Can't be bothered
Discussion
Spangleweed said:
Thanks for all the replies and suggestions, they have been very helpful.
This evening I fought off the apathy and went out for a bimble. Did about an hour and a half around the Lincolnshire Wolds. I had a very pleasant ride, so maybe the spark is still there.
It's certainly the apathy for me, combined with a wife who doesn't really have a solo weekend hobby so it's hard to just hop on the bike and leave her by herself for a few hours. Once I'm on the bike I'm loving it, but I just had my bike MOT'd last week and it had done 7 miles since the last MOT and it's 3.5 miles to the MOT garage This evening I fought off the apathy and went out for a bimble. Did about an hour and a half around the Lincolnshire Wolds. I had a very pleasant ride, so maybe the spark is still there.
Head says sell it but it's not really depreciating any more and doesn't cost that much to keep it road legal.
CrankyCraig said:
Errr... how many posts in are we at this point, and I don't see depression mentioned as a possibility once. Clearly, the stigma around depression is still alive and well. 
Depression is just a chemical imbalance in the brain as a result of certain chemicals produced when you do things you enjoy, not being produced. It's certainly what I've been experiencing lately as a result of not being able to do what I ordinarily would, and despite the fact that if based on my circumstances, many would consider me to have absolutely no right to feel this way. A general feeling of malaise or disinterest in things could and should be considered quite normal for many people right now.
https://www.verywellmind.com/the-chemistry-of-depr...
Getting the balance back can be difficult, and take some time and effort, but try to focus on doing things that make you feel positive about yourself or that you still enjoy. Try setting a small goal, and try to achieve it. It could be completing something mundane you've been putting off doing, such as some household admin like switching utility services to another provider, or perhaps cleaning the garage. Exercise related goals are particularly good. With each completed goal you should experience enough motivation to be able to set the next goal, and hopefully before very long the balance will be redressed, lockdown will be over and you can clearly assess how you feel about motorcycling.
Of course, it may be purely coincidence that although the symptoms fit the circumstances, it's unrelated, but it's certainly worth consideration if only to be able to rule it out.
Depends how the OP feels but I think you’re going a bit far there. I haven’t been bothered to ride my bike much recently. I’m not depressed I just want to do different things.Depression is just a chemical imbalance in the brain as a result of certain chemicals produced when you do things you enjoy, not being produced. It's certainly what I've been experiencing lately as a result of not being able to do what I ordinarily would, and despite the fact that if based on my circumstances, many would consider me to have absolutely no right to feel this way. A general feeling of malaise or disinterest in things could and should be considered quite normal for many people right now.
https://www.verywellmind.com/the-chemistry-of-depr...
Getting the balance back can be difficult, and take some time and effort, but try to focus on doing things that make you feel positive about yourself or that you still enjoy. Try setting a small goal, and try to achieve it. It could be completing something mundane you've been putting off doing, such as some household admin like switching utility services to another provider, or perhaps cleaning the garage. Exercise related goals are particularly good. With each completed goal you should experience enough motivation to be able to set the next goal, and hopefully before very long the balance will be redressed, lockdown will be over and you can clearly assess how you feel about motorcycling.
Of course, it may be purely coincidence that although the symptoms fit the circumstances, it's unrelated, but it's certainly worth consideration if only to be able to rule it out.
SAS Tom said:
CrankyCraig said:
Errr... how many posts in are we at this point, and I don't see depression mentioned as a possibility once. Clearly, the stigma around depression is still alive and well.
Depression is just a chemical imbalance in the brain as a result of certain chemicals produced when you do things you enjoy, not being produced. It's certainly what I've been experiencing lately as a result of not being able to do what I ordinarily would, and despite the fact that if based on my circumstances, many would consider me to have absolutely no right to feel this way. A general feeling of malaise or disinterest in things could and should be considered quite normal for many people right now.
https://www.verywellmind.com/the-chemistry-of-depr...
Getting the balance back can be difficult, and take some time and effort, but try to focus on doing things that make you feel positive about yourself or that you still enjoy. Try setting a small goal, and try to achieve it. It could be completing something mundane you've been putting off doing, such as some household admin like switching utility services to another provider, or perhaps cleaning the garage. Exercise related goals are particularly good. With each completed goal you should experience enough motivation to be able to set the next goal, and hopefully before very long the balance will be redressed, lockdown will be over and you can clearly assess how you feel about motorcycling.
Of course, it may be purely coincidence that although the symptoms fit the circumstances, it's unrelated, but it's certainly worth consideration if only to be able to rule it out.
