentment. Joe :-D

:roflmoa2: you kill me!

Thunder_Forever · 12-05-2005

Quote:

On 2005-12-05 13:38, sharpshooter wrote:
This time of year I am usually thinking how gosh darn cold I am and how I would really rather have a BUICK!!!!!!!!!!

Rick.....................

:roflmoa2: Or a pontiac bonneville

markbvt · 12-05-2005

Usually I'm thinking one of the following:

"God, this is fun."
"Oooh! Slowpoke! Come on, either drive like you got a pair or get out of my way!"
"Why hasn't [my riding buddy] passed that guy yet???"
"God, I love this bike."
"***** bugs."
"What's that jacka$$ doing?!"
"Dammit, I don't want to go back home yet."

--mark