Mental Health & Motorcycles : The First Short Film by Old Friends and New Roads

[@KnuckleDragginDad]

I came home from overseas years ago busted up, and in a lot of physical and emotional pain. I bought a motorcycle and after many ups and downs with opiate/benzodiazepines abuse/addiction I was finally able to get clean and sober 17+ years ago. Since then I take long multi-state, trips on the motorcycle for my mental health and to be closer to my wife. There’s something that 300-500 miles on a motorcycle does to the brain that a bottle of pills can never do. That’s open up our mind and work stuff out in our heads. Keep up the work brother. It will come. Trust me. ✌🏽🇺🇸🙏

[@OldFriendsandNewRoads]

Well said my friend, congrats on 17+ years, that's amazing. Motorcycle trips is the best thing that has every happened to my marriage. I'm very grateful for the therapy it provides. Thanks for checking out this little piece.

[@trailhawk3241]

The funk catches us everywhere. I don't ride because I like flirting with death. I ride because as soon as the bike starts up, the noise stops. I ride because whether I'm sad, depressed, or angry - a twist of the throttle knows how to fix it. I ride because that is where I find inspiration. I've ridden in 28° weather with no heated gear, but I prefer the warmer days by far. Just remember, the sun eventually shines again. I struggle often, but keep getting on with it.

[@OldFriendsandNewRoads]

Well said my friend!

[@krisfant4749]

Beautiful video! Looking forward to catching up on your channel!

[@OldFriendsandNewRoads]

Thank you so much for checking this out!

[@ofnr-Eric]

I see someone is learning new tricks!! The short film was put together very well I liked everything about it! Well done Keith!

[@OldFriendsandNewRoads]

Thanks eric, I really am trying!

[@seanvergillo3625]

Great vid. Fellow PNWer here and 100% agree with you. I try my best to get outside in anyway possible even through the winter months but it’s hard on the mind for sure. I’m constantly checking the weather forecast and radars and I find myself looking out the window all the time. I’ve commuted year round in the past but agree, it’s just not the same. I find that exercise really helps to clear the head but even with that I’m watching the weather. Hang in there, plan future rides/trips and we get really appreciate the coming sunny days when we have them. Life in the PNW I guess. happy New Year!

[@OldFriendsandNewRoads]

Much appreciated my friend! happy new year! The exercise comment is a wonderful suggestion and really helps.

[@oregontrailrider]

I feel your pain brother, just keep with it.

[@OldFriendsandNewRoads]

Thanks my friend!

[@1905flyer3]

Excellent video Keith! I feel so lucky to be able to layer up and go out to clear my mind almost all year long. Today’s ride was 150 miles… Take care!

[@OldFriendsandNewRoads]

I was lucky enough to get out today as well. Happy new year my friend

[@richardgitz2264]

Very nice, thank you & the best of the New Year to you and your family.

[@OldFriendsandNewRoads]

Thank you my friend! Happy new years to you and yours!

[@flippinzippo9670]

appreciate this video

[@OldFriendsandNewRoads]

Winters can be brutal my friend! thanks for checking it out

[@bybikenw7928]

Thanks for putting this out. I'm right there with ya. I was able to get 50 miles in today, but that's only because it was sunny when I left. Went up Bald Peak & couldn't see more than 100ft thru the fog. Kinda sucks the fun out of it. Spring can't come soon enough.

[@OldFriendsandNewRoads]

Your welcome my friend, I got out as well a bit. Ran some errands, it def wasn't an awesome mountain pass but it sure was needed!

[@WolfchildPickit]

Great video 🤘Alicia and I love all your stuff . One of the best video maker out there 🤟

[@OldFriendsandNewRoads]

Wow, thank you for that. Def the comment I needed today and i appreciate both of ya'll!