Depends how the OP feels but I think you’re going a bit far there. I haven’t been bothered to ride my bike much recently. I’m not depressed I just want to do different things.Depression is just a chemical imbalance in the brain as a result of certain chemicals produced when you do things you enjoy, not being produced. It's certainly what I've been experiencing lately as a result of not being able to do what I ordinarily would, and despite the fact that if based on my circumstances, many would consider me to have absolutely no right to feel this way. A general feeling of malaise or disinterest in things could and should be considered quite normal for many people right now.
https://www.verywellmind.com/the-chemistry-of-depr...
Getting the balance back can be difficult, and take some time and effort, but try to focus on doing things that make you feel positive about yourself or that you still enjoy. Try setting a small goal, and try to achieve it. It could be completing something mundane you've been putting off doing, such as some household admin like switching utility services to another provider, or perhaps cleaning the garage. Exercise related goals are particularly good. With each completed goal you should experience enough motivation to be able to set the next goal, and hopefully before very long the balance will be redressed, lockdown will be over and you can clearly assess how you feel about motorcycling.
Of course, it may be purely coincidence that although the symptoms fit the circumstances, it's unrelated, but it's certainly worth consideration if only to be able to rule it out.
I think a couple of people have asked if OP was generally feeling worse at the moment.
It's OP's choice whether to respond or not about it in a public forum, but I'm sure he has read the posts.
We also had amazing weather in lockdown and it's been a bit meh since.
Can’t speak for the rest of you but I’ve been a bit depressed this last two months.
I actually got out on the road bike for about 3 hours on Sunday and it really picked me up. It wasn’t a frantically fast ride either, was just nice out there rolling around. I was actually browsing new bikes over the last week or so, but Sunday reminded me of how enjoyable bikes are, almost irrespective of what the bike is.
I actually got out on the road bike for about 3 hours on Sunday and it really picked me up. It wasn’t a frantically fast ride either, was just nice out there rolling around. I was actually browsing new bikes over the last week or so, but Sunday reminded me of how enjoyable bikes are, almost irrespective of what the bike is.
It's a fair question to ask, whether it may be the case or not men do not ask or answer those sort of questions and generally we're worse for it. I know that one of my reasons to finally get on a bike was that a lot of the freedom we enjoyed before March was suddenly taken away and getting out for a ride seemed a way to get that feeling back, it's certainly helped my mood and fills the large hole that has been 3 months of relative isolation.
CrankyCraig said:
Errr... how many posts in are we at this point, and I don't see depression mentioned as a possibility once. Clearly, the stigma around depression is still alive and well.
Depression is just a chemical imbalance in the brain as a result of certain chemicals produced when you do things you enjoy, not being produced. It's certainly what I've been experiencing lately as a result of not being able to do what I ordinarily would, and despite the fact that if based on my circumstances, many would consider me to have absolutely no right to feel this way. A general feeling of malaise or disinterest in things could and should be considered quite normal for many people right now.
https://www.verywellmind.com/the-chemistry-of-depr...
Getting the balance back can be difficult, and take some time and effort, but try to focus on doing things that make you feel positive about yourself or that you still enjoy. Try setting a small goal, and try to achieve it. It could be completing something mundane you've been putting off doing, such as some household admin like switching utility services to another provider, or perhaps cleaning the garage. Exercise related goals are particularly good. With each completed goal you should experience enough motivation to be able to set the next goal, and hopefully before very long the balance will be redressed, lockdown will be over and you can clearly assess how you feel about motorcycling.
Of course, it may be purely coincidence that although the symptoms fit the circumstances, it's unrelated, but it's certainly worth consideration if only to be able to rule it out.
Clinical depression has it's own very clear definition - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/clinical-depression/ At the basic level, yes it is just a chemical imbalance however how that imbalance is acquired can be far far more complicated and may need more input (from a psychologist) to remedy. Our thoughts and feelings are extraordinarily powerful at keeping us downtrodden. Depression is just a chemical imbalance in the brain as a result of certain chemicals produced when you do things you enjoy, not being produced. It's certainly what I've been experiencing lately as a result of not being able to do what I ordinarily would, and despite the fact that if based on my circumstances, many would consider me to have absolutely no right to feel this way. A general feeling of malaise or disinterest in things could and should be considered quite normal for many people right now.
https://www.verywellmind.com/the-chemistry-of-depr...
