Why do I ride?

SAM642
Posts
149
Joined
11/1/2014
Location
AU
Edited Date/Time 9/3/2015 7:35pm
Looking for ideas/advice...

I am meant to be racing this Sunday, I race clubman lites, 2013 crf250r that I got brand new, before it I had a Suzuki Drz400sm. I started working in a bike shop and got talked in to trying mx, loved it from then, we used to ride four times a week, I practiced really hard, joined the gym and was getting Good, thought I could do OK in clubman considering I didn't start riding til 23, one week before race season I broke my talus, still causes me trouble now and took me well over a year to get back on the bike, been riding again for a few months now, raced once or twice but due to getting back into my trade I can't ride as much (once a week, sometimes Thursday evenings)

So anyway I keep asking myself why I still ride, I don't take it as seriously and I can't ride as much, I don't have as many people to ride with (moved two hours away for work) and since my ankle injury i worry about if I hurt myself, what if I break my neck or even just an arm or something that puts me off work? Not to mention all the cleaning and the cost! Boots are getting worn, service parts etc. I don't always ride as hard cus I get scared I will hurt myself.

last time i got hurt it put a lot of strain on me and the mrs and like I said still affects me. I want to build a road bike, cafe racer or bobber and keep thinking of selling the MX bike to fund it. But I can't bring myself to do it, I still follow all the media and pulp mx, dmxs etc, I love the sport and I just don't know what to do

Advice?
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mx836
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5577
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4/2/2008
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;, BF
9/2/2015 6:26am
Keep riding. You only live once.
SAM642
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149
Joined
11/1/2014
Location
AU
9/2/2015 6:33am
To the point I like it..! But what if fuck myself up and can't do lots of other stuff
mehow2g
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251
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2/3/2014
Location
AU
9/2/2015 6:43am Edited Date/Time 9/2/2015 6:43am
I rode from age 4-13 I quit due to reasons I rather not say, I always missed it during my teens when I got out of highschool I was really money hungry but quickly learnt work is probably the worst thing in my life and money is useless as I grew out of having material objects like a nice car nice everything.

I'm 25 and I just got a bike in Feb because I wanted to use my body while its some what youthful and I'm happy I did because at the end of the day there's no better hobby I enjoy than Motocross and I refuse to stop doing things I enjoy because of work and money, life is short live it.

What the point in stacking up money for retirement at 65 when you cannot enjoy the fruits of your labour?

Life is short do everything you love as much as possible.
9/2/2015 6:52am
I was at a similar situation a few years ago where I crashed and knocked myself out for a good bit of time. And I was in my last last year of college and decided to take a step back and focus on finishing school. During that time nothing really changed besides not riding. Still followed the sport religiously and used the year off to fix my bike plus give it a little extra love and just kinda rest my body. Believe me at some point you will know if you want to ride again or not.

for me I couldn't honestly go ride until the fear of crashes/getting hurt was gone again. Not to say that I don't Think it could happen but when I'm thinking about it on the bike is where I have a problem

The Shop

slackinoff
Posts
305
Joined
11/18/2014
Location
Nacogdoches, TX, USA
9/2/2015 6:57am
Keep riding! Don't make it too hard on yourself, #1 thing is to have a good time.

Start working around the things you don't like about riding....

Who says you have to clean your stuff? Who says you have to ride fast, be competitive and fit?

Get out there and have a great time, that's what matters.
DoctorJD
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2978
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Location
Somewhere in..., GA, USA
9/2/2015 7:08am
If you have no passion for it, and fear as set in, then sell everything and quit. If you love riding, and the risk is worth the reward, then carry on. I've seen both sides of the coin. I'm never more alive and happier than when I'm riding. When I'm not riding, all I think about is riding. That goes for my bicycles, as well. If I weren't involved in these sports, I guess I'd be a couch potato, just lying around drinking and playing video games. Or worse, going back to golf.

