I don't know about you, but the final days of this past winter have left me feeling a bit cocooned, as if the vital nutrients to my lifeblood of a truly balanced life have been cut off at the spine. In fact, life just seemed a little dull and even gloomy. One day recently, rather than sitting around and accepting it, I figured I'd think it through and come up with a solution to cure my boredom. My conclusion, I needed to fix a lack of time spent riding and enjoying the time I've been given. See, I'm a creature who craves a regular injection of adrenaline and adventure to keep life interesting. For me, riding is like my therapy of sorts, a time to tune out negativity, release frustrations and anxieties and to focus on those tight, twisty turns, trees and gnarly obstacles that make life fun.
If you're anything like me (and I certainly hope you're not), maybe you've gone through a season like this. Like a virus, I thought I would infect you with some positive thinking to get you out of the house, on a quad and shedding off all your worries and cooped-up energy. Maybe you've had some valid excuses to not ride, such as your schedule is just too busy or you spend all of your weekends on a honey-do list or you're simply too tired and lazy after a long week at work. No matter how many excuses you can scratch together, I can promise you that I have 10 irrefutable reasons why you should get out and ride. I know I will, and I promise that it will bring the choked-off excitement back into your life as quickly as your first ride. So put those excuses aside, and get out and ride.
10 Reasons To Ride
1. Great Weather
"It's too cold" is no longer a valid excuse for staying indoors. The temperatures are warm, the skies are clear and there will be plenty of bright and shiny days to spend outside for the next couple of months.
2. Exercise
Pumping weights, running and doing crunches are great ways to exercise and obtain good health, but they can be oftentimes downright boring. Believe it or not, riding is a great way to work your heart, build muscle and even to release pent-up energy.
3. Stress Relief
After a long week of work, stress begins to eat away at you bit by bit. Pumping out some hard laps, whether it be on the track or deep in the woods, can quickly wipe away those worrisome anxieties.
4. Much-Needed Therapy
Who needs a shrink when you have an ATV? I always feel relieved and rejuvenated after a long day of riding. And it will probably save you quite a bit of cash in the long run.
5. The Great Outdoors
Especially in the spring, summer and fall months, there's a sense of renewing and peace when experiencing the outdoors. Don't stay isolated in your house or office any longer; get out and experience the healing benefits that nature has to offer.
6. Get Inspired
When you're lacking motivation, like I do at times, get out and ride. An enjoyable ride can lift inspiration blockers and clear your head of negativity, thereby making room for a fresh perspective. It works for me and maybe it'll work wonders for you.
7. The Need For Speed
Most of us who ride quads have a need for speed that must be quenched on a regular basis. You can relieve this addiction by riding a roller coaster, sticking the pedal to the metal in a sports car or by pointing a bicycle downhill and hanging on for dear life. But I can't think of a better way to satisfy this craving than by grabbing a handful of throttle and swiftly clicking through the gears on your quad.
8. Time With Family And Friends
I'm always trying to figure out ways to spend quality time with family and friends. What better way to accomplish this than a day at a riding area spent with your loved ones?