5 Reasons Motorcycling is a Great Hobby for Adults

Adulting can be stressful and tiresome. Sometimes a grown-up has just got to get away and let loose, and a great escape found by many fortunate adults is motorcycling. Motorcycling is about experiences and freedom on the open road. There are many reasons to enjoy motorcycling that are also beneficial to your health and happiness. Some of these reasons may surprise you. 

1. Traveling Near and Far

The benefits of travel for your mental wellness are well-documented, but how about turning that up a notch and straddling the powerful body of a blazing motorbike. Traveling across the country by motorcycle is an experience best reserved for the hearty. Since you have no covering, it's wise to plan in advance to take weather into account. There's nothing wrong with riding in the rain as long as you have the right gear, and many people do it. Gear is as important to your safety as it is to your comfort. Be sure to choose a good-fitting helmet that is highly rated. Motorcycle helmets come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit your needs. 

You don't have to travel across the country to fully enjoy the experience of motorcycling. Day trips are also great. If you have a bike with adequate storage you can pack a picnic and head to a local beach or lake to enjoy the afternoon. Or, take a trip to a nature reserve and enjoy a hike. A motorcycle is a refreshing and invigorating means to get to your destination and the experience can clear your mind of the stressors in life. 

2. Joining Clubs, Organizations and Community-Sponsored Events

There are motorcycle clubs and organizations available in nearly every community. This doesn't include outlaw clubs like Hell's Angels. You aren't joining a club to be a bandit. The types of clubs you are looking for are civic-minded clubs. Joining one of these organizations is a great way to meet people who enjoy riding as much as you do. It's likely that your local chapter takes part in community events, including parades and toy runs to collect gifts for children during the Christmas season.

Outside of clubs and organizations, there are also community sponsored events just for motorcycle enthusiasts. Taking part in these events is a great way to express your community pride and responsibility while also participating in a hobby that is fulfilling. 

3. Benefits to Overall Wellness

You may not associate riding a motorcycle with working out, but keeping the balance and staying one with the bike does require some physical exertion that you won't experience driving a car. It's estimated that for every hour you are in control of your bike you burn 600 calories. The motorcycle works nearly every muscle in your body, and especially your knees and thighs. 

Another added benefit you might not expect is to your mental health. During the ride, you release endorphins while reducing cortisol. This means your mood improves while your stress melts away. It also enhances your focus and alertness. 

4. Reduces Your Carbon Footprint

Riding a motorcycle is more in tune with the environment. Because the engine of a motorcycle is significantly smaller than that of an automobile, they use a lot less gas. This means less pollution is being introduced into the atmosphere not only by the bike but by the refineries that process fuels for motor consumption. Now you have a legitimate reason for showing up to work with messy hair.

5. It's Just Plain Thrilling

The best reason to ride a bike is that it's a fun adventure. You really don't need any other reason so the rest of the reasons are just extra icing on the cake. Experiencing the wind and air, along with the freedom of speeding down the highway--these are the reasons many musical odes have been written about riding motorcycles. There are no other means of travel that compare to riding a motorcycle and that's why they remain a popular hobby today.