Are you actually addicted to riding?

[Ant]

I've just got back after 3 weeks on holiday in China (very interesting place!) and am starting to twitch waiting to get back home and be able to ride, 3 weeks is far too long! I guess its the same with everyone who's been getting ratty on here while they've not been riding over winter due to the weather  

So I'm wondering whether anyone else actually has an "addiction" and just has to ride to make their life complete.

and yes, I am being silly - an actual addiction would be quite scary  

Signed a self confessed adrenaline junkie  

[bizarro]

I've been trying very hard not to think about it for months now.  

*twitch*


                           *twitch*

[Dichotomous]

sweet!!! I got first vote, thats better than first reply

[Fudge]

I don't get to ride as often as I'd like, but I'd definitely characterize it as an addiction.  I find I can place myself in 'the zone' when I ride which can be very euphoric.  I don't know of too many other ways I can create that euphoria otherwise.  Sex maybe...?  

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

I just spent Sunday with the bikes in the garage cleaned them up now just waiting for the damn snow to melt.

[Snowbird]

I chose: I'm sorry, I don't understand the question... I didn't realise there could be days you don't ride!?

Everyday, unless winter or illness prevents.

[Ant]

I just spent Sunday with the bikes in the garage cleaned them up now just waiting for the damn snow to melt.

God bless the UK where as long as you're not in Scotland it is extremely rare you get snowed on. Having said that there was a lot of snow while I was away apparently - fortunately its already gone now.

Edit: Just added to note that where I've just been in China (Harbin) its been around -10 to -20 celsius and there is snow but it hasn't stopped the nutters all going out on their bikes with whopping big gloves that are bigger than boxing gloves that they actually fit around the controls on the bike and stay permenantly attached. However they are nutters and they don't have any other way of getting around!

[garry]

I like to get out for a good ride once a week during riding season, but missing a weekend due to weather or other commitments isn't a big deal. I'll usually manage a short ride in the evening if I'm jonesing. I get through winter by skiing instead of riding. FWIW, I voted once a week...

[sammyseaman]

I've been addicted since I was 5 or 6 years old. I would like to ride at least every other day but weather does not allow it. With my job change in the last year I've been able to ride more though. Now if I could talk the SO into moving I'd be golden. So, weather and work permitting I would ride everyday and not get tired of it.

[Desmo Demon]

Due to the forecast, I scheduled last Friday off of work. My wife and I were both quite pleased that work was such that I left early on Thursday. We rode the last half of Thursday and all day long on Friday and Saturday to wind up quite disappointed that it was raining and only a high of 44 on Sunday......we kept watching the Weather Channel do determine when it was going to quit raining, if it would dry up a little bit, and if we thought we would squeeze in another couple hundred miles....instead, we wound up going to Chili's for a bite to eat and a couple of drinks to try to drown our disappointment.......

I'd say that we are addicted.....all our money goes into bikes and bike trips, all my vacation time is used on motorcycling, and I'd say 50% of our conversations evolve around motorcycling and our trips.......Now, if we can just get a babysitter for the next little spell of nice weather.     I KNOW my wife is addicted! She still rides even after becoming handicapped from a bike accident. I don't know too many people who would continue riding, especially to the degree she does, if they went through the same experiences.  

[steve.ski]

Yup.  Addict here...

[maddjack]

Addict,yep thats me,I hate when its crappy out and I have to visit my bikes in the cold cold garage ,soothing them with loving words,dreaming of open road.

[basco]

Once a week for me unless I come back from a meet or trip somewhere then its usually a few weeks getting back on.

[ZREXER]

Not addicted......................but living in the 'great white north' makes for a short season. Bikes have been put away since late October and will not be on road again until probably mid April. We just really rarely get mid winter breaks where you can get out for a ride. The amount of sand/gravel and salt kind of discourages this as well.
5 1/2 months is a looooooonnng time to not be riding each year.

[Mac]

I'm sure there are many who would look at me funny for having my ST apart and not riding for various reasons during all the nice weather we've been having down here in the south. I've kinda been jonsing for it a bit as well. Hopefully in the next week, I'll have her back together and ready to go.

[Desmo Demon]

Hopefully in the next week, I'll have her back together and ready to go.

This is why you need a "back-up" bike.  

[GT_Rider]

 My wife thinks I'm crazy, When we come home together in the car and park in the garage I touch my bike as we go in. As to say i'm sorry for not taking you.

[JetJaguar]

Edit: Just added to note that where I've just been in China (Harbin) its been around -10 to -20 celsius and there is snow but it hasn't stopped the nutters all going out on their bikes with whopping big gloves that are bigger than boxing gloves that they actually fit around the controls on the bike and stay permenantly attached.

Sounds like Hippo Hands. http://www.hippohands.com/Hippo%20Hands.htm

[Yuma]

I'm lucky that I can ride daily (and do).  
I feel bad if I can't go for a long ride once a week.

