As part of this week’s devotion to all things slow, I thought I’d share the personal experiences I’ve had just enjoying the ride…
Some of you have mentioned that you enjoy when I talked about the more personal side of me. For four months now, I’ve been enjoying riding my motorbike quite a lot and I’ll hit the 10,000km this weekend. I’ve discovered many beautiful places here in Quebec and across the border in the US.
I haven’t yet talked about it much because it’s like an intimate pleasure, something I keep for myself away from my public side. Keeping my riding adventures a secret may be weird to some because I’m open about my sexuality and our society would dictate that I’d do the opposite.
So today I thought I’d share 5 things I love about riding my motorbike with some pictures from the many trips I’ve had with Mike and my friends.
1- A motorcycle isn’t just a vehicle to move from point A to point B.
Every time I ride my motorbike, I get an experience. The unforgettable memories from the breathtaking scenery, the adrenaline rush from taking that curve or the euphoria from the intense workout from riding in the mud, the sand or in that narrow trail full of big slippery rocks make my life richer all the time.
2- A motorcycle changes you.
You’re not just a guy/gal with a bike, you’re a rider. And that makes you pretty cool. People look at you as if they envy the passion they see in your eyes through your visor.
A few weeks ago, one of my friends bought his first bike and he needed a rider to accompany him from the dealer to his place. Mike and I offered ourselves. After a few lights and stops, he changed. He became a proud and passionate rider.
3- A motorcycle isn’t just something you own, it’s something you do.
You ride and things in your life now revolves around riding. It’s like the Nike ad, you Just Do It.
4- Motorcycles are about freedom and friendship.
I’m sure you’ve meet a rider at least once in your life and I’m sure he’s told you the reason he loves riding is freedom. That’s exactly it. I let go. Lost in my own thoughts, I find freedom.
Motorcyclists are friendly with each other in general. We wave “Hello!” on the road and smile when we see a friendly two wheeler. Within the dual bike community, the bond is even deeper. We’re there for each other when we ride in the trails and we’re always happy to see a biker covered with dust or mud. The experience is just not the same on the road and off the road, hence the unique connection.
5- A motorcycle keeps you strong physically and mentally.
Okay… All bikes have different qualities. Dual bikes, enduros and motocrosses will keep you physically and mentally strong. Other bikes will keep you sane. And that’s just as good.
I’m so glad that you are talking about the experience of being a rider. Been waiting since you first started taking lessons. Now about he photo shoot we talked about.
I’m glad you liked it, Kevin! It was a long time coming, but it’s something I had to come to sharing more on my own time.
I really want to ride motorcycle but the thing is that I don’t know how to ride them. I would be thankful to you if you give me any link which can tell me how to ride motorcycle
You really need to take lessons to be aware of the safety rules. That’s really important. You shouldn’t just learn and go by yourself. It’s an investment, but it’s a wise choice.
I’ve never ridden a motorcycle or had close biker friends to encourage me, but that doesn’t matter, because this is YOUR passion, Camille, and it is so thrilling to see you loving every moment of it! These photos of you and your bike are just as sexy as seeing you naked with Mike in your mouth– they’re not “erotic” sexy, but they are *passionate* sexy! And the scenery shots are gorgeous too! I’m so glad you’ve discovered this outlet and can make the most of it.
I certainly have been! I feel like I’m always out and about… It means the world to me to have something like this to clear my mind and soothe me.
Of all the Thousand Faces of Camille, your biker braid look is quickly rising to the top of my list.
Is there no end to the ways you can do that cute/sexy/beautiful thing you do so well?!
Grrr…again with the praising. But how can I not?
It’s absolutely always appreciated. And I’m glad you like my braid. It’s definitely practical, but I’m glad to know it’s cute too!
The biking culture in my area,(Boston suburb),is about leather,tatoos,overweight,facial growth,ugly boots,torn jeans and a bad ass attitude.Its seems every motorcycle is no good unless its a Harley; loud and brassy.I must say the Camille bike culture is quite different.Any one of us could have guessed you’d go biking with beauty in mind,Your bike is slick,upscale,urbane and the kind that moves quietly like a space ship.I’ve never gotten into biking,but your approach certainly is welcomed and appreciated
That’s really interesting. Here in Quebec, there’s definitely a lot of biker culture, but there’s a whole host of people, and a lot of us are more on the sporty/travel side. I can’t say I fit any of those stereotypes mentioned above.
well remember this – its a communtiy that will help you when you break down – another car driver wont stop to help it will be another biker. Start off with a twist n go scooter and get some experience before branching out on big bikes – my first bike a 16 was z1300 kawasaki – i used to steal bikes when i was a kid and i used to rerunt them back to its owner all clean and fixed up with gas after a joyride.
You’re absolutely right, Littlewood. We take care of each other. I’m glad you got out of the habit of stealing, though.
I rode dirt bikes, and I loved it. I can remember riding a course, and after negotiating several difficult bumps I was told by my guide that only last week, a rider was killed on the same course.
I loved riding in the mountains, seeing back country I could not hike to in days. Beautiful mountain scenes that very few of us can enjoy.
It really gives you an opportunity to see nature in its finest.
The pictures are wonderful, mountains, trails, a covered bridge.
Last, I must comment how beautiful you look in these pictures. You radiate your joy.
I find it really neat to see what kinds of people gravitate to biking. There really are all sorts.
That said, your story sounds pretty scary in terms of that rider’s untimely passing. That’s so sad.
I’m glad you were still able to find the joy in it… It’s scary, and of course there are risks, but all we can do is minimize them as much as possible and emphasize how wonderful it all can be.
Congrats on your motorcycle! I ride a Triumph Bonneville and love it. Riding in the country, away from the masses, where you can experience fresh air and beautiful scenery is exhilarating. I agree with you 100%
That is so great! More bikers here! It’s amazing how we seem to flock together.
Is this in the Adirondacks by any chance? It seems like it’s in the Keene/Wilmington/Lake Placid Area? Very beautiful photos!
Camille,
You might find this of interest. Fred Langa, tech journalist, bike rider, tornado chaser, computer guru extraordinaire escaped to the wilderness on a five-month motorcycle journey through the width of the U.S. and back across Canada: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=310834
All the best,
~Del
Yes@ I really love this kind of stuff… Some day, I hope to be able to do a long ride like that… I’ll have to find a way to make it happen and still be able to update first, though. Maybe next year.
Congrats on joingin an exclusive world, your look looks great. Wish i could find a really adventurous women to share my love for motorcycles
We are out there. Believe it!