Episode 89: Motorcycles and the Winter Blues: Solutions for Seasonal Depression
Episode 89: Motorcycles and the Winter Blues: Solutions for Seasonal Depression
Today's episode is dedicated to my friend, Sandra. I'll tell you why later. Isn't riding a motorcycle amazing? We love it. On this podcast, we talk a lot about the joy we feel when we go out for a ride, getting out on the road, either riding with your friends or riding alone, either riding the back roads or down the highway. It's awesome, it's freedom, it makes us happy. And then comes winter. Oh, no, not again. Here in Colorado, winter means snow. Yes, it's beautiful, but there are days I will not be able to ride. No freedom from the road, no escape seems like that's not good and for some it's very bad.
Today's episode is dedicated to my friend, Sandra. I'll tell you why later. Isn't riding a motorcycle amazing? We love it. On this podcast, we talk a lot about the joy we feel when we go out for a ride, getting out on the road, either riding with your friends or riding alone, either riding the back roads or down the highway. It's awesome, it's freedom, it makes us happy. And then comes winter. Oh, no, not again. Here in Colorado, winter means snow. Yes, it's beautiful, but there are days I will not be able to ride. No freedom from the road, no escape seems like that's not good and for some it's very bad.
Ron Francis: 1:00
Ron Francis: 1:00
Seasonal depression is real and, as I learned from a friend, it impacts motorcycle riders more than others. I didn't really realize that. Maybe we should talk through this because there is hope. You know, mother Nature has a pretty good track record of following the blaws of winter with the joys of spring. Let's talk about that, stay tuned. Recorded in beautiful Loveland, colorado. Welcome to Peace. Love Moto. Let's talk about that, stay tuned.
Seasonal depression is real and, as I learned from a friend, it impacts motorcycle riders more than others. I didn't really realize that. Maybe we should talk through this because there is hope. You know, mother Nature has a pretty good track record of following the blaws of winter with the joys of spring. Let's talk about that, stay tuned. Recorded in beautiful Loveland, colorado. Welcome to Peace. Love Moto. Let's talk about that, stay tuned.
Ron Francis: 1:55
Ron Francis: 1:55
Have you ever felt the winter blues, the weight of the shorter days, the colder weather, the general sluggishness that can come from these winter months? Well, you're not alone. Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder, which ironically abbreviates to SAD. Well, it's real and it's a serious condition that affects many people. So today let's just talk about what it is and how it impacts us as motorcycle riders. It's more than just the wintertime blues. It's a type of depression, actually, that follows a seasonal pattern. It can be triggered by the lack of sunlight or changes in routine. The symptoms can include anything from fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, even a loss of interest in activities that you'd normally love. If that sounds familiar, well, you're not alone and there's ways to manage it. So what can we do about it if we can't get out on the road and get to our happy place on our motorcycle? Well, it's certainly easy to say you can go out on Instagram or YouTube or anything else and scroll around for thousands of really good motorcycle videos. There are good ones out there.
Have you ever felt the winter blues, the weight of the shorter days, the colder weather, the general sluggishness that can come from these winter months? Well, you're not alone. Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder, which ironically abbreviates to SAD. Well, it's real and it's a serious condition that affects many people. So today let's just talk about what it is and how it impacts us as motorcycle riders. It's more than just the wintertime blues. It's a type of depression, actually, that follows a seasonal pattern. It can be triggered by the lack of sunlight or changes in routine. The symptoms can include anything from fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, even a loss of interest in activities that you'd normally love. If that sounds familiar, well, you're not alone and there's ways to manage it. So what can we do about it if we can't get out on the road and get to our happy place on our motorcycle? Well, it's certainly easy to say you can go out on Instagram or YouTube or anything else and scroll around for thousands of really good motorcycle videos. There are good ones out there.
Ron Francis: 3:14
Ron Francis: 3:14
I find myself transfixed sometimes, but there's other alternatives. For one thing, we can still go outside, whether you're in the city or in the country. Just go outside. It's cold, but that's what a coat is for. Right here in Colorado, we learned to dress for the cold and you know, frankly, you put on a good coat, warm hat, some gloves and life's pretty good out there. Be in nature, even if the trees are bare and the air is just crisp. Being outside, even in the colder temperatures, can really be helpful for the wintertime blues. Fresh air and the changing scenery and the simple act of moving your body around, you know it just affects your mood. It really really does.
