The article “Man and Machine” by Bud Miller was originally published on the “RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel” magazine website on 08/12/2012.
It occurred to me today that, at 47 and with a back condition that flares up on occasion, there are a lot of things I’ll most likely not be able to do that I’d always imagined doing one day. I was always a competitive athlete, and as I got older my focus went from competitive athletics (running, bicycling) to adventurous athletics (climbing Everest, adventure racing) that were more concerned with endurance than times.
I think maybe I discovered motorcycling because it filled that physical void where ambition runs headlong into reality. On a motorcycle I am the hiker with endless stamina, the climber without limits. I can ride as far as I want to and explore whatever I want to explore. The motorcycle is an extension of my physical body but requires my, as yet, still sharp mind. You’ve heard the expression “man and machine” and riding a motorcycle is really a beautiful amalgam of just that— man and machine.
The motorcycle becomes my new knees, replacing the ones I’ve worn down after 30 years of running, and replaces the back that complains when I bring in a load of firewood. The motorcycle becomes an extension of my physical body. That’s a truly wonderful thing. When I ride I become weightless, limitless, motivated. I ride toward things, toward ideas, daydreams, solutions to problems.
I see it in the faces of the people I ride with as well. Some, just like me, have physical limitations when off the bike; but when we saddle up we leave those things in a pile by the roadside and get to feel the rush of freedom from what would otherwise hold us back.
The motorcycle allows me to dream again about Alaska, South America, Europe; I can imagine riding in those places under my own power with nothing to save me but my own mental and physical skills. It’s the way I used to think about hiking, rock climbing and trail running. Motorcycling reminds me that, while my body may age, my dreams need not.
Be safe
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I know, I know. I've finally been able to adopt a workout regimen that doesn't include weights and surprise surprise my back and knees feel much better of late. Cut back on the running too. Finally realized 2 miles is plenty. Only took 30 years to slow down.
Geezer.