Getting the balance back can be difficult, and take some time and effort, but try to focus on doing things that make you feel positive about yourself or that you still enjoy. Try setting a small goal, and try to achieve it. It could be completing something mundane you've been putting off doing, such as some household admin like switching utility services to another provider, or perhaps cleaning the garage. Exercise related goals are particularly good. With each completed goal you should experience enough motivation to be able to set the next goal, and hopefully before very long the balance will be redressed, lockdown will be over and you can clearly assess how you feel about motorcycling.
Of course, it may be purely coincidence that although the symptoms fit the circumstances, it's unrelated, but it's certainly worth consideration if only to be able to rule it out.
However there is a strong case for a general low mood, and some people also advocate for "high functioning depression" - you are suffering from depression, but you are able to carry out your obligated duties (work, chores, etc) but neglect to engage in otherwise enjoyable hobbies.
Of course, it could just be a thing. is OP finding themselves not wanting to engage in other activities they would usually find enjoyable?
FWIW I realised I was having issues when I couldnt be bothered to get the bike out to ride to work, it was easier and less effort to take the car. This was some years ago, I went from riding about 8000 miles a year to just 2000 that particular year. I sought advice and help, and worked through those issues.
Edited by thatdude on Tuesday 30th June 15:39
V8RX7 said:
f
k off with your paranoia
Maybe you want to speculate that he was abused as a child too or has been hiding his true sexuality... maybe he's a white supremacist and depressed that BLM.
This is a bike forum, he's been offered bike advice
If you wish to offer mental health advice - fine but don't start flag waving
Your reaction to that post was so over the top that I initially wondered whether it was an attempt to re-enforce the point I was making surrounding the stigma associated with certain medical conditions by use of humour. On reflection, I think this was likely a generous appraisal.k off with your paranoiaMaybe you want to speculate that he was abused as a child too or has been hiding his true sexuality... maybe he's a white supremacist and depressed that BLM.
This is a bike forum, he's been offered bike advice
If you wish to offer mental health advice - fine but don't start flag waving
In truth, based solely on the rambling's you've supplied above, I'm unable to determine what your issue is, but whatever it is, it's your issue. Having said that, I can assure you unequivocally that whatever it is, this being BikerBanter, you can address it through strict adoption of the prevailing mantra:
'Buy a new bike'.
Edited by CrankyCraig on Tuesday 30th June 18:34
Dr Jekyll said:
This
When I've found the fun going out of riding just going out for the sake of riding doesn't help. There's an element of 'am I having fun yet?'.
Pick some kind of destination, so you're on the bike instead of using a car or train rather than instead of sitting on the sofa catching up on Netflix. But set off on the basis that you can just carry on riding and only turn round at Lands End if you feel like it.
I use mine for commuting now we've all been forced back into the office, but I did just that the other week, just had a run up to Chester and sat by the river in the sunshine for a bit. Meandered there through lots of villages and small towns and blasted back down the Motorway (I live in South Staffs)When I've found the fun going out of riding just going out for the sake of riding doesn't help. There's an element of 'am I having fun yet?'.
Pick some kind of destination, so you're on the bike instead of using a car or train rather than instead of sitting on the sofa catching up on Netflix. But set off on the basis that you can just carry on riding and only turn round at Lands End if you feel like it.
Thanks again for all the comments and suggestions. Also, for those concerned that I may be suffering from depression, I thank you for your concern, but I think I am OK. I have suffered with it in the past, and agree that this could be a symptom, but my interest in other hobbies and activities remains level, and I generally feel good in myself.
I can best describe it as apathy specifically regarding taking the bike out. Probably a change in bike would fire up my enthusiasm again, (for some reason I have found myself looking at Triumph Speed Twins - (which is itself is a good sign as I could not be bothered to look at anything earlier)), I think stick with the Tracer for a bit and concentrate on refining my riding skills. I went out for a couple of hours yesterday, and had a really really good ride, the kind where everything comes together and when you get home there is a bit of a sense of pride in how you rode.
Thanks again for all your advice and support.
I can best describe it as apathy specifically regarding taking the bike out. Probably a change in bike would fire up my enthusiasm again, (for some reason I have found myself looking at Triumph Speed Twins - (which is itself is a good sign as I could not be bothered to look at anything earlier)), I think stick with the Tracer for a bit and concentrate on refining my riding skills. I went out for a couple of hours yesterday, and had a really really good ride, the kind where everything comes together and when you get home there is a bit of a sense of pride in how you rode.
Thanks again for all your advice and support.