I don't race much, and in my old age (52), I'm very selective of what tracks I ride, and what jumps I'm willing to do. You have to tone down your ego a bit. It was tough at first, but I've come to terms with it, and I enjoy the sport a hell of a lot more as a result. Keep this in mind: Just because there's a 90' uphill triple on the track, doesn't mean you have to jump it.
CarlinoJoeVideo
Posts
7517
Joined
11/30/2013
Location
Portland/Los Angeles, CA, USA
9/2/2015 7:11am
Everyone makes good points. Building a vintage cafe street bike is fun and very convient to ride. And not to scare you from street riding, but what's to stop you from getting hurt riding on the road? In LA I feel way more scared on the road then riding on the track...

Moral of the story is that most action sports activities are dangerous but that's also why it's adicting. Just do what makes you happy and if you need time off moto, take time and maybe you'll come back. I did.
HazemG
Posts
545
Joined
9/24/2013
Location
LA, CA, USA
9/2/2015 8:04am
I had a similar situation occur which led me to a crossroad. I chose to put my body and career first. It's been nearly a year and I still log onto vital day in and day out to get my moto fix. I enjoy keeping current but I've eliminated the risk of injury. if I were ever to get back into it, it would likely be trail riding.
JeepnMike
Posts
2525
Joined
10/18/2012
Location
Enumclaw, WA, USA
9/2/2015 8:09am
Is your bike paid off? Bikes are like boats.. If you have it and it is paid for, never sell it! The only exception would be if you are upgrading. Just like boats, if you sell it and regret it, you will pay dearly for a replacement that isn't a downgrade. Of course if you are convinced riding / racing is definitely not going to happen, that changes everything. If you are on the fence, never sell though.

Personally, I haven't raced since 1994. I still follow the sport like I did then and am as passionate about it as ever. I have way too much responsibility to my family at this point in my life to bother with MX. I keep myself fit biking and running, but for track thrills, I stick to RC racing where I have no chance of breaking my neck. There is always a chance for a black eye (some will get the joke/jab), but it is pretty safe for the most-part Tongue Grinning
hvaughn88
Posts
8361
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6/19/2013
Location
Conway, AR, USA
9/2/2015 8:10am
JeepnMike wrote:
Is your bike paid off? Bikes are like boats.. If you have it and it is paid for, never sell it! The only exception would be...
Is your bike paid off? Bikes are like boats.. If you have it and it is paid for, never sell it! The only exception would be if you are upgrading. Just like boats, if you sell it and regret it, you will pay dearly for a replacement that isn't a downgrade. Of course if you are convinced riding / racing is definitely not going to happen, that changes everything. If you are on the fence, never sell though.

Personally, I haven't raced since 1994. I still follow the sport like I did then and am as passionate about it as ever. I have way too much responsibility to my family at this point in my life to bother with MX. I keep myself fit biking and running, but for track thrills, I stick to RC racing where I have no chance of breaking my neck. There is always a chance for a black eye (some will get the joke/jab), but it is pretty safe for the most-part Tongue Grinning
how can you post that and not post the picture, haha!
Crush
Posts
21115
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4/26/2009
Location
Sydney, AU
9/2/2015 8:26am
Ride offroad, don't try go nuts, ride for fun, ride grass track.

Road bikes aren't the answer–from an enjoyment or safety point of view.
9/2/2015 8:43am
Its a tough one but no one else can really answer that question for you. Its a pretty simple risk/reward ratio, does the enjoyment you get when you are on track equal the effort and risk involved getting it.

I was in a similar position lately, been riding 25 years a couple of times a week, but with the gradual closure of tracks in the area combined with work commitments it became more and more difficult. Factor in cleaning (since its wet 90% of the time here), prep and hours of travel to even a local track the effort put in didn't match the enjoyment. Called it a day, bought a stand up jet ski and never looked back Smile
9/2/2015 8:49am
Stop riding but keep your bike and stuff for when the urge to ride comes back.
Markee
Posts
3668
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4/15/2013
Location
Suffolk, VA, USA
9/2/2015 8:50am
If you need reasons to keep riding, then you have already quit.

I love everything two wheels, I ride mx, I build vintage harleys and marvel at modern street bikes. Don't for one second think you are safer on the road. Riding around with all the cages with fat america out to mow you down on the way to walmart is a real concern.

