helping others is the real game
i've waxed eloquent on how falling is the fun part of off-road adventuring, so here's the sequel to that story - getting back up on your feet. and no matter how competent a rider you are, that's not something you will always be capable of doing by yourself.
sustainability
this is the least spoken about aspect of adventure, with the courage to start often getting the limelight. but anyone who's been on enough adventures will be aware of how much easier it is to start one and how hard it is to actually complete it. so the question of sustainable adventure is always on top of my mind. what's the best way to ensure i'm able to continue and eventually complete whatever adventure i embark on?
the answer is quite simple really. others. everyone from ride buddies to locals passing by. behind every vocal and visible adventurer is a friend or stranger who helped make that happen. i'll never forget the excavation guy who made a cup of chai for me when he found me lost in the Rann of Kutch. as much as adventure is spin doctored as the hero's journey, it remains a collective experience that touches everyone along the way.
takes two to tango
it's always suggested to ride out into the wild with atleast one other if not a handful, with good reason. i've lost a friend who lost his life on a solo trek, when he hurt himself and couldn't call for help. because there was no one with him (and no random passerby chanced upon him) he could not be helped in time to save his life.
if this story shocked you, it served it's purpose. we all play with uncertainty when we embark on adventures into the wild whether on heels or wheels. it's wise to know that often your best bet against the odds is not superlative survival skills but just another buddy riding alongside. this is a humbling realization if you're bought into your skills hype more than needed.
be capable 🫱🏼🫲🏽 be dependable
it's important to be on your best game when you ride out, but it's even more important for your buddies to know they can count on you. tho i started off with life and death scenarios to scare you, it's often the small actions that make a big difference.
share a smile. share your stash of toffees. remind everyone to hydrate. suggest a break when you see 'em winded. stop to smell the roses ever so often, enjoying the view is a welcome change from the high adrenaline action. carry a stove to whip up freshly ground and prepared coffee. we all love to be at receiving end of such deeds, so why not take the initiative to be the giver?
and it's wise to contemplate in advance how, when, and where i might need help and be ready to receive. in this way i'm actually helping you help me.
share our stories
we're all beginners compared to those ahead of us in the game, but we've all something to share. so here's a reminder to engage with veteran riders and cajole 'em into spilling their stories around a campfire 🔥 after all there's no social experience more magical than listening live to stories of adventure from yesteryear.
attend festivals and campouts organized by motorcycling groups or wrangle together a rag tag group of riding buddies to shoot the breeze and swap stories. you never know how you might help each other plan the next ride to nowhere. sure, you can grab a lot of information off the interwebs but where's the fun in that?
reach out and ride together ffs 🏁
this is my journey with motorcycles and mud, wanna ride with me?