Yes I am addicted

Yuma,

[ZED]

Definitely addicted.  But not as bad as my wife.  She's a motorcycle FREAK!  
Of course, up here we're going through major withdrawl being winter (withe snow) for months on end.

[Mr Sunshine]

Yes...so much so I think I need to go on long term disability as I seek treatment for my problem.  

[ZED]

Yes...so much so I think I need to go on long term disability as I seek treatment for my problem.  

Cool Idea  I'll have to check with HR on that

[noside]

Ask my son how much fun I am in the winter when I can't ride............

 

[Asphalt_Carver]

I would say that addiction is a poor word choice because it has such a negative connotation and riding is such a positive experience.

For myself, just being able to go out to the garage and gaze at my beautiful Buell Lightning is enough to pick up my spirits.  When I am actually riding, I am at my most relaxed and happy.  Other than sex, there are few things that bring as much fun and joy as a motorcycle!  

[Tom]

At least, I must ride evrey 2 weeks. Otherwise I feel something is missing....

[ST-DocLizard1]

I've been hooked since 1978 and have never been without a bike. It has been two months since my last outing and I am like a crazed dog that's been chained up inside. I am waiting for the snow to melt and the rain to wash the roads down.

Doc

[dm_gsxr]

Rita says I get grumpy when I go without riding for too long. Even with 7 weeks of snow, I was able to get one of the bikes out. Just picked up the 'busa. New front springs Get to test them out this weekend.

Carl

[PatM]

I need a ride fix. Quick! I need a fix. That white stuff (snow, the cold one) is killing me.

[ZED]

I need a ride fix. Quick! I need a fix. That white stuff (snow, the cold one) is killing me.

Yup! Yup! That's the stuff.  Yuck.  

[Bueller]

I keep meaning to take the car tommorrow but then I don't.

[hawkeyejohn14]

Every day if weather and responsibilities allow....

[jhawk]

Must be addicted. Tried giving it up several times, but I keep coming back for more. As I remember, it used to be a lot less expensive in the "good old days" than it is now.

[jude]

Yesterday, 9:00 AM...

Mrs. Jude:  "You're putting your riding boots on?!  You're going riding today?!  Wha, what about the windows?!  You said you'd clean them today!"

Jude:  "Yes, yes I did, but that was yesterday when I said that, so that commitment is no longer valid."

Mrs. Jude:  "What?!"

Jude:  "Hey, it's sunny and I have a full tank of gas.  I'll bring the bucket, step ladder and squeegee in from the garage for you before I leave.  You're the best sweetie, I love you to pieces!"


Epilogue:  The windows where not done when I got home.  Guess what I will be doing this weekend?  

[Desmo Demon]

 I KNOW my wife is addicted! She still rides even after becoming handicapped from a bike accident. I don't know too many people who would continue riding, especially to the degree she does, if they went through the same experiences.  

A prime example......less than five weeks ago my wife cracked her left tibia in a way that the crack ran down the length of the bone. She was supposed to stay off of it for 6+ weeks. As she sat in the ER waiting for me to come pick her up, I was talking to her on the phone, and she said....

"I think I can wrap it tight enough so we can go riding tomorrow."

 


She has behaved herself, but only because she wants to make sure she can make it to a motorcyle rally we are going to in four weeks (US Desmo's "Ducks Fly South), so.....she stayed off the bike for 4-1/2 weeks....until last night.  

[Ant]

Guess what I will be doing this weekend?  

Riding?    

[cultureslayer]

I get irritable without riding a couple of times a week.  I HAVE to live somewhere with year 'round riding.  I spent a summer in HAWAII and was depressed because I didn't have my bike.

[Busy Little Whiner]

Whereas I only get laid on birthdays and holidays... riding once a week keeps me from having to go out and lift the corner of the building...

[bubba zanetti]

I have not been riding for about a week and a half waiting for some tires to arrive here in my little back water of a town. The weather is fantastic and the roads empty and it is hard not to want to get out for a good spin. Besides Highway 31 is finished paving and ... er ... nevermind.  

In addition, the Banff Run just came through and I had to be pleasant and wish them a nice ride as they headed off to the Rockies. Sigh ... yes, I am going through a withdrawl just now.  

[panther289]

Just got done mounting the tires on the 550. Have come accross a problem with one of the killswitches. So I know the withdrawls you speak of. The 500 is getting the time right now.

[ZED]

I have not been riding for about a week and a half waiting for some tires to arrive here in my little back water of a town. The weather is fantastic and the roads empty and it is hard not to want to get out for a good spin. Besides Highway 31 is finished paving and ... er ... nevermind.  

In addition, the Banff Run just came through and I had to be pleasant and wish them a nice ride as they headed off to the Rockies. Sigh ... yes, I am going through a withdrawl just now.  

That's why I've got three bikes now I guess.  Surley one of them will be in shap to go for a run.  

Pooring rain today though.  I wimped out  and got a lift.  Sunny tomorrow though.

