The Road Goddess Guide
Mind
fear
[feer]
n (plural fears)
: feeling
of anxiety:
an unpleasant feeling of apprehension or distress
caused by the presence or anticipation of danger; to
be frightened of somebody or something, or frightened
about doing something
Fear After
A Motorcycle Accident
The mind, such a powerful
thing. When something bad happens to us it is stored
in the corners of our minds to be played over and over
again. The utter realization that “the edge” is really
closer than it seems. Feelings of shame and
disappointment are hard to deal with. To some, whom I
hold awestruck, can overcome their fears and worries
to move on to their next adventure the day after. How
do they do that? I wonder? By understanding fear,
accept that you can’t eliminate it and learn from it.
You may always feel the fear, fear is normal- it is a
defense mechanism. But in lessoned degrees we learn to
deal with it and go on to do our adventure anyway. The
age old adage that “knowledge is power” stands true.
Learn more about why you had your accident and begin
to digest corrective riding techniques or defensive
maneuvers. Maybe even take a motorcycle safety course.
Courage to try and try again will give you the
strength of confidence that you can carry with you
daily and apply to different areas in your life, a
feeling that only you can give yourself. Motorcycling
can be a truly spiritual experience- you soaring free
on the road open to the earth. Here are a few
suggestions that may help to ease you back on your
motorcycle, by no means are these meant to replace any
doctor’s or therapist’s instructions.
-Experience
it in your mind. Visualize your accident, then
visualize it again with proper riding techniques and
with a positive outcome. Prepare yourself mentally.
Meditate on a calming uneventful ride, imagine
cruising down your favorite road, hearing the sounds,
seeing the view and the smelling the air. Embrace that
feeling, the feeling you miss.
-Acclimate yourself by first riding pillion with a
trusted friend. Experience the thrill of riding
from the back without having to worry so much.
-On the day you plan to practice to ride again, ensure
you have a good, nutritional meal. Let your body
feel healthy, avoid plummeting sugar levels that may
cause increased nervousness or the shakes.
-Don’t be in a too much of a rush to take a long ride,
take simple short rides to ease your mind. This
may even mean going up and down your driveway. Do it,
start there, it‘s okay. Then progress to informal
group riding with friends who understand. Anxiety to
go beyond your comfort zone may cause even more stress
and hinder abilities.
-Surround yourself with positive people. Support and
encouragement is key. Nothing feels better than a
pat on the back, from someone you trust, right after
you have accomplished a challenging task.
Body
Yoga for
Motorcyclists
Part II
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.
Tight spine
The spine, one of the most important parts of our
bodies. A protective barrier for our spinal cord which
allows messages to freely flow from the brain to other
parts of the body. Working hard, sitting in one position
for too long or riding our motorcycles can cause our
spine to feel tight and ache. Begin to relieve and
loosen your spine, with this practice you will also
increase blood flow to massage your organs. First find a
comfortable, flat spot to sit, this could be beside your
motorcycle. Straighten and relax your legs in front of
you. Then bend the right knee, bringing the heel of the
right foot across your outstretched left leg to land
flat on the outside of your left knee. Sit up straight,
turn as far as possible to the left, placing the right
elbow on the right knee and your hand on your right
foot. While in this position, then turn your head also
to the left, exerting pressure all to the left. Remember
to breathe slowly and deeply. Repeat on the other side
using your left leg and your left arm. This may be done
two to six times a session
Tense Back Muscles
After a cruising one of your favorite loops, stop and
take a moment to fortify your center of balance and
refresh your concentration. Stay close to your
motorcycle to assist you for this asana. First, stand
with feet together and the arms by your side. Gently
bend the right leg backward, grasping the right foot
with your right hand. Extend your left arm in front of
you placing your left hand on your motorcycle seat or
tank, whichever is the appropriate height. Continue to
raise and lift your right leg behind you. Keep your eyes
level with the horizon and hold this posture for about a
minute while breathing through your nose. Repeat for the
other side and remember to keep your movements fluid and
graceful.
Taut torso
After a fulfilling ride, enhance your overall mood with
a rejuvenating stretch to open your chest, abdomen and
relax your lower back. In this asana your motorcycle
will be used as a back bench of sorts. This posture may
be for the more advanced yoga enthusiast, when done with
a motorcycle. Stand with feet hip distance apart, back
straight and arms to your side, palms facing inward.
Your back will be to the motorcycle about a foot away.
Slowly bring your palms together at the chest. Inhale
and begin to raise the arms with palms together toward
the sky. Arch your body backwards keeping your arms
alongside your neck and head, tilt the head back and
slowly descend backward to rest your spine on the seat
of your bike. Slowly bring your hands back to rest on
your chest, palms together and hold for 5 long cleansing
breaths.
Soul
Feed your inner spirit: Motorcycle
poetry
Something meaningful in just a few words, to spark
imagination in your mind. To inspire your subconscious
and let your soul ride on… in the words of a poet.
Riding Thru
Under the wheels,
Under my feet,
Pass mile upon mile
Of old fields of wheat.
And out of the corner
No the tip of my eye,
There are fields of green
Just passing right by.
No matter how much
I have in the bank
Or how much I owe
On this bike I now thank
The mercy of nature
For the fields I see
And the fertile land
In the heart of me.
Amanda Mapel
Vincent van Gogh, 1889eft"> Vincent van Gogh, 1889
