"never have time to ride"

[aaustin]

I see a lot of reluctant ads from folks selling their dirt bikes, cruisers, sport bikes, etc. because they "never have time to ride".  Sad, really.  

How/when do you find time to ride?    

[1moreroad]

How/when do you find time to ride?    

Plan it way, way, WAY in advance.  If nothing else reserve the dates on the calendar.

[Rude_Rydah]

I wake up every weekday morning, get ready for work, and then ride my motorcycle to work.  That gets my butt in the saddle a lot.

The weekend rides have tapered off (kids, dogs, life, everything else else), but I get one every once in a while by doing what 1moreroad says, making plans in advance.

[Zerosum]

+1 on the planning in advance.  If you're single, you don't have to worry about it.  But once you have a wife or live-in girlfriend, you'll notice that she'll start filling up your calendar for you if you don't.  At that point, you can't just decide to go for a ride with 30 minutes notice anymore.   You need to carve out that time before she does.    I imagine this becomes exponentially worse when you have kids.

Plus, in my case, there's always some project I need to get into around the house.  I just finished a total gut/rehab of my kitchen... that really kept me from riding alot in 2007.

In the end, it's all about priorities.  If it's a priority to you, you'll make the time.  My Dad has always had several bikes, and rode them all the time when I was growing up.  It was never a problem in our family.

[1moreroad]

+1 on the planning in advance.  If you're single, you don't have to worry about it.  But once you have a wife or live-in girlfriend, you'll notice that she'll start filling up your calendar for you if you don't.  At that point, you can't just decide to go for a ride with 30 minutes notice anymore.   You need to carve out that time before she does.    I imagine this becomes exponentially worse when you have kids.

Yes to both, although spending time with the kid is not a sacrifice.  It's just one more important priority competing for your attention.  Same with work.

When my wife and I were just a couple, we had weekends that were "my" time (for both of us to do our own thing) and weekends that were "our" time.  I never minded spending time with my wife nor she with me, but we are always surprised when we're on vacation and we actually spend 5 or 6 days in a row constantly together.  It didn't happen often.

The "trick" in a relationship is to make sure your SO has her own hobbies.  If it's motorcycling, great, go do that together.  If not, make sure she pursues her hobbies so you have time to pursue your own.  I would think the worst is when one spouse is dependent on the other for their entertainment and activity.  If that is your case, then you have bigger problems than motorcycling.

EDITED TO ADD: How far in advance?  I schedule rides < 2 hours a day or two in advance.  I plan day rides (usually 10 or 12 hours long) 3 - 4 weeks in advance.  I schedule overnights 3 months in advance.  I schedule week+ long trips 6 months to a year in advance.  Right now a buddy and I are figuring out what we'll be doing next July (it involves 12 or 13 states).  I also find the planning of a trip itself very fun and pleasurable.  I enjoy looking forward to the ride almost as much as the ride itself.

[jay547]

I wake up every weekday morning, get ready for work, and then ride my motorcycle to work.  That gets my butt in the saddle a lot.

yep, if it's above 40 degrees and not raining, i ride to work.

[cbsnbiker]

I see a lot of reluctant ads from folks selling their dirt bikes, cruisers, sport bikes, etc. because they "never have time to ride".  Sad, really.  

How/when do you find time to ride?    

I'm single. I have no children. I have chosen work that allows me to have a flexible schedule. I have created a life that gives me time for interests such as riding my motorcycle. In fact, my work directly involves riding motorcycles.

If it weren't for winter weather, I would probably be out on the bike for at least a short ride today.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

How/when do you find time to ride?    

I'm lucky in that I'm single and have no kids. I ride whenever I want, wherever I want and for as long as I want


Or at least until I have to go back to work and make money for the next ride  

[Desmo Demon]

How/when do you find time to ride?    

With a three year old and a wife who likes to ride more than I do, we can only get out when we have a babysitter, as it's not fair to either one of us if only one gets to go, so........I commute, too.  

We must have found time to ride, this year, though, as we've accumulated almost 13k miles this year together, plus I've commuted 9k miles solo.  

