Riding motorcycles delivers different experiences for everyone who does it. No matter what you're chasing, the unpredictability of each experience and the routes you choose bring excitement and something to be learned. Opening our minds and spirits to the idea of the road is what lures so many of us deep thinkers into this world.
Maybe it’s because I’m an ADV rider, or maybe it’s just that these bikes allow me to move forward no matter the road conditions. Either way, the idea of a reverse gear doesn’t exist in the moto world (except on a few big heavy cruisers) — and with good reason.
Making decisions that are presented to us is critical to our daily existence, whether you're choosing a route for a ride, staying out late to have one more drink, or staying in to work on something. We must own our choices and look forward, always.
Learning from our past is critical to growth, but we can’t go backwards — no matter the cost. Nostalgia and longing for days gone by are the easiest ways to get lost and set yourself up for disappointment. Shifting into reverse might help you ease your way around an obstacle once in a while, but it’s not a long-term strategy.
I’ve found that the ups, downs, and chaos of modern life push many of us off the deep end in search of something better. Whether we find peace in western philosophy or the simple practice of mindfulness, living life with intent is easier said than done. It’s easy to blame the instant gratification we were raised on, instead of taking ownership of our lives and doing what we truly want.
Once we identify what we want, we have to plant the seeds of the life we wish to grow.
The metaphor writes itself: plant — water — grow — harvest.
But we often forget the most important ingredient: time.
Things do not happen overnight, at least not anything of true meaning and stability.
If you’re like me, you get an idea or a new desire and tirelessly chase it until you obtain it. Some things turn out better than others. No matter the magnitude, I have to remind myself: take one step forward at a time, and be patient in the slow growth.
It’s only with the passing of time — and perspective — that we’re able to see the fruits of our labors.
Had we shifted into reverse, that progress never would have happened.
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