This is probably going to be a recurring theme here, but y’all need to find your Happy Place! Whatever it is, whether it’s riding a motorcycle, going for a scenic drive, knitting, whatever. DO IT. DO IT NOW. Do it for your sanity. If you’ve got a spouse, communicate with them that you need some time to yourself to unwind or get your release.
For me, that’s motorcycling. I would ride every day, if I had the time. Family and work obligations get in the way of that, but I squeeze it in when I can.
The other day, I was in a funk. Bad mood, all day long. Not in a good head space. My wife finally said something around 4pm and I said, “You sure?” “Yep,” was her response.
I didn’t hesitate. I threw on my gear and headed out the front door. I was going to ride my KZ650SR, since it had been sitting for a while, but my mom asked me to pick her up a bottle of bourbon for mint juleps. OK, Harley it is!
So, I Googled the furthest county liquor store from me, and entered it into the Street Glide’s navigation, and headed out.
Restorative. Relaxing. Mind-altering.
An hour or so later, I returned home with the requested libations and a smile on my face. On the way, I was having such a good time that I couldn’t let the slowpokes in front of me bring me down. I pulled over and snapped a few pics, and then continued my ride with plenty of separation between them and me.
If your happy place is motorcycle riding, then GET OUT AND RIDE! Seriously, someone needs to make that a bumper sticker.
On a side note, my odometer read 7,999 miles when I returned home. I can’t wait to hit 8,000 on my next ride!
-John