How You And Your Bike Can Get Away From It All

No shocker here - we’re currently living in a wild time. The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown much of the world into turmoil: businesses are shuttering for the foreseeable future, grocery store shelves are barren, many are being asked to work from home, and most of our daily routines are essentially out the window. As I write this, the city where I live is considering a 24-hour lockdown for the next few weeks, and I spent most of the morning trying to lighten the mood for my mom who is genuinely concerned about everything going on. Who knew 2020 would be so nuts?

But, there’s hope. There always is. Scientists and institutions around the world are hard at work at finding a cure for COVID-19. And while that’ll take time, life will eventually return to normal. In the meantime, how can we get away from it all to find some peace, all while respecting our new #socialdistancing norms?

There are myriad ways to put some distance between those around you and the stressors of our uncertain world. Fortunately, as motorcycle enthusiasts and riders, we are blessed. Not only to have a sport and a pastime that inherently brings us closer to freedom, but father away from our limitations as well.

In an effort to inspire and install some positivity into your days, here’s our list of 7 ways you and your motorcycle can escape it all.

Pull the cover off your motorcycle and go for a ride.

Many of us count riding a motorcycle as therapy. Almost nothing can touch the peace and contentedness that comes from being in the saddle with nothing to do but enjoy the journey. Those things have always been important, and they’re more so now. 

Even if you live in colder climates like I do, we’re approaching that edge season where riding is bearable with a few extra layers and some proper planning. If you find yourself with prodigious amounts of free time, this is the perfect opportunity to clear your mind and connect with your motorcycle.\

Fire up the YouTube machine and get inspired

Are you jonesing to ride but the weather won’t let you? Never fear, because the great and powerful internet has you covered. YouTube is a gold mine for motorcycle content and is an excellent way to learn something new or just keep yourself inspired and fired up. Vloggers, builders, journalists, celebrities, filmmakers, and racers from every corner of the motorcycling community have endless hours of footage available for you to pore over. Check it out the next time you fire up your computer or pull out your phone for some entertainment.

Clean your motorcycle and prep your gear

Next to actually riding, cleaning and preparing your motorcycle is the best way to bond with your machine. There’s something therapeutic about getting things clean and tidy. It’s also a great way to loosen up your mental hold on all the doomsday talk we’re constantly bombarded by. 

Been meaning to give your bike a thorough cleaning but just haven’t had the time? Break out the soap and water and get to work. Always wanted to install a Bluetooth headset in your helmet but didn’t know how? Do a little research and make it happen. Then, when it’s time to go ride, you’ll be even more prepared and have a new appreciation for the experience.

Take a solo road trip

If social distancing doesn’t win Word of the Year, I’ll eat my Ducati. And what better way to exercise your curve flattening and distance yourself than to hit the open road on a solo trip. You can crank things up a notch by turning your ride into a solo camping trip, or seeing how many miles you can squeeze into a specified amount of time. I find riding solo to be deeply satisfying and plan on doing it as much as I can these next few weeks.

Video chat with your riding buddies

Both misery and excitement love company, so get on a video call with some of your riding buddies and commiserate together. While isn’t the same as actually meeting up, a quick video chat can keep your fired up and dispel the blues that we’re certain to feel at some point. This could also be a great opportunity to plan a future meet up, talk about motorcycling news, or discuss modifications you’re making to your bike. Just because we need to keep our distance, doesn’t mean we need to be distant!

Make riding plans

Maybe you can’t ride right now. So instead, start planning that stellar motorcycle trip you’ve been thinking of for when these shenanigans are behind us. I know my buddy Dave and I will be discussing our summer road trip soon and hashing out the details. Not only do we have the extra time to talk about it, but it’s also going to give us something to and look forward to!

Order new riding gear

They say we’re already in a recession and the economy will take a major hit over the next few weeks. What better way to help stimulate the economy than by supporting your favorite motorcycle and riding brands! This could be a great time to upgrade some of your older equipment or pick up that aftermarket part you’ve been saving for. A lot of businesses are offering free shipping on certain items which makes the prospect of a gear upgrade even sweeter.

It’s a challenging time for all of us. But, once this storm passes we’ll all be stronger and in a better place for it. Use these seven ideas to connect with people, keep your dreams alive, and plan for a brighter future. I’ll ride to that!