[jstark47]

1) Ride to work whenever it's not raining or snow/ice.  31 miles one way.  2) Ride errands - e.g. my 89 year old father lives by himself in the next town over - I visit him daily, take the bike whenever I can.  3) Wife rides too.... this helps prioritize chores vs. riding, especially when she's jonesing for a ride!  

[jschmidt]

Oddly, I get to ride less now, than I ever did before starting the school.

[cbsnbiker]

Oddly, I get to ride less now, than I ever did before starting the school.

One of the best ways to ruin a hobby: make a career out of it.

DAMHIK.

[edit: not riding, in my case]

[kendenton]

Having a wife, kid and full-time job it is indeed hard to carve out riding time.  I commute most days when the weather isn't below freezing or raining, so that gets some miles in.  I've kind of given up on trying to get a few hours riding in during the weekend, mainly because all the good riding requires at least a few hours slab r/t to get there.  So for a 1/2 day ride I spend 2-4 hours getting to it, and 1 or 2 on the good stuff.

I'm finding much more enjoyment on scheduling a 2 or 3 day riding trip every other month or so.  Worked out very nicely this fall.  Helps that the wife is super-supportive.  

[bikerfish1100]

I'm single. I have no children. I have chosen work that allows me to have a flexible schedule. I have created a life that gives me time for interests such as riding my motorcycle. In fact, my work directly involves riding motorcycles.

If it weren't for winter weather, I would probably be out on the bike for at least a short ride today.

dude- riding a 250 Nighthawk in a parking lot can only marginally be considered to be "riding motorcycles", especially if you've ever done more than that. besides- aren't the paying attendees supposed to be doig the riding, while you do the watching?

[cbsnbiker]

dude- riding a 250 Nighthawk in a parking lot can only marginally be considered to be "riding motorcycles", especially if you've ever done more than that. besides- aren't the paying attendees supposed to be doig the riding, while you do the watching?

You know better than that.   I quote from the MSF RiderCoach Guide:

Rules of conduct
include, but are not limited to, the following: ...
6. Currently operate a motorcycle on a frequent, routine basis

IOW, one requirement for me to maintain my teaching certification is that I ride. Aw, shucks.

I also get to ride demo rides for the students.

Plus there is all that commuting to and from work, usually on the bike. My commute is usually 100 to 180 miles each way.

Life is tough.  

[bikerfish1100]

Plus there is all that commuting to and from work, usually on the bike. My commute is usually 100 to 180 miles each way.

Life is tough.  

oh. well that's very different. nevermind.

[Andrew]

All I can say is this, Back to back 6 and 7 day work weeks sure cut into riding time , But the $$$ for toys sure helps.

I ride to work every day (75 miles round trip, if I stay to the shortest route  ) but am forced to drive the car or truck at least one day a week (so the neighbors don't think they are abandoned). I have a VERY understanding wife who on more times than I can count tells me "Sounds like you need a long ride, see you when you get back"   YA I am a lucky guy

[November]

Luckily my husband and I both love to ride. Unfortunately we've been down to only one bike the past 6 months so riding has been kept to a solo activity. Once our house is finished I'll be getting a new (or new to me) bike and we'll be back on the road together.  

When I see ads that say they're selling a bike due to time reasons it makes me think one of two things:
1. They aren't really as interested in riding as they thought.
2. Someone is very unhappy about them having a bike.

[falcofred]

#1 I met and married a girl with her own bike, 19 years later, she understands
#2 Plan ahead, write down every rally, race, show or event on the calender, even if you don't plan to go. That way if you do decide to attend it's on the calender and she should let you know of schedule conflicts.
#3 Make riding a family activity, my 14 year old Son and I dirt bike together, counts as family activity.

[cultureslayer]

No kids, the boyfriend lives a few states away, and I don't own a car.  

[scotteroni]

Tell your wife that your going on a "short" ride and call her 2 hrs later to say that you lost track of time and that your heading home the long way and not to expect you back for supper and ask her if she minds getting Jr to bed tonite.

