I agree David that there’s a compelling physical experience while riding for all the reasons you outline. And also how the bike seems to open me up to exploration. Kind of amazing.

Therapeutic benefits — absolutely. As the old saying goes, you never see a motorcycle parked outside a psychiatrist’s office.

I’ve enjoyed the time we’ve spent together on the road David. I hope we can do it again someday.

It’s a wonderful world Paul. And full of a wide range of different people. Some make me smile while others make me mad. I’m happy to experience them.

Roads are magic. I still get excited when I’m on the road.

Entirely a coincidence Jim in terms of upbeat and happy. The only difference I find between the scooter and motorcycle is how much more I stop to make photos on the scooter. There is little difference for me in the operation of either machine. Granted there are more things to do on the motorcycle but there’s a lot of muscle memory in play.

All that said, the experiences are different. But they are the same. Weird huh?

I agree with everything you’ve shared in your comments Frank. It’s work to find that childish curiosity but worth the effort.

Ken, I have to say I understand how you feel. And I’m glad I could provide a little calm in your world. I’m still riding and making photographs but sadly my own state of mind has seemed to have frozen my ability to create a cogent story. But I’ve not given up. Sorry it’s taking so long!

Stay well and keep up the fight. The sun will shine again.

Thanks for your kind words Don. I’m thrilled each time I roll the BMW or the Vespa out of the garage. Riding remains a simple, powerful pleasure.

Songs, stories, and memories, all inform our understanding and experience of the world around us. The road as we witness as we ride is just one special example. Taking in the world… Something I feel grateful to be able to do.

I love the feel of it, the experience of outperforming urban traffic and congestion, the experience of changing lanes, the angle of the bike and the feeling of acceleration and centrifugal forces at play.

I also love how the bike encourages me to explore, to go to places I otherwise might not get to, the way I can always find parking within steps of any destination, to roll into spaces I wouldn’t even consider in a car knowing that getting back out will never be an issue.

In both cases my mind is singularly focused on the experience, assessing threats and opportunities, revelling in the ride.

It’s an experience that is very different from the one you describe because the environments have so little in common. One dominated by nature, the other by humans. One where silence and stillness take over the instant you hit the kill switch, and the other that is never quiet and always in motion.

What they have in common is the therapeutic benefit.

It is a blessing to have ridden with you. When I read your posts it’s almost like dropping by to say hello.