Outsider
Posts
10628
Joined
1/29/2009
Location
Huntington Beach, CA, USA
9/2/2015 8:58am
It's not rocket science, just hang it up for now. But, keep your shit, tools and gear... you will miss it and if you return just get a used bike and go.
hvaughn88
Posts
8361
Joined
6/19/2013
Location
Conway, AR, USA
9/2/2015 8:59am
Outsider wrote:
It's not rocket science, just hang it up for now. But, keep your shit, tools and gear... you will miss it and if you return just...
It's not rocket science, just hang it up for now. But, keep your shit, tools and gear... you will miss it and if you return just get a used bike and go.
That's what I did. Sold my bike, kept all my stuff. If I get the itch, I'll get another bike.
9/2/2015 10:06am
SAM642 wrote:
To the point I like it..! But what if fuck myself up and can't do lots of other stuff
If you cannot get past the "possibility of injury", it's probably best to hang it up. That in itself will nag you, until you crash! Even when going to just practice, I get a little "nervous". This is serious shit, it must be taken seriously, always! However, once I'm on the bike, there are no other thoughts! You must be able to block it out, period!

Costs, those are real, no way around it!

For some, moto is a way of life, for others, it's a hobby. If you're the latter, it's o.k. to step away...

JeepnMike
Posts
2525
Joined
10/18/2012
Location
Enumclaw, WA, USA
9/2/2015 10:06am Edited Date/Time 9/2/2015 10:08am
JeepnMike wrote:
Is your bike paid off? Bikes are like boats.. If you have it and it is paid for, never sell it! The only exception would be...
Is your bike paid off? Bikes are like boats.. If you have it and it is paid for, never sell it! The only exception would be if you are upgrading. Just like boats, if you sell it and regret it, you will pay dearly for a replacement that isn't a downgrade. Of course if you are convinced riding / racing is definitely not going to happen, that changes everything. If you are on the fence, never sell though.

Personally, I haven't raced since 1994. I still follow the sport like I did then and am as passionate about it as ever. I have way too much responsibility to my family at this point in my life to bother with MX. I keep myself fit biking and running, but for track thrills, I stick to RC racing where I have no chance of breaking my neck. There is always a chance for a black eye (some will get the joke/jab), but it is pretty safe for the most-part Tongue Grinning
hvaughn88 wrote:
how can you post that and not post the picture, haha!
Ha!Laughing This post will be proof of if our fearless leader reads every post or not Wink I searched, and the thread and picture still exists. Proof that folks take RC racing more serious than folks take MX. The only difference, one group of guys are out of shape nerds, the other, obviously the opposite, but somehow more mellow.
9/2/2015 10:14am
JeepnMike wrote:
Ha!:laugh: This post will be proof of if our fearless leader reads every post or not ;) I searched, and the thread and picture still exists...
Ha!Laughing This post will be proof of if our fearless leader reads every post or not Wink I searched, and the thread and picture still exists. Proof that folks take RC racing more serious than folks take MX. The only difference, one group of guys are out of shape nerds, the other, obviously the opposite, but somehow more mellow.
Getting a black eye, racing RC car's is laughable! Who does that? Only a select few are capable of such a feat!
kkawboy14
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11486
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6/5/2015
Location
USA
9/2/2015 11:06am
We all used to have a load of fun when we were beginners and riding slow....so how fast you ride and how big you go has nothing to do with the level of fun you have.
PFitzG38
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1743
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11/6/2009
Location
Newport Beach, CA, USA
9/2/2015 11:13am
Your asking us advice on THAT!! Most of us on here ask ourselves that question all the time. The answer lies in the statement:

"I'll stop racing when I hate laying in bed injured more than I love racing motorcycles"

I'm lucky to live in SoCal and can race with a club that I feel is far safer than any practice track. Motocross Racing isn't for everyone, and that's OK.

For what it's worth I quit for 18 years after I broke my neck 32 years ago. I was one of the very first people to ever wear a halo brace. I race all the time now and have broken a couple bones since I started back up, but I fully regret the 18 years I was away.
fidiot
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661
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3/18/2014
Location
Denver, CO, USA
9/2/2015 11:34am
You don't have to ride to love watching the sport and discussing it with friends and on the internet.

