Originally Posted by
53driver
I commuted on my motorcycle whenever the temp was above 20 degrees and the roads were dry.
My commute was only 17 miles, but there were 42 stoplights (yes, I counted several times) and lots of two lane streets so my commute was 45 - 50 minutes as well.
For starters: I understand your sentiments perfectly.
Now for my morning commentary on your predicament......
I want to get one thing out of the way: for me, riding is not about me vs the bike and then me vs the bike vs the world. Riding is me AND Isleen vs the world.
Physical vs emotional fatigue:
- If I walked a couple miles each morning, I'm pretty sure I'd be 'exercised' enough to maintain focus on the bike. Exercise does that to me. Might physically fatigue me, but my mind gets more alert.
- I was never physically tired in the afternoon, but 'emotionally drained' from dealing with people? You betcha. These people could suck the life out of anyone......
- I never found my bike commute to be physically challenging and I would look forward to riding her home. Like you, I had several different routes just to mix it up and see what was going on elsewheres.....
- Separate emotional & physical fatigue as it applies to riding. They affect people differently. For me, I don't find riding physically challenging, and I've learned to stuff emotional crap into its "box" before I ride.
Routine...
- My morning routine was up at 6. S, S, S, S, eat breakfast/coffee and out the door. No exercise. Philly drivers will keep you on your guard though.
- Wearing a uniform and then after I transitioned, wearing a coat & tie (same building) was no factor and I didn't have to transition to other buildings on the compound where I couldn't walk.
- Every time I leave the house, I tap 3 pockets looking for the critical 3 Ps: plastic (wallet), phone, piece.
- My cage vs bike routine never changed in the prep work inside the house. In fact, I would often head to the barn not knowing if I was riding or driving.
Bike outside all day:
- Yeah, I didn't like that either.
My assigned parking spot was by the smoking area so there would be people gathering around Isleen, Saorla, or "Cherries & Cream" (red & white 98 Valk) with cigarettes in their hands.
Made me nervous. The sunlight wasn't good either and yes, I concur that a cover or even a half cover is a PITA.
Analytics:
- My bikes all have logbooks where everything that happens to the bike gets documented.
- Every fill up with mileage, every time I roll over a 1000 mile marker, every maintenance action, every mod.
- So yeah, I get that part too.
Passion for riding:
- I've read many of your posts over the years and you are passionate about riding, about being a better rider.
- Like me, you can analyze & "nit-noid" to the microscopic level, but at the same time, get emotional about doing it right & proper the first time through.
- You are concerned about safety as well (with posts that have proven this) - and that is obviously the number one priority. If you think you are setting yourself up for being unsafe, it's time to step back and review.
Personally? I think you are better in this category than you think you are, but in reality what I think doesn't matter.
Bottom line: Let the light of your passion for riding shine on your morning commute.
Riding vs Commuting:
VStarRider, I write this with love and respect: "Do not let your analytical mind associate/link pleasure riding and commuting."
Thinking of your bike more as a partner in life's journey (like a favorite pocket knife or every day carry weapon) rather than a transportation conveyance might help. Might not.
People think I'm crazy for naming my bikes and projecting personalities into them. If flying large helicopters taught me anything, it is that machines that are identical & somewhat complex can behave VERY differently and those differences must be factored into the equation. Giving them a personality helps that.
Whether commuting or leisure riding, I'm with my girl. We are dancing. We are a team. We are ready to take on whatever life throws at us and take it on with a smile on our faces.
Please allow yourself to take your riding to the ethereal level.
Reading "Calvin & Hobbes" helps too.
Time for more coffee.....
Cheers,
Steve