Spangleweed said:
Thanks again for all the comments and suggestions. Also, for those concerned that I may be suffering from depression, I thank you for your concern, but I think I am OK. I have suffered with it in the past, and agree that this could be a symptom, but my interest in other hobbies and activities remains level, and I generally feel good in myself.
I can best describe it as apathy specifically regarding taking the bike out. Probably a change in bike would fire up my enthusiasm again, (for some reason I have found myself looking at Triumph Speed Twins - (which is itself is a good sign as I could not be bothered to look at anything earlier)), I think stick with the Tracer for a bit and concentrate on refining my riding skills. I went out for a couple of hours yesterday, and had a really really good ride, the kind where everything comes together and when you get home there is a bit of a sense of pride in how you rode.
Thanks again for all your advice and support.
Good to hear you enjoyed yourself, thanks for the update I can best describe it as apathy specifically regarding taking the bike out. Probably a change in bike would fire up my enthusiasm again, (for some reason I have found myself looking at Triumph Speed Twins - (which is itself is a good sign as I could not be bothered to look at anything earlier)), I think stick with the Tracer for a bit and concentrate on refining my riding skills. I went out for a couple of hours yesterday, and had a really really good ride, the kind where everything comes together and when you get home there is a bit of a sense of pride in how you rode.
Thanks again for all your advice and support.
Spangleweed said:
Thanks again for all the comments and suggestions. Also, for those concerned that I may be suffering from depression, I thank you for your concern, but I think I am OK. I have suffered with it in the past, and agree that this could be a symptom, but my interest in other hobbies and activities remains level, and I generally feel good in myself.
I can best describe it as apathy specifically regarding taking the bike out. Probably a change in bike would fire up my enthusiasm again, (for some reason I have found myself looking at Triumph Speed Twins - (which is itself is a good sign as I could not be bothered to look at anything earlier)), I think stick with the Tracer for a bit and concentrate on refining my riding skills. I went out for a couple of hours yesterday, and had a really really good ride, the kind where everything comes together and when you get home there is a bit of a sense of pride in how you rode.
Thanks again for all your advice and support.
Maybe try and find someone else to ride with..? Having a bit of company always helps and having someone else pushing to go out for a ride helps with the apathy.I can best describe it as apathy specifically regarding taking the bike out. Probably a change in bike would fire up my enthusiasm again, (for some reason I have found myself looking at Triumph Speed Twins - (which is itself is a good sign as I could not be bothered to look at anything earlier)), I think stick with the Tracer for a bit and concentrate on refining my riding skills. I went out for a couple of hours yesterday, and had a really really good ride, the kind where everything comes together and when you get home there is a bit of a sense of pride in how you rode.
Thanks again for all your advice and support.
Spangleweed said:
I can best describe it as apathy specifically regarding taking the bike out. Probably a change in bike would fire up my enthusiasm again, (for some reason I have found myself looking at Triumph Speed Twins - (which is itself is a good sign as I could not be bothered to look at anything earlier)),
Get a test ride. They're epic machinesTimmyWimmyWoo said:
Yep, exactly the same with me. I've not even done that much tinkering because I don't have a garage. I've been for a few rides with a friend, but I just end up frustrated at how pointless a sportsbike feels on our busy roads. I also hate riding my current bike in jeans (my tank/seat are very slippery and you really need leathers for grip), so it feels a bit of an effort to unwrap/chain the bike and go out on it. I'm going to swap it for something more upright – when I had a GS on loan over winter I did more miles in December/Jan than on my 1198 in the whole of 2019…
I've rediscovered my mojo – a 30-minute test ride on a Ducati Hypermotard 950 gave me more smiles and laughs than I've had in a long time on or off the bike. Stuck a deposit down for a 950 SP – not sure when it'll be here but I can't wait!Spangleweed said:
Thanks again for all the comments and suggestions. Also, for those concerned that I may be suffering from depression, I thank you for your concern, but I think I am OK. I have suffered with it in the past, and agree that this could be a symptom, but my interest in other hobbies and activities remains level, and I generally feel good in myself.
I can best describe it as apathy specifically regarding taking the bike out. Probably a change in bike would fire up my enthusiasm again, (for some reason I have found myself looking at Triumph Speed Twins - (which is itself is a good sign as I could not be bothered to look at anything earlier)), I think stick with the Tracer for a bit and concentrate on refining my riding skills. I went out for a couple of hours yesterday, and had a really really good ride, the kind where everything comes together and when you get home there is a bit of a sense of pride in how you rode.
Thanks again for all your advice and support.
