Benjamin Cawood

Technique

I've now logged about 1600 miles on my bike, and I'm feeling much more comfortable and confident on the road. I recently read up on the proper way to lean on a bike, as it has felt more natural to try to counterbalance my own weight against it, sitting up straight as the bike leans. However, that actually leads to a higher risk of sliding, and it's much safer to lean your body into the curve, keeping your head up and looking through the turn. I found if I start leaning my body first before initiating the curve it helps to continue that movement, and pushing down on my inside foot pedal can also help. That motion has started to feel much more natural, and I've noticed I have a lot more control over my bike and where I want to position it in the lane. It's nice to reach a point where can really focus on what's happening around me rather than what my body is doing.

Being on the bike gives me such a sense of freedom and control. You're obviously much more vulnerable on a motorcycle compared t in a car. You have to remember that pretty much anything out there could potentially kill you, so it's good to create as much cushion as you can in every direction, which creates a lot more time to notice potholes or debris and obstacles in the road that might appear and to anticipate what others around you might do. So now you can respond rather than simply react.

First Group Ride

This morning I joined the Indian Motorcycle Riders Group (IMRG) for my first ride ever in a group. We started in Canton and rode north into Tennessee, then turned east and rode along the Ocoee River. It was interesting adjusting to the group dynamic and learning to respond to the other riders around me. Also a confidence boost, as I had no problem keeping up, and never felt outside my limits. Beautiful ride and a great experience.

Check out my REVER Ride! https://go.rever.co/g9vLIFaN8Ib 

150 Days

A couple of days ago I hit 150 days of complete sobriety. Discovering motorcycling, learning a new skill, getting educated on motorcycle safety through an online MSF course and taking a class at Southern Devil Harley, it's all been a great reminder that there is still so much good in the world to do, so many places and new experiences to discover that are wonderful and completely separate from the alcohol I thought I needed, and it leaves me thankful. Getting enough distance from that old way of thinking has been like a rebirth.

I'm Riding for Men's Health in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

4/25/24

Before 2023 I had a fairly high opinion of the benefits of therapy. But after having spent 16 weeks in a rehabilitation program, and having had probably one of the best therapists in the world, Ellen S., I've come to a much deeper understanding of how good it is to speak about the difficult things in our lives to someone who is neutral, affirming, and supportive. I was able to process a lot of things, not merely about my experiences and things that have happened *to* me, but more importantly, things about myself, things that I hadn't wanted to acknowledge. I learned about resentments I hadn't want to examine; that I hadn't wanted to be a resentful person; and that I had chosen to numb myself and not look at these parts of me. Sometimes you really have to have an independent observer, a person who is separated from the situations you face, who can validate your emotions and affirm to you your humanity. I learned in a truly firsthand wayhow beneficial the perspective of a good, thoughtful therapist can be. Please seek out help if and when you need it. There are people who genuinely care.

Thank you to whomever made such a generous, anonymous donation! It means a lot!!

4/24/24

On Sunday the 19th of May 2024, I'm riding in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride with fellow men and women across the globe to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health on behalf of Movember. Men die on average 6 years earlier than women and for largely preventable reasons. The number of men that are suffering is growing, and we need to do something about that. So, before I press my tweed and polish my boots, I'm asking you to join me in raising funds and awareness for these causes by donating what you can for this meaningful cause and to help the men we love, live happier and healthier lives.