Passion, Experience & Growth

At The Edge Of Life And Death, Having Faith

March 17, 2009

“Back in the saddle again” — Aerosmith - Back In The Saddle (Audio)

Although experienced riders and trainers will often admonish that “there are two kinds of riders” and will warn us of the dangers of riding, it’s really not until we’ve had a crash or a near-miss that we begin to truly appreciate the life and death balance that motorcycling represents.

Much like walking next to a cliff, the experience can be harrowing, hanging out over the edge, tripping and sliding toward disaster—or, it can be a careful walk, at a respectful distance.

Regardless of our care or hooliganism, riding is an act of faith. Although experienced riders will run through a pre-ride checklist (T-CLOCS) and have their bike serviced at regular intervals, we are still trusting that the bike will perform as designed. Hurtling along at 60 MPH, we depend on all the pieces of the bike working according to their design, and in perfect harmony, continuing to propel us safely above the road at 88 feet per second.

As riders, we also have some degree of faith in other vehicles (and their drivers) on the road. We must trust (but verify) that the truck we pass will stay in his lane, the car at the left turn won’t turn across our path at the very last minute, or that the pickup approaching the four-way-stop will actually stop as we ride through the intersection.

As riders, we also have to have faith in the road itself. We must maintain an acute sense of the traction available from the road, pavement or dirt, concrete or gravel, and an awareness of the substances on the road: oil, diesel spills, water or rain, sand, or road-kill. Although we can, and always should maintain careful attention, and should adapt to our ongoing assessment of the road surface, the reality is that at 88 feet per second, we’re riding with faith. We must trust that the road ahead will continue to carry us forward safely or that the dangers will be visible from a great enough distance to allow us to react.

In his book, Total Control, Lee Parks writes:

Although some people would lead you to believe that there is only one true belief system that works, history has clearly demonstrated that anyone with enough faith in their beliefs can be a powerful force. It doesn’t matter if you want to attribute your faith, or your results, to something beyond yourself. It all works the same. In other words, there is no such thing as good faith or bad faith, only more faith or less faith. More is better.

When you realize you’re on the edge and searching for faith, give my mantra a try:

“Ride safe! Stay up!”

It’s a reminder, an admonishment, a prayer and a promise, all in one.