[@WolfchildPickit]

@@OldFriendsandNewRoads yeah man, you got it 👍

[@BMWrider18]

Hey ride on the good sunny days, heated gear dude. I have already ridden 3 times in new year

[@robertmauter6493]

Hey there Keith, how the hell are you, been awhile, just now got home from work, good ole 2024, anyway April this old man throwing in the towel, maybe more road trips, at least that is my plan anyway. Keith I watched your short video, I have always have a heart for my fellow man when depression is involved, I am one of 5 siblings now 4, and of course just lost my dad if you recall, my real true best friend, but losing him after his 100 th. birthday, well I’ve always contemplated how I would one receive the inevitable, I know everyone is different and in my networks of siblings as well as cousins I never recalled any of the immediate family dealing with depression, I feel fortunate in that regards but have been around many that have, I have talked with some of these individuals really trying to understand and grasp this disease, the realization and the conclusion of understanding all when asked because I felt this was the end result was turning to my maker and putting my trust in him for all that comes my way, over the years I can recall a few that at that time they did not have a focal point and no sense of direction and when meds were not the answer, a few managed to eventually get over the hump, ironically Keith one in particular close friend after learning this hidden disease, a fellow biker and his name was Keith as well, but one day I think I hit a real nerve with him, I believe we came full circle and had him seeing my way, but part of his depression was was life in general and him constantly moving in the wrong direction and many ways by choice, I think his over all views were needing guidance and the discussion of good and bad entered some of his thought process, I finally told him where do you think good derives from, is it choice that drives you in multiple directions or do you sincerely believe it comes from choice, anyway my friend his mine was in a tangled Webb and just ultimately steered him in this direction and one he has not ventured into but has and came to realization there was a real out. I’m not a bible thumper but I am a true believer as my dad was, this man touched many lives, recon he didn’t make it to his 100 th. birthday without the man’s help, but anyway my friend my 2 cents worth. Hang in there buddy, sunny days are ahead. Rob from Al.

[@OldFriendsandNewRoads]

Great to hear from you Rob, it's been a minute and I hope your doing well. I sure appreciate these words. The hardest part to grasp is not knowing where it stems from as you say. I'm always working on myself in hopes of improving. This video was more about working on what i've learned in the film courses i've been taking and it's easy to start with a topic i know so well. What did you think of it as a video? much appreciated my friend

[@robertmauter6493]

@@OldFriendsandNewRoads well it’s like a good book you cannot put down, it’s real and it’s genuine and there’s a lot of you in a lot of people, it’s from the heart, and that’s what it’s about. I say keep putting the content out there, togetherness and great friendships intertwined with motorcycle anything is great, bikes don’t ride themselves, I told my riding buddy setting around the fire, I know of so many people that is so envious of what we do but yet for many ridiculous reason they either can’t or want pursue a passion, and I’ve heard it all, everyone has a story to tell, talkers and doers, I think some of the most interesting people I’ve met have been on two wheels,so yes keep doing what your doing, I’ll keep watching. Hang in there will await what pops up. Rob

[@niallwildwoode7373]

Can't beat the wind in your beard and the bugs in your teeth for therapy. In the UK we're coming out almost 10 months of relentless rain, floods and high winds. I was expecting you to jump on a Harley when I heard your accent, but am more impressed that you're on a Himmy. I've just bought an R.E. Classic 350 Stealth Dark, after 40 years off bikes, being a dad. I may be a lot older now, but the roads and back lanes are still calling. As we say in my parts, "keep yer pecker up, bro!"

[@OldFriendsandNewRoads]

What a great comment! 10 months??? that sounds horrendous my friend. Oh and your not wrong about the harley, just happen to hop on the himi for this vid!! haha!

[@spindelnett6315]

​@@OldFriendsandNewRoads 😂

[@brentkellner5107]

If we continually want what we can t have well be forever depressed. Enjoy what you have, look forward and cherish that first spring ride that revitalizes you. In the meantime hop in the car with your wife and head out for a picnic. Seek happiness. It's not that hard.

[@OldFriendsandNewRoads]

well said. I do have the means to seek happiness elsewhere. This video was more about working on what I've learned lately in a film course while utilizing a subject that the motorcycle community faces as well as myself.

[@MyADV360]

Keith, that was amazing 👏 Well done! I could always use a little push get get out and go for a ride, and i think we are near each other.

[@OldFriendsandNewRoads]

Thank you, I really appreciate that. I was unsure on whether or not to release this. Sometimes that little push is all it takes. I'm pretty sure that's how the Alaska Trip got planned, just a little push! I reside in north portland, maybe we'll plan a meet up or something

[@MyADV360]

​@@OldFriendsandNewRoads I'm just about 3 hours north of ya 👌