California Commuter Chronicles

James Burleigh · Nov 11, 2011

I believe that a motorcycle ride can be executed perfectly: shifting, lane position, anticipating trouble, hitting all the right marks on a set of twisties, keeping your emotions in check, etc.

On some rides I get close, and on others I am so far off the mark I think I should hang up my spurs.

But the beauty of commuting the same route every day is that every day is a new opportunity to get it right, just like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day.

painman · Nov 11, 2011

Hey JB its me again. You are so right-on about some days things seem right and others are way off the mark when it comes to having that smooth over the top type of ride. I have come to appreceiate riding a bike on the street vs. driving a car on the stteet. When I'm on the bike your senses are so alive, the fresh air, the connection between you and the bike, is so sureal. Hard to put into words really.

I know riding a bike for me is a mental game. If you are upset, distraught, or just had a bad day it will show up in your riding in a big way, unlike driving a car. But when you're in the zone on the bike there is not alot of things that come as close to that "feeling" you have when you're there. This is one reason I ride, for that "feeling". And when you try to force or anticipate your next move things are just not in sync.

But just letting your movements happen such as throttle control, shifting, apexing a turn, lean angle, etc. all execute smoothly when not anticipated or forced. Kind of like jamming on a musical instrument instead of reading sheet music. Oh, well, I'm rambling. Take care and once again, ride safe while commuting. PM. <><

Khunajawdge · Nov 11, 2011

James Burleigh said:
But the beauty of commuting walking the same route every day is that every day is a new opportunity to get it right...

I will use this as my mantra for a daily fast walk. :clapping:

James Burleigh · Nov 11, 2011

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Mr Martini · Dec 14, 2011

I've always thought a daily commute route can be more dangerous than riding new roads. My reasoning being you know the route perfectly; every bump in the road, every turn, where the cops hide out

, etc. You can easily take the ride for granted and can get too complacent. I admit I've fallen in this trap before. There have been days I felt I commuted home on "cruise control" because I don't even remember half of it. It's like I zoned out and just followed the motions. I make a conscious effort to always be on top of my game on my daily commute and remember just because I know the route like the back of my hand, something unexpected could always pop up.