I have not ridden in over 8 years.
imoto34
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3781
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1/28/2010
Location
USA
9/2/2015 11:55am
If you feel the need to ask opinions from a forum why "you" ride, maybe you shouldn't.
BieberHole69
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27
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1/15/2015
Location
Gilbert, AZ, USA
9/2/2015 12:05pm
I used to think to myself that it was insane that everyone didn't ride dirtbikes, moto was all I ever thought about when I was growing up. I was mind blown that people just go to work and go home. Ive come to realize though that everyone has their thing that keeps them waiting for the weekend. If this is your thing, then I'd say stick with it. If you have other things equal to this hobby, you might want to see how those feel as your main hobby.
Silliker269
Posts
1040
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4/25/2014
Location
Calgary, CA
9/2/2015 12:31pm
Trail ride bro its probably more fun then you think.
Mountain biking works too
Wandell
Posts
7848
Joined
12/17/2008
Location
Cairo, GA, USA
9/2/2015 1:18pm
I'm facing the same decision but for a different reason. My son and I have ridden together basically every weekend since he got his first bike at 6. But now he is almost 15 and seems to have almost completely lost interest as he's became focused on high school football. It's been a couple months since he's ridden with me and that is taking all of the fun out of it. A ride day now is me doing one moto on his bike and one moto on mine. I know that very shortly he will become more interested in hanging out with his friends and driving. I think I'll hold on through football season and see if his interest goes up when supercross starts before I start listing bikes on craigslist. It sucks getting old!
9/2/2015 1:27pm
PFitzG38 wrote:
Your asking us advice on THAT!! Most of us on here ask ourselves that question all the time. The answer lies in the statement: "I'll stop...
Your asking us advice on THAT!! Most of us on here ask ourselves that question all the time. The answer lies in the statement:

"I'll stop racing when I hate laying in bed injured more than I love racing motorcycles"

I'm lucky to live in SoCal and can race with a club that I feel is far safer than any practice track. Motocross Racing isn't for everyone, and that's OK.

For what it's worth I quit for 18 years after I broke my neck 32 years ago. I was one of the very first people to ever wear a halo brace. I race all the time now and have broken a couple bones since I started back up, but I fully regret the 18 years I was away.
Great story.Coming back after 18 years and after suffering such injuries is impressive
fidiot
Posts
661
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Location
Denver, CO, USA
9/2/2015 1:27pm
I used to think to myself that it was insane that everyone didn't ride dirtbikes, moto was all I ever thought about when I was growing...
I used to think to myself that it was insane that everyone didn't ride dirtbikes, moto was all I ever thought about when I was growing up. I was mind blown that people just go to work and go home. Ive come to realize though that everyone has their thing that keeps them waiting for the weekend. If this is your thing, then I'd say stick with it. If you have other things equal to this hobby, you might want to see how those feel as your main hobby.
I used to think like this too. I started riding dirt bikes at the age of 11, and rode pretty much non stop through my late 20's, then is slowed down through my early 30's to now at 41 I have not ridden in about 8 years. It used to be all I thought about and all I focused on. My interests changed as I got older, but I still love watching every SX and MX race.
sumdood
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8999
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Location
San Clemente, CA, USA
Fantasy
9/2/2015 1:28pm
You sound like you need to go riding haha. You're a lifer dude face it. Braaaap !!
fidiot
Posts
661
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3/18/2014
Location
Denver, CO, USA
9/2/2015 1:29pm
Wandell wrote:
I'm facing the same decision but for a different reason. My son and I have ridden together basically every weekend since he got his first bike...
I'm facing the same decision but for a different reason. My son and I have ridden together basically every weekend since he got his first bike at 6. But now he is almost 15 and seems to have almost completely lost interest as he's became focused on high school football. It's been a couple months since he's ridden with me and that is taking all of the fun out of it. A ride day now is me doing one moto on his bike and one moto on mine. I know that very shortly he will become more interested in hanging out with his friends and driving. I think I'll hold on through football season and see if his interest goes up when supercross starts before I start listing bikes on craigslist. It sucks getting old!
I'm on the other end of the curve from you. I've got a 4.5 year old boy that I am hoping will take an interest in riding dirt bikes one day in the not to distant future.

If you don't want to give up riding, maybe you should try and find some new friends to ride with since your son has lost interest. Don't let his change of interest force you to stop if you still love it.

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