[Rocket_Cowboy]

The largest percentage of my vacation time is devoted to motorcycle riding. I do more long weekends rather than less frequent long trips.

Currently, I try to get into 2-3 long distance rallies a year with one of them being a multi-day event. Add in a few more long weekend gatherings from various web forums, and the more frequent RTEs, and I do ok.

[CigarSki]

Ride every day to work, rain or shine. I do make exceptions for ice and snow.

Polar Bear Grand Tour on Sundays from Oct to Apr. www.polarbeargrandtour.com

[cbsnbiker]

Luckily my husband and I both love to ride. Unfortunately we've been down to only one bike the past 6 months so riding has been kept to a solo activity. Once our house is finished I'll be getting a new (or new to me) bike and we'll be back on the road together.  

When I see ads that say they're selling a bike due to time reasons it makes me think one of two things:
1. They aren't really as interested in riding as they thought.
2. Someone is very unhappy about them having a bike.

Agreed.

Sometimes, life has a way of getting in the way of other activities. A newborn child, a new job, an ailing family member, a deployment overseas, an illness or injury, and other life events can interfere with one's ability to ride.

Then there are others who just aren't into riding, or someone is really against them riding.

Maybe you'll find a good bike deal from one of these people.  

[chiltech500]

The "trick" in a relationship is to make sure your SO has her own hobbies.

how true - I've been married to the wrong type (1st) who never let me do anything  

learned my lesson, number 2 dug being a passenger till she started on her own a couple years ago... subsequently she's gone on a couple group rides with a foursome of women riders

young children - man that's tough, I wouldn't be riding too often

[LENSMAN]

I can usually get a away for a few hours- there are  enough roads in my area for that. Half day, whole day trips need more planning, usually vacation time for overnight stuff.  You may have to get up at the crack of dawn, which, by the way is a good time to ride- little traffic, cool temps in the summer.  

[Mastros2]

No question that life is busy.  I would recommend to plan riding if you don't commute on a scoot.  
Take out a sharpie, put on a blindfold and put some dots onto a callender and those are your riding days!    

[RickC1957]

Tips for "finding time to ride"

1) Don't having any meaningful relationships..no wife, no SO....absolutely no kids!
2) Don't ride with wives, or SO's they alway whine about something, too hot, too cold, too wet, which cuts into riding time. There is a reason why I have a T-shirt that reads "Shut up and ride"
3) Pets...especially dogs are a huge no-no
4) Work for yourself...hire top quality people that can manage your business when you are off riding.
5) Forget about riding with riders who say "this will look good on a ride report", they'll be stopping every 15 feet to take pics, make notes, really cuts into quality riding time...if you want to sight see take a F__king car!
6) Do all internet surfing and posting from 5 to 7am or very late in the evening.
7) Get rid of your stupid xbox and other time wasting computer games.
8) get rid of your TV
9) Quit cleaning your bike...that takes at least an hour everytime.
10) Don't read any ride reports....crap 20 page ride reports, hell that burns time.

Should I go back on my "happy pills" man am I cranky

[HipGnosis]

I see a lot of reluctant ads from folks selling their dirt bikes, cruisers, sport bikes, etc. because they "never have time to ride".

This REALLY confuses me.
Everyone knows that cruisers are only ridden an hour or 2 a month, so who can't find that?? Heck, eating more fiber would give ya that much more time.

Actually.. "never have time to ride" is code for: 'SWMBO has decided that my time / our money can (and will) be better spent on other things'.

My neighbor bought a sportster this summer because her then new g/f rode a softtail.  The relationship didn't last and the sportster was sold.  I'm sure her ad said "never have time to ride".

[jschmidt]

Just picked up an '04 motorcycle with 680 miles on it. My last purchase was a '98 in 2000 that had 740 miles on it. These people are a blessing. If I keep buying motorcycles, they'll have saved me enough to pay for my daughter's college.  

[1moreroad]

If I keep buying motorcycles, they'll have saved me enough to pay for my daughter's college.  

