The Road Goddess Guide
Mind
Motorcycle Addiction
Even more serious than the
notoriously widespread chocoholic mania, is the growing
epidemic of a condition known as Motorcycle Addiction or
MA. Don't laugh because you might be it's next victim.
Better check yourself:
|
How many of these apply to you?
1. I have gone riding when I was depressed, or
to cheer myself up.
2. I have gone on riding binges of several tanks
of gas or more in one day.
3. I ride rapidly, often 'gulping' roads.
4. I have sometimes ridden early in the morning
or before work.
5. I have hidden bikes in different places to
sneak a ride in without being seen.
6. Sometimes I avoid friends or family
obligations in order to ride motorcycles.
7. Sometimes I find myself analyzing sections of
roads as if I was riding even while in a car.
8. I am unable to enjoy myself with others
unless there is a bike nearby.
9. At a boring party, I will often slip off
unnoticed to go riding.
10. Riding has made me seek haunts and
companions which I would otherwise avoid.
11. I have neglected personal hygiene or
household chores until I have finished a ride.
12. I have spent money meant for necessities on
accessories instead.
13. I have attempted to complete an Iron Butt
ride.
14. Most of my friends are also heavy motorcycle
riders.
15. I have sometimes passed out from a night of
heavy riding.
16. I have suffered helmet hair or farmer’s tan
from a bout of riding.
17. I have wept, become angry or irrational
because of a road I have ridden.
18. I have sometimes dressed my infant child in
a T-shirt that says “My mommy is faster than
yours”.
19. My family thinks my riding is out of
control. |
If
you answered 'yes' to three or more of these
questions, you may be suffering from Motorcycling
Addition. Affirmative responses to ten or more
indicates a serious condition. Once a relatively
rare disorder among women, MA, has risen to new
record levels due in part to an increased supply of
dealerships addressing the needs of a women riders.
Social costs of Motorcycle Addiction
Women may fantasize and dream, creating alternative
worlds to ride through, to the neglect of friends and
family. Their decorating styles change, pictures of
velvet vintage Vincents adorn the walls. Crochet afghans
in the shape of V-twins are strewn over couches and
out-dated Shoei helmets pose as lampshades.
Physical costs of MA
Physically it can take a toll on the body as well, in
severe cases they develop bad posture from riding in
awkward positions or carrying heavy tool bags. Wrists
develop throttle twitches and feet get the clutch
jimmies. In the worst instances, they become cranky bike
mechanics with a lot of cats living in small towns.
Heredity
Recent MMI studies have established that heredity plays
a considerable role in determining whether a person will
become a rider of motorcycles. Most riders have at least
one parent who suffered from MA, often beginning at an
early age and progressing into adulthood. Other
predisposing factors indicate mothers who are road race
fans, collectors of rally T-shirts, or heavy leather
wearers during pregnancy are more likely to pass on this
condition in utero than non. Highly transmittable from
one peer to another, many sisters and friends of an
addict become motorcycle addicts themselves.
Prevention/Treatment
There is no known cure or prevention for Motorcycle
Addiction. Women with MA go on to live happy, healthy
fulfilled lives, much to the chagrin of some folks.
~source unknown and slightly tweaked by HH for your
amusement
Body
Yoga for
Motorcyclists
Part I
Complement and enhance your motorcycle abilities with a
regular yoga practice. Be able to ride more comfortably
and for longer periods of time. Yoga benefits your
riding skills by promoting balance of mind and body,
increased concentration and self-awareness, and also
improved flexibility and circulation, to name a few.
Postures and deep breathing deliver much needed
oxygen/nourishment to all muscle groups and organs.
Asanas help your body and mind to work more efficiently
maintaining your body’s core flexibility and suppleness,
thereupon you will be less prone to injuries and
stiffness. Poses and exercises are healthful for all
ages, be sure to check with your doctor to see what
level is right for you.
Tired Eyes
Long day’s ride, the windows of our soul, become tense,
tired or dry. Begin this practice by first softening
your gaze. Vigorously rub the palms of your hands
together for about a minute. Build up heat and energy
between the hands. Rest your eyes in your healing hands,
place your elbows together in front of you or on your
tank. Take ten long deep breaths.
Stiff Neck
Pressure and stiffness in your neck build up from wind
force and helmet weight. Ease tension and flow from your
neck to shoulders. Sitting tall, start by taking deep
breaths. Slowly lower your right ear toward your right
shoulder. Try to keep your shoulders square with out
slouching. Float your right hand up and rest it on the
crown of your head allowing your left arm to hang and
dangle. Take five long breaths. Remember that your ear
never touches your shoulder. Repeat on left side.
Concluding the asana, gently roll your neck in a
circular motion to complete the release.
Rigid Shoulder
During your journey, the shoulders, the bridge of your
upper body can become sore and rigid from staying in one
position for too long or by the way we posture ourselves
on a motorcycle. Start relieving stress by sitting up
straight and placing your hands on your shoulders.
Slowly inhale while rotating your elbows forward and up.
Then exhale lowering your elbows back and down. You will
have drawn a circle with your elbows. Do this asana
gently five times and then reverse directions.
Feel and relax.
Soul
Holistic Biker:
Have a vision of wholeness, the combination
of all parts with understanding and experience. Know
yourself,
know your bike and cater to the spirit that binds
everything
together.
Feed your inner spirit:
Motorcycle Soul
Have a special soundtrack that plays in your head
while you're rolling along the highway? Here's a few
we dug up that should keep your motor hummin':
“She’s
a bad motorcycle”
Album: Motorcycle Gang
The Crestones
“Little
Honda”
Album: Good Vibrations
The Beach Boys
“Motorcycle
Mama”
Album: Comes A Time
Neil Young
“Midnight
Rider”
Album: Decade Of Hits 1969-1979
Allman Brothers Band
“Blue
Motorcycle Eyes”
Album: Havana 3 A.M.
Havana 3 A.M.
“Motorcycle
Drive By”
Album: Third Eye Blind
Third Eye Blind
“Angel On My Bike”
Album: Bring down the horse
Wallflowers
“2 Wheels Are Better Than 4”
Album: All Girl All The Time
10’ Maria
