2021 was the second year in which I had a motorcycle, and a motorcycle license. Long-term I am hoping to do a long journey across Africa. I had a lot of plans for the year, but everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.

For me, the year started on the last weekend on February. Friday: launch a digital alcohol addiction treatment platform penetrating the US healthcare system. Saturday: change the tires on my motorcycle (thanks Grant and Susan for the video - worked a treat). Sunday: rode to Northern Ireland to visit my mum. Monday: first members enrolling in the alcohol program, and my mum is in hospital to have her cancer removed in an operation. She's doing better now, although for how long we do not know. She is very unhealthy with a whole host of other issues so this is very trying for both of us. To say our relationship is difficult is putting it mildly too. That weekend I cried for the first time in a long, long time.






I spent March in N. Ireland, taking a gander at the amazing senary and roads and keeping my mum company as she goes through the worst of this, before returning to London for a month.







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In May I did an i2i course in Yorkshire and got fitted for some Alt-Berg touring boots (still waiting for them), then did a 2 week tour of the west coast of Scotland, before settling in N. Ireland for another month. This was the single greatest holiday of my life, by a long margin. To be self sufficient, prepared, and seeing such a vast amount of Scotland in one go is incredible. I "saw it all" up until Skye and the roads and senary were beyond my imagination. Holy shit Mull is a beauty.

















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You may have winced at the rather shocking condition of my chain in the photos for changing my tires. It made it to Skye before it gave up the ghost. I tried a few adjustments but it ended up needing replaced. I did the sprockets too, no point half-assing it.





With the chain and sprocket repair job keeping me on Skye until early evening, and with all hotels/airbnbs in Scotland booked up due to it being a bank holiday weekend, I spent the night in the woods. Those tinfoil emergency blankets are worse than useless so I'm glad it was a nice night. Personal protective equipment works well against midges too although the view from my visor as they tried to eat me alive was like something out of a horror movie.

Unfortunately the second half of the year was less productive. I have battled severe depression since I was 14 (I'm now 33). For the latter half of last year I was real depressed, and real stressed out at work. I spent the past 6 months grinding at work (remotely), and laying on the couch or in bed. I have eaten nothing but junk, and my crippling loneliness and anxiety has only gotten worse with so long in isolation. I've ridden my motorcycle maybe 5-6 times in as many months, just short rides. This "what's the point" and unmotivated existence came about the last time I was on antidepressants as well.

I stopped taking my meds over Christmas, and finally had the motivation to go out for a ride again today. It sent shivers down my spine. I feel energised. I forgot how potent this feeling is.

I hope that this time next year I can say that I have put consistent effort in to this for the duration of the year, and rode my bike both frequently and far. I was told to go abroad last year, which I wish I had done. My passport expired, my motivation was destroyed, and my work was intense, so things didn't work out.

I rode in to a ditch in Scotland, got hit by a van in London, crossed a stream in N. Ireland, the bike's due a very thorough service after months of neglect, I'm learning every time I start the engine. I'm scared my depression will take the opportunity to reach Africa away from me, I can't spend the next years in bed letting it all go to waste. I can't go from couch to Africa.

I hope every person who reads this has had an excellent year, Christmas, and that the year to come brings much joy.

motchen

Thanks for telling us what's up.

Comment - a good ride is one of the best antidotes I know for depression. A friend suffers mightily from it, and if he can't ride his motorcycle, or his bicycle (maybe an idea for you?) he's in trouble. He rides every day, weather permitting - and snow is about the only thing that stops him.
LEARNING about bike maintenance both here and on other forums, is also a good way to stay focused on something you enjoy, and make your biking life, and travel easier and cheaper too .

We wish you the very best, and please keep us posted.

__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
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Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

I like your third leg - the one for the bike before anyone starts making smutty comments. I haven’t seen one of those before but I can see the benefits if you haven’t got a centre stand.

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You will have to do without pocket handkerchiefs, and a great many other things, before we reach our journey's end, Bilbo Baggins. You were born to the rolling hills and little rivers of the Shire, but home is now behind you. The world is ahead.

Indeed, that chain was the first thing I noticed in your post. I was happy to read that you took care of that.

As for the rest, anyone who has the gumption to take care of a motorcycle, and to plan a trip on one (whether the trip actually happens or not), has what it takes to get through the setbacks of life. Yours sound daunting, but I'm still betting that you will prevail.

...............shu

yeah it's a good shout. I did buy a gravel bike with the aim of getting used to rough terrain but it has sat unused. I have a friend who recently bought one too so I'll get in contact with him and sort out a rhythm

Hell yeah it is. I've developed more of an attachment and appreciation for my bike too. It is a very well engineered vehicle and a joy to work with

Thanks for the reminder that a ride a day helps keep the depression away. It inspired me to sort this out right now, just get out there and go and keep going I don't need some grand plan to get over this

You're an inspiration in general Grant, I really admire your dedication not only to travel by bike, but to lowering the barrier and making it accessible to more people

Damn you had my hopes up for a split second there Jay I don't normally get compliments like that . The idea came about from this forum actually, using the search function (https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hu...t-center-21593). It's very stable when not messing with the bike, but I had to be very careful when shifting the wheels in and out of place

Thanks shu... I won't let you down