I find myself transfixed sometimes, but there's other alternatives. For one thing, we can still go outside, whether you're in the city or in the country. Just go outside. It's cold, but that's what a coat is for. Right here in Colorado, we learned to dress for the cold and you know, frankly, you put on a good coat, warm hat, some gloves and life's pretty good out there. Be in nature, even if the trees are bare and the air is just crisp. Being outside, even in the colder temperatures, can really be helpful for the wintertime blues. Fresh air and the changing scenery and the simple act of moving your body around, you know it just affects your mood. It really really does.
Ron Francis: 4:07
Ron Francis: 4:07
I got really good advice from my eye doctor some years ago. She's wonderful. Not only does she take care of my eyes, but she takes care of me as a person in some ways too. Knowing that I had a tough work schedule and dealing with a lot of stress, she asked me if I walked enough and I said, yeah, I go to the gym and I spend a lot of time on the treadmill whenever I can, and she said well, that's good for your heart, but it's not so good for your mind. She went on to explain that walking outside is so much better overall. She said we not only need the fresh air from outside, but it's helpful to watch the world pass by as you walk. In other words, moving through space is so much better than walking in place, especially walking indoors. Walking outside on those cold, icy months may be very, very helpful to fight those wintertime blues when we can't be on the motorcycle.
I got really good advice from my eye doctor some years ago. She's wonderful. Not only does she take care of my eyes, but she takes care of me as a person in some ways too. Knowing that I had a tough work schedule and dealing with a lot of stress, she asked me if I walked enough and I said, yeah, I go to the gym and I spend a lot of time on the treadmill whenever I can, and she said well, that's good for your heart, but it's not so good for your mind. She went on to explain that walking outside is so much better overall. She said we not only need the fresh air from outside, but it's helpful to watch the world pass by as you walk. In other words, moving through space is so much better than walking in place, especially walking indoors. Walking outside on those cold, icy months may be very, very helpful to fight those wintertime blues when we can't be on the motorcycle.
Ron Francis: 5:06
Ron Francis: 5:06
And also, winter is a great time to reconnect with your buddies. Oftentimes I just enjoy going for rides alone. I just do. That's just kind of my nature and I ride with my friends from time to time. But now's a good time to go and meet at the coffee shop. You know, a motorcycle is not just about a ride, it's about people. It's about strangers that we meet and connecting with people who become lifelong friends. And it's wonderful Connecting in real conversations with a group of fellow riders. You've obviously got something really in common to talk about. Right, even if it's just online or, you know, just meeting at the coffee shop, you can provide support and motivation for somebody else for these wintertime blues and they in turn will help you too. I've experienced that here.
And also, winter is a great time to reconnect with your buddies. Oftentimes I just enjoy going for rides alone. I just do. That's just kind of my nature and I ride with my friends from time to time. But now's a good time to go and meet at the coffee shop. You know, a motorcycle is not just about a ride, it's about people. It's about strangers that we meet and connecting with people who become lifelong friends. And it's wonderful Connecting in real conversations with a group of fellow riders. You've obviously got something really in common to talk about. Right, even if it's just online or, you know, just meeting at the coffee shop, you can provide support and motivation for somebody else for these wintertime blues and they in turn will help you too. I've experienced that here.
Ron Francis: 5:56
Ron Francis: 5:56
In winter. It's a good time to be grateful, to be reminded of just how fortunate we are to have the money to own a bike and the mental and physical capabilities to ride it. That's a gift. I've mentioned it on other episodes, that I feel so grateful for my motorcycle that in the wintertime especially, I'll walk out into the garage, I'll just stand beside it or sit on it and I'll literally say out loud thank you and I'll give the bike a pat on the tank. Is that crazy? Yes, it's crazy, but it's a machine that's made me so happy. It's carried me to places and through experiences that have changed my life, so I don't mind saying thank you, and patting it on the tank Makes me feel good, and feeling good especially in winter. Well, that's just what we need. I probably should have mentioned this in the beginning, but I want to stress that, while motorcycling is a powerful tool for getting through rough times, it's not a substitute for professional help at all.