Perhaps it would be useful to plan some journeys to a specific destination - seaside for some lunch, ride to a museum or something like that (depending on what is open at the moment). Sometimes, just "going for a ride" doesnt cut it, having a reason to ride can help muster up the enthusiasm. I can best describe it as apathy specifically regarding taking the bike out. Probably a change in bike would fire up my enthusiasm again, (for some reason I have found myself looking at Triumph Speed Twins - (which is itself is a good sign as I could not be bothered to look at anything earlier)), I think stick with the Tracer for a bit and concentrate on refining my riding skills. I went out for a couple of hours yesterday, and had a really really good ride, the kind where everything comes together and when you get home there is a bit of a sense of pride in how you rode.
Thanks again for all your advice and support.
How about a short motorcycle tour, but on a small capacity bike? And use minor/ b roads. Plenty of cyclists do tours using these roads; even a humble 125cc-250cc is going to be miles quicker, but still a relaxed pace.
That's on my 'to do' list when things return to whatever 'back to normal' means.
That's on my 'to do' list when things return to whatever 'back to normal' means.
I thought it was just me, I'm finding biking and lots of hobbies too much hassle because of the public generally. Aggressive drivers, stupidity and volumes of traffic just means I feel st when I get back.
It's not just biking though horse riding and drone flying seems to provoke negative responses these days just seems an unhappy country.
t when I get back.It's not just biking though horse riding and drone flying seems to provoke negative responses these days just seems an unhappy country.
Similar thing happened to me a long while ago. I used to always have sports bikes, several friends to whizz around on locally, did a lot of trackdays but in the end (after c20 years) I got bored of it and my bike didn't move for probably a year or so. As it was sat there I started commuting on it (60miles a day) just so it was being used as otherwise it was heading for ebay. I really enjoyed it. Radio on in the crash helmet is a great way to destress especially on the way home. No trains to run for etc. Wrong (sports) bike though so I changed it for something more suitable for the commute. Got a BMW R1200GS and one day thought, why not go for a ride to Italy, as you do. That got me back in to biking big time.
These days I rarely ride for fun in the UK. I live in Kent and there's too much traffic and you just end up doing the same old rides over and over. I commute every day, which I still love and I try and do 1 or 2 long tours each year (Italy, France, Germany, Coatia etc). I absolutely love biking again now. I have the GS for work and touring and a Ducati M12R for fun when I feel like it. BMW does about 10-12k miles a year and the Ducati has 4k in two years. The Ducati is a thing of beauty though!!
I find myself looking forward to the long trips, almost like a drug. I love the sense of adventure. A car won't give you that.
These days I rarely ride for fun in the UK. I live in Kent and there's too much traffic and you just end up doing the same old rides over and over. I commute every day, which I still love and I try and do 1 or 2 long tours each year (Italy, France, Germany, Coatia etc). I absolutely love biking again now. I have the GS for work and touring and a Ducati M12R for fun when I feel like it. BMW does about 10-12k miles a year and the Ducati has 4k in two years. The Ducati is a thing of beauty though!!
I find myself looking forward to the long trips, almost like a drug. I love the sense of adventure. A car won't give you that.
Gixer968CS said:
These days I rarely ride for fun in the UK. I live in Kent and there's too much traffic and you just end up doing the same old rides over and over. I commute every day, which I still love and I try and do 1 or 2 long tours each year (Italy, France, Germany, Coatia etc). I absolutely love biking again now. I have the GS for work and touring and a Ducati M12R for fun when I feel like it. BMW does about 10-12k miles a year and the Ducati has 4k in two years. The Ducati is a thing of beauty though!!
I find myself looking forward to the long trips, almost like a drug. I love the sense of adventure. A car won't give you that.
When you bike in Europe, are you frequenting specific touristic places of beauty, I’m assuming your not finding the majority of the country to be so much more enjoyable?I find myself looking forward to the long trips, almost like a drug. I love the sense of adventure. A car won't give you that.
Would you ever consider a move abroad?
Bought a GS adventure in the last couple of weeks. Ridden more in three consecutive days than I have in two years. Boringly brilliant and takes everything in its stride with no compromise and highly dependable when it needs to deliver - instantly. I can see why it has a huge following.
It’s relit my fire to want to tour.
The S1000RR will be P/X’d in the next few weeks based on simply the improvement in technology alone. Just need to get a ride on a KTM SDR.
It’s relit my fire to want to tour.
The S1000RR will be P/X’d in the next few weeks based on simply the improvement in technology alone. Just need to get a ride on a KTM SDR.
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