[Explorer]

Their is no cure for what I have I *MUST RIDE* as offten as I can. If I could get away with it, I would ride 24/7 I ride in all weather conditions.
the only wheather I will NOT! ride in is a Lighting storm. I'm crazy but I'm not that crazy.

[bomber]

it's only an addiction if you try to stop . . . . . . .

[Ant]

it's only an addiction if you try to stop . . . . . . .

I like that philosophy!!  

[GooseMan]

I only got my bike and my license in May of this year, but I've been addicted ever since! I usually get to go on at least one major (day long) ride up in the mountains with friends once a week, but since my g/f moved back, it hasnt been happening as much I was busy for most of August with work, and I recently moved, so I havent had much time for riding...didnt touch the bike in maybe 3 weeks.

So I took the day off on Monday (sometimes its fun being your own boss!) just so I could spend the day riding!   ahhhhh.....I got my fix for the week...so now I'm OK  

[KLRchickie]

I only got my bike and my license in May of this year, but I've been addicted ever since! I usually get to go on at least one major (day long) ride up in the mountains with friends once a week, but since my g/f moved back, it hasnt been happening as much I was busy for most of August with work, and I recently moved, so I havent had much time for riding...didnt touch the bike in maybe 3 weeks.

So I took the day off on Monday (sometimes its fun being your own boss!) just so I could spend the day riding!   ahhhhh.....I got my fix for the week...so now I'm OK  

You just need to get HER a bike, and she can be a motorcycle freak too!!!

[GooseMan]

I'm trying I'm trying.....

[ZZR Rob]

Hello my name is Rob and..............I'm an addict

[highside]

Last year I pulled my old rat bike out from behind the house to go ride when the snow was just starting to thaw just because I hadn't ridden for close to a week and I didn't want to crash my nicer bike. Apparently the likelyhood of crashing all by itself wasn't quite adequate to deter me from riding, so yeah, I have a problem.

[DougD]

I chose "Meh, I ride when I can but not going to lose sleep over not riding" because it doesn't reveal any psychoses or anything that I may have in front of you guys + I often look forward to sleep when I haven't ridden for a while so that I can dream about my next motorcycle trip.

 

[AHCHIU]

I have came back from a 1 wk vacation driving in a car for 6 hrs and I told my wife when we got home that I needed to go ride to unwind from the drive,do you think I have a problem?? thank God there is no 12 step program for riding I would have to be going to the meetings oh of course I will be riding to the meetings LOL..

Marcus

[Outrace]

I consider "motorcyclist" to be part of my identity.  Does that make it an addiction?

Maybe it is.  As soon as I was well enough to ride this past winter, I took the FJR out on a nice sunny day - and there was still ice on the streets.  Maybe I have a problem.  

[Leftlaner]

I spend as much time on my bike as I can during summer, and I long for riding again every day during off season. I'm getting abstinences just by writing this..!

It almost hurts in my gut, but it's like good pain..?

Like if you just received a call from the lottery and you're told that you just won the first prize - and that the brand new Lamborghini Murcielago will be delivered to your house as soon as the snow has gone..

Am I addicted? Hell yeah! Am I disturbed? Probably..

[Magnarider]

I've been losing it not being able to ride because of all the snow and such.  I'll put it this way, I usually have a dream about being out riding about every other week...

[Nouroog]

Probably. I smoke a lot of cigarettes at times, but I can also go a couple of days without having one. Riding is a bit like that. I commute on the bike, so I ride pretty much year round, usually five days a week, but some weekends I don't ride at all. I'm looking forward to having the time and money to go on overnight trips and eventually multi-day trips again.

[chiltech500]

I am addicted

[Ant]

I am addicted

Concise, to the point... I like it

[popwud]

Motorbike riding is definitely addictive.

[GoneRacin]

I actually had to go to Home depot after work today, i drove the truck , battery was dead, had to jump it. Guys I  work with thought i was sick or something.

[Chronic]

Do the rest of y'all get that thing where the more you actually do ride, the more you end up WANTING to ride?  It's like you can't actually satiate that deisire.  You just keep jonesing more and more.

Damn, i just can't imagine not riding year 'round.  Yeah, it get hotter than Hell in the summer around here, but that;s what perferation, venting and mesh is for, eh?

[Ant]

Do the rest of y'all get that thing where the more you actually do ride, the more you end up WANTING to ride?  It's like you can't actually satiate that deisire.  You just keep jonesing more and more.

Yes...

Why are we sat here when we could be out on the bikes damnit!!

5 minutes after stopping at a service station for some coffee to warm our frostbitten fingers in Wales (and yes, we had got lost which is why we ended up on the M4 before anyone asks why we were at a service station!)...

[Orson]

I'm forced off my bike due to my job.

I only get to ride maybe 6 to 8 weeks a year.

when I do get a chance to ride, I do so almost exclusively. So much so, that I'm trying to convince myself that, yes...a few days spent on a nice warm beach somewhere, having people fetch you drinks with fruit slices imbedded on the glass, can't be all that bad.

Haven't had much success putting into practice though