The Born Again Biker.
It’s always nice to return to an old flame, I think most of my ere (1964), we cut our teeth on the Yamaha RD 250,350 and the YPVS. For some it became a way of life rather than a mode of transport and we have never left the two wheel love affair. However for a lot of people work, family and money commitments meant they had say good bye to their first love. But now, now is a different story, the family have grown up, the business is doing well and there’s a desire to wind back the clock.
First things first.
Yes our bikes were fast and loud and the brakes weren’t the best, we used to drift across the lanes on the motorway and zip round the local B roads like there was no tomorrow. Hoisting the front wheel was easy on an RD as was throwing yourself around tight and twisty side roads. I can’t ever remember suffering from a sore body when I got of my bike at Scarborough after a mad dash from Richmond. But then that was 30 years ago and I was as fit as a Butchers Dog.
So what’s changed ?
Firstly, today’s bikes have changed, they may look the same. Two wheels holding up a frame wrapped around an engine with a clutch lever and the brakes are in the same place. To be honest, everything has changed. The power to weight ratio for one has been totally re-written. If your last bike was the CB900 or the Z1000, what’s the problem ? Well today’s 600 will seriously kick there arse. There’s no more waiting to get to the top end, your there at the twist of the wrist in each gear. Stopping is no longer a guessing game, it’s very possible to stop with so much force the back wheel is no longer on the floor and the back break is used purely to keep the back end on a straight keel. Surely all these improvements are for the better, of course they are. But there’s a price to pay and I don’t mean in your pocket.
Your 30 years older and unless you work in the fitness industry or have been exercising on a regular basis, the price is you. 30 years of sat behind a desk or the wheel of a company car for 8 hours a day with a great wife feeding you the moment you come through front door, they all add pounds where you don’t want them. The body becomes weaker and slower as we get older, you can lose up to 10% of muscle strength a year. The pounds weather you like it or not creep on and the body slowly becomes weaker and slower.
So what’s the solution ?
The advancements made in motor bike technology, can only be for the better and will add to your biking experience. You will probably never ride your machine to its full capabilities but there’s nothing like trying. In order to get the most from your machine you need to be at the top of your game. A healthy life style isn’t just a good idea for getting the most out of your biking experience, it will see you through into your later years. Training on a regular basis will develop the necessary muscles you require for better biking and a more active older age. Combined with this is a good diet, your diet will dictate your levels of energy during your training periods and the time you spend in the saddle. Positive self talking and mental imagery is also a massive help in overcoming confidence issues and promoting muscle memory.
Training should be no longer than 45-60 minutes per session and if you’re just starting out 3-4 times a week. The beginners guide to fitness in the members area covers all aspects of getting started, from clothing to goal setting and maintaining your new fitness regime. You will also be directed as to the best approach to changing and using your mental abilities.
It’s never to late to start training, something is better than nothing and you will soon see the benefits from a more active life style. An active body is an active brain.
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