Beating those uptight thoughts

[The_Sleevez]

Well I just swapped the brakes on my bike and gave her the clean and check to get her back on the road. As I was cruising along feeling all the uptight and Walter thoughts a feelings fadeing I thought this is it this is what I means to abide. I don't know if there are any other bikers out there but I got to say. Getting out on the long winding road with no destination just riding for the sake of riding. Very therapeutic when it comes to the struggle to abide just let everything go and enjoy the ride. Anyone else have activities that bring them to the same place?.

[jdurand]

I used to ride like that, several times a week after work I'd take off into the hills, past the reservoirs, ranches, etc.  Occasionally I'd spend the night, just me, my bike, and a sleeping bag next to a reservoir.

Then I got married.

[The_Sleevez]

Lol yeah it's not easy to find special lady friends that are into riding.

[BikerDude]

Two wheel'ed therapy for sure.

[LotsaBadKarma]

I don't have a scooter any more but when I did I went to Sturgis every year. One of the rides out there that is definitely conducive to a positive state of mind is Spearfish Canyon. When I was riding the canyon one time I looked up at the tops of the bluffs and for a second I was riding through the canyon on a horse 200 years ago, just me and nature. I stopped at one point, shut down the bike and just listened to the relative silence. The whole trip was made worthwhile right there.

[BikerDude]

I don't have a scooter any more but when I did I went to Sturgis every year. One of the rides out there that is definitely conducive to a positive state of mind is Spearfish Canyon. When I was riding the canyon one time I looked up at the tops of the bluffs and for a second I was riding through the canyon on a horse 200 years ago, just me and nature. I stopped at one point, shut down the bike and just listened to the relative silence. The whole trip was made worthwhile right there.

I stopped going to bike rallies a number of years ago. Very different vibe in the mid 2000's.
On occasion I'll run over to Laconia or some other smaller rallies but usually I skip them.

[The_Sleevez]

I always prefer to ride on my own or with a couple friends. Going to the rally's way to many Quintana's just doing dumb shit puting everyone at risk.

[Fox_Hound]

I can't drive so when I ride a bike it's a bicycle... but riding that or just going for a walk with no destination in mind is essentially what gets me through a lot of stressful sometimes, feeling the wind blowing through my hair, listening to music too and just admiring the scenery feels good man. The only bummer is I forget to bring a wallet or a drink so I get thirsty.

[LotsaBadKarma]

I don't have a scooter any more but when I did I went to Sturgis every year. One of the rides out there that is definitely conducive to a positive state of mind is Spearfish Canyon. When I was riding the canyon one time I looked up at the tops of the bluffs and for a second I was riding through the canyon on a horse 200 years ago, just me and nature. I stopped at one point, shut down the bike and just listened to the relative silence. The whole trip was made worthwhile right there.

I stopped going to bike rallies a number of years ago. Very different vibe in the mid 2000's.
On occasion I'll run over to Laconia or some other smaller rallies but usually I skip them.

The first time I went to Sturgis they estimated that there were a quarter million bikes out there, and every place I went there were crowds of people and bikes. But I always found a place to park and getting in and out of town was always fairly easy with just minor delays. The last time I went the estimate was a million and a half scooters and everything was gridlock. It took over 2 hours to get from one end of town to the other. Got to be such a pain in the ass that we packed up and left.
Sturgis was usually pretty well behaved, at least during the day. The couple of times I was in town after dark I could see if things were starting to get a little dicey but I tend to mind my own business in cases like that and just kept moving. No matter where you go, if there are bikes and beer there will also be fatalities and Sturgis was never an exception. The big problem is usually the wannabes, the guys who trailer their custom choppers out west and then rub dirt on their brand new chaps to make it look like they have been on the road. They get a few brews on, then they start flexing. Sturgis is definitely "Angels'" hood but I never saw them create any problems. I'm certain they know the formula for solving them, though.

[BikerDude]

The big problem is usually the wannabes, the guys who trailer their custom choppers out west and then rub dirt on their brand new chaps to make it look like they have been on the road. They get a few brews on, then they start flexing. Sturgis is definitely "Angels'" hood but I never saw them create any problems. I'm certain they know the formula for solving them, though.

Exactly. The vibe has changed substantially. But then the whole culture has. Well actually I suppose it started when they started calling it a "culture".   
I remember riding to rallies with a sleeping bag and a plastic tarp. You camp on whatever piece of ground you could find and there was always a lot of company.
Now there are a lot of yuppies playing dress up.

The best rallies that I've been to have had the Angels in attendance.
Other than the heavy police presence they attract I haven't had any issues with them. But they do tend to sort of take over whatever place they congregate in. Especially strip clubs. As long as you don't get stupid and challenge one of them it's all good. Yuppies acting badass and getting loud are like waving a red flag though. I've seen that get ugly.

[Ninjabob27]

The only set of wheels I own is my bicycle, haha. Still, I can relate to one degree or another. I think of my bike as an excellent means to unwinding. Plus, since it's a physical experience, you can really use a bike to vent your frustrations and blow off steam (all while toning your legs and butt. Bonus! xD).

Still, I'd definitely love to get a motorcycle or even just a scooter to start with. After all, I've never owned one, so I don't need something super-powerful right away. I'd honestly love riding a Vespa 300, they're pretty spiffy.