Sometimes more is less. Wait a minute, maybe it’s less is more? Anyway, I think that old saying goes something like that. Either way, sometimes you just need to take a break. And to be honest, I think that applies to every aspect of our lives no matter how you like to spend your free time.
And sometimes the break you need isn’t really because you need a break from something in particular, but you just need a break from life, a little down time. Life gets real crazy every now and then. Actually, it seems as though it just stays crazy all the time now. Great… I think that last statement was just another feather in my cap proving that I am just plain getting old. The truth is, right from the beginning our bodies are designed and are in need of rest. Did you know that your muscles don’t grow and become stronger during the actual work out, but this process happens in the days after you have labored them into submission.
So here is the deal. Life got a little crazy and I took a break. Okay, this time it was a short one, only about 2 weeks. But you know what ? It worked! I was sick and tired of the never having a moment to just sit down and chill out. I was tired of getting up early to work out and train. And then prepping the bikes, driving to ride or race, then washing the bikes, then fixing whatever I broke that time. And it never stops there: you gotta clean up all your gear, clean up the transport vehicle, and then… guess what? The cycle starts all over again in just a couple days!! Man, this wears me out just thinking about it as I write this article.
So I took 2 weeks off from not only riding but overall anything dirt bike related (except for my job of course). After 2 weeks I went and rode some MX for half a day, and of course was sore for three more. I was starting to get the itch again. I really decided to ride just to make sure I didn’t lose all my conditioning as the Perry MTN 24Hr Enduro was only a few short weeks away. So as the itch came back I decided to ride again the following weekend. Mother Nature had other plans, so I had take another week off. And now I CAN’T stand it anymore!! I WANT to RIDE!!!!
So if your riding or racing career starts to resemble anything even remotely close to work then follow these 3 quick and easy steps for ensured happiness:
1. Wash your bike and prepare it to ride again (the worst thing to have during a break is a dirty wore out motorcycle glaring at you every time you walk by. Wash it, service it, and let your mind rest knowing it’s ready to go for the next time you want to ride. This step is essential, do not skip!)
2. For the first week do not read or watch anything dirt bike related. Pretend like you don’t even care about it anymore.
3. After week 2, sit on your bike in the garage and make 2 stroke engine noises (this does not matter if your bike is a 2 or 4 stroke)
Follow these 3 steps to wind up your emotional “I wanna ride” power bands. You won’t resist it, you can’t resist it! MOO HA HA
This Post is Tagged With:
austin bankert, Industry Insider