In winter. It's a good time to be grateful, to be reminded of just how fortunate we are to have the money to own a bike and the mental and physical capabilities to ride it. That's a gift. I've mentioned it on other episodes, that I feel so grateful for my motorcycle that in the wintertime especially, I'll walk out into the garage, I'll just stand beside it or sit on it and I'll literally say out loud thank you and I'll give the bike a pat on the tank. Is that crazy? Yes, it's crazy, but it's a machine that's made me so happy. It's carried me to places and through experiences that have changed my life, so I don't mind saying thank you, and patting it on the tank Makes me feel good, and feeling good especially in winter. Well, that's just what we need. I probably should have mentioned this in the beginning, but I want to stress that, while motorcycling is a powerful tool for getting through rough times, it's not a substitute for professional help at all.
Ron Francis: 7:19
Ron Francis: 7:19
In a previous episode where I interviewed the mindful motorcycle of Ben Rubin, Ben, in our conversation, said something really profound. It really stuck with me when I told Ben that riding makes me happy and I go out and it changes my mood and I need to change. Sometimes he reminded me that I won't always be able to ride. It's not something that lasts forever. Always be able to ride, it's not something that lasts forever. Someday, he reminded me, a physical or mental condition may keep me from riding and I can't let that fact drive me into a hole that I can't climb out of. He was right and that's a lesson for all of us. And that's a lesson for all of us as much as we love riding, it won't last forever. So let's remember that we'll always have our memories of great rides and the people we've met along the road and the things we saw. No one can take that from us.
In a previous episode where I interviewed the mindful motorcycle of Ben Rubin, Ben, in our conversation, said something really profound. It really stuck with me when I told Ben that riding makes me happy and I go out and it changes my mood and I need to change. Sometimes he reminded me that I won't always be able to ride. It's not something that lasts forever. Always be able to ride, it's not something that lasts forever. Someday, he reminded me, a physical or mental condition may keep me from riding and I can't let that fact drive me into a hole that I can't climb out of. He was right and that's a lesson for all of us. And that's a lesson for all of us as much as we love riding, it won't last forever. So let's remember that we'll always have our memories of great rides and the people we've met along the road and the things we saw. No one can take that from us.
Ron Francis: 8:19
Ron Francis: 8:19
In another interview some months ago with Rob Hamilton from Moto Fields he's the one who does the moto camping videos, which are fabulous Rob's out of Australia Rob stressed to me that there's a saying that he doesn't agree with. The saying goes you won't see a motorcycle in front of a therapist office. And Rob said that's not true and it's even destructive to think that way. Yes, I love motorcycling dearly, but it is not a solution for everybody's concerns. So if you're struggling, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, a therapist or mental health professional. There is no shame in seeking help. Take care of your mental health as you take care of your physical health, because you want to keep riding right and it's worth the investment and professional help to straighten everything out. Then we'll get back on our bikes with a really, really big smile. So if you find yourself struggling today, just know you're not alone. Seasonal depression is tough, especially for us motorcycle riders, but there are ways to cope.
In another interview some months ago with Rob Hamilton from Moto Fields he's the one who does the moto camping videos, which are fabulous Rob's out of Australia Rob stressed to me that there's a saying that he doesn't agree with. The saying goes you won't see a motorcycle in front of a therapist office. And Rob said that's not true and it's even destructive to think that way. Yes, I love motorcycling dearly, but it is not a solution for everybody's concerns. So if you're struggling, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, a therapist or mental health professional. There is no shame in seeking help. Take care of your mental health as you take care of your physical health, because you want to keep riding right and it's worth the investment and professional help to straighten everything out. Then we'll get back on our bikes with a really, really big smile. So if you find yourself struggling today, just know you're not alone. Seasonal depression is tough, especially for us motorcycle riders, but there are ways to cope.
