Did I Get The Message?

The Author on BMWI wish I could tell you that I pull away from a stop on my motorcycle with a cool detachment of Mr. Advenure Man, who in his spare time (when not crossing the Moab desert or fighting bears in Alaska with his bare hands) models adventure clothing for the Cycle Gear catalog. I also wish I could tell you that my appearance at least bore the slightest resemblance to that of Mr. Adventure Man.

The reality is that after stalling a few times, I stumble and bumble away on my BMW sport-tourer with all the grace and poise of an elephant in a canoe. Instead of Mr. Adventure Man, I look more like a Buddha after a happy meal.

Having never been the “fit, athletic type”; being blessed with short arms and legs; and getting into the sport while in my 30s, motorcycling has not been easy for me. Before getting my “M” endorsement I failed two Basic Rider Courses and to date, with less than 1,000 miles under my tires, had dropped my bike more times than I dare to re-count.

As I have relayed my story to friends and colleagues, few have suggested that maybe the universe is sending me the message that motorcycling is just not for me. I may be unclear about many things in my life. But, there is no doubt about riding motorcycles. Sometimes in life we partake in an activity because we are particularly good at it. Other times we take on a task because it is worth doing. I am far from perfect in my marriage, my job, maintaining and building relationships with other people and a number of other things I value. Does it mean that I stop trying in all those things?

There is innate peace, sense of presence and joy that comes to me through riding, whether I am good at it or not. I believe the universe is communicating to me through these very strong sensations. The message is loud and clear: “Riding a motorcycle is a complex skill which demands persistence, patience, focus and willingness to make mistakes. It is also an activity, unlike any other, which can magically open so many dimensions of the universe, closed shut to others. It is a way to not just live, but be alive; to not just be, but be present in every moment of our lives.”

I may never become Nicky Hayden, although I won’t stop trying to acquire even the tenth of his skill. The beauty of our sport is that there is room for Nicky, Mr. Adventure Man, a Buddha look-alike, and everyone in between. So, yes, I got the message and because I did I will keep on riding. To paraphrase the famous Buddhist teaching, along the road to fulfillment there are only two mistakes one can make – not going all the way, and not starting. I started and I intend to go all the way.

Henry YampolskyAbout the author: Henry Yampolsky is a new rider and writer who finds motorcycling to be an extension of his meditation.  When not riding, writing, meditating or contemplating doing one of the three, Henry spends time with his wife, Juliya, and works as a lawyer in Philadelphia.

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