   Yeah, I want to see you prove THAT to your wife. Honey, I had to buy the 999 to make sure the love of our life go into Harvard.

[ST-DocLizard1]

Excuses are not solutions. Make it a point to get your butt in the saddle and your nose in the wind every chance that presents itself. Plan a riding vacation, weekend trip, or a long day ride frequently.

If your S.O. does not share your passion that's one thing, but if she does not allow you to indulge, that's another. If you can't tell the difference between a marriage and a life sentence, it's time to bolt.

Doc

[cbsnbiker]

Tips for "finding time to ride"

...

10) Don't read any ride reports....crap 20 page ride reports, hell that burns time.

I usually read them in coffee shops while taking a break during a ride.  

[HipGnosis]

I don't get telling someone how much they should ride.  Totally pointless.  If they want to ride, they'll make the time.
Guess that should be if they REALLY want to ride...
Life is a series of compromises.
Back when I had my very first street bike (KZ750) I met a musician that really wanted a specific guitar.  He stopped drinking and ate potatoes for 2 meals every day for months.  He showed me what it really means to really want something.
At the same time, I worked with a guy that rode a yamaha 650.  He wined about 'wanting' a Harley.  He had a decent car, a few hobbies and toys. He didn't want a Harley enough to compromise for it (or his wife wouldn't let him and he wouldn't admit that).

[Lon]

I think it's simple: people who don't have time to ride have not made motorcycling an integral part of their life.  They use it as recreation, but usually they don't even try to make it a solid part of that.  It certainly hasn't displaced their car at all...  I mean, have you ever seen this ad?

For sale: 2005 Cadillac Escalade,  2,300 miles.  I simply don't have time to drive.

Not to say it doesn't happen, but it's rare to be sure.

(1) There's no reason your commute can't be something more than a grind.  With a motorcycle, your commute can become a recreational activity instead of wasted time.  For example, I had no engagements one evening and decided to take a detour on the way home from work (Westford, MA -> Nashua, NH) through Brattleboro, VT.

(2) If your bike can carry it (and you're not worried about things like black ice ), take the bike. Go to the fancy grocery store 3 towns away instead of your local supermarket.  You don't need 5500 pounds of steel to haul your lazy ass + 20 pounds of groceries around.

(3) Going hiking?  Ride the bike to the trailhead.  More outdoors time!

(4) Buy waterproof gear, and stop worrying about the rain.  Riding in the rain is fun, and you'd better get used to it - because you will end up wet sooner or later.

(5) Get good hard luggage.  It's waterproof and lockable.  It will probably "ruin" the "oh so sexy" lines of your motorcycle, but unless you consider your motorcycle a fashion accessory, this shouldn't matter much

Instead of finding ways to excuse yourself from riding, figure out how to make it work.

* Consider Dawn Champion -  who was an investment executive (or some sort anyway) and weekend racer.  She wore business suits at work and commuted in full racing leathers.  Somehow, it worked just peachy for her...  (She was also the one who became famous overnight after a Honda locked the brakes and spun around, smashing her R1 to pieces - but since she always rides with a video camera...)  Video here.

* I used to carry my enormous notebook computer in my Givi E460N topcase (on my ex-zx6).  It required a big investment in Givi stuff, and it made my bike look like a Gold Wing.  However, it increased the utility - and therefore usability - of my motorcycle 10x.

* I know a guy who doesn't even own motorized transport - and ride a bicycle to work (18-20 miles each way, year-round).  Surely the vast majority of Americans can ride a motorcycle to work 6 months of the year...

[aaustin]

(1) There's no reason your commute can't be something more than a grind.  With a motorcycle, your commute can become a recreational activity instead of wasted time.  For example, I had no engagements one evening and decided to take a detour on the way home from work (Westford, MA -> Nashua, NH) through Brattleboro, VT.

 

[Windblown]

You can't make time. There is 24 hours in a day, no more, no less.

You can't find time. It doesn't get lost.

What you can do is set priorities that include using some part of a 24 hour day to ride, or not. Your choice.