Ron Francis: 9:37
Ron Francis: 9:37
I think it's safe to say that, given the fact that you're listening to a podcast called Peace, love Moto, which is kind of a narrow audience, maybe I'm just really happy to say that the that audience is growing around the world from what I've seen. So just know you're. You have a community around you that thinks a lot like you do and that's here to support you as well. If writing helps, get out and do that when you can, but if you need to reach out and talk, do that too. One of the many things I've loved about hosting this podcast last couple of years is connecting with many listeners. I love that. Not only have I've gotten lots of emails and collaborated back and forth through that it's ron at peacelovemotocom but we've even connected a few times over Zoom and even in person. I love that. I just love that. It really makes me feel good. So finally this I mentioned at the very beginning of the episode that this is dedicated to my friend, sandra.
I think it's safe to say that, given the fact that you're listening to a podcast called Peace, love Moto, which is kind of a narrow audience, maybe I'm just really happy to say that the that audience is growing around the world from what I've seen. So just know you're. You have a community around you that thinks a lot like you do and that's here to support you as well. If writing helps, get out and do that when you can, but if you need to reach out and talk, do that too. One of the many things I've loved about hosting this podcast last couple of years is connecting with many listeners. I love that. Not only have I've gotten lots of emails and collaborated back and forth through that it's ron at peacelovemotocom but we've even connected a few times over Zoom and even in person. I love that. I just love that. It really makes me feel good. So finally this I mentioned at the very beginning of the episode that this is dedicated to my friend, sandra.
Ron Francis: 10:40
Ron Francis: 10:40
Sandra works at Urban Traditions Barbershop here in Loveland, colorado. She cuts my hair and, frankly, I get the world's best haircut. I'll just say that A little promo there for Sandra. Anyway, being a motorcycle rider herself, while cutting my hair recently, she asked me what my next podcast episode was going to be about and I told her I was really having difficulty because in the wintertime I'm not able to ride. Usually I'll go out for a motorcycle ride and then I'll have these aha moments about what I want to talk about next on the podcast. Well, I haven't been able to ride lately because of business travel and then snow and ice on the ground. Lately I've been stuck inside and, honestly, I've had rider's block lately. So I told Sandra about that.
Sandra works at Urban Traditions Barbershop here in Loveland, colorado. She cuts my hair and, frankly, I get the world's best haircut. I'll just say that A little promo there for Sandra. Anyway, being a motorcycle rider herself, while cutting my hair recently, she asked me what my next podcast episode was going to be about and I told her I was really having difficulty because in the wintertime I'm not able to ride. Usually I'll go out for a motorcycle ride and then I'll have these aha moments about what I want to talk about next on the podcast. Well, I haven't been able to ride lately because of business travel and then snow and ice on the ground. Lately I've been stuck inside and, honestly, I've had rider's block lately. So I told Sandra about that.
Ron Francis: 11:26
Ron Francis: 11:26
And that's when she said seasonal depression hits motorcycle riders especially hard. Did you know that? And I said no, I really didn't. She said, well, maybe you should talk about that. So I did. Thank you, sandra. I really appreciate that. You're awesome and you give the world's best haircut. So hang in there, my friends. Spring is coming. Mother Nature won't let us down. She never has Get ready for a fantastic riding season ahead. So thank you so much for tuning in to the Peace, love, moto podcast. If you enjoyed this episode or others and maybe found it helpful, thanks for sharing it with your fellow writers, who might need to hear an encouraging word Stay safe, stay warm. And hey, the Beatles were right all along. Hey, darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting all along.
And that's when she said seasonal depression hits motorcycle riders especially hard. Did you know that? And I said no, I really didn't. She said, well, maybe you should talk about that. So I did. Thank you, sandra. I really appreciate that. You're awesome and you give the world's best haircut. So hang in there, my friends. Spring is coming. Mother Nature won't let us down. She never has Get ready for a fantastic riding season ahead. So thank you so much for tuning in to the Peace, love, moto podcast. If you enjoyed this episode or others and maybe found it helpful, thanks for sharing it with your fellow writers, who might need to hear an encouraging word Stay safe, stay warm. And hey, the Beatles were right all along. Hey, darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting all along.