Why you need to ride MORE in 2024!

In this video I'll tell you why I think you need to ride more in 2024. Some are because our freedoms to ride where and how we choose are under threat but also because, it's good for you and your riding skills.
All footage in Wales was pre changes to urban speed limits. All images used are my own or are in the public domain .

[@hmishin843]

( Do not become a permanent couch rider! ) This was an advertisement for a Suzuki bike that jolted me from my couch in 1984 after having to give up riding for 5 straight miserable years due to multiple reasons. I went out the next day and bought me a shiny new Triumph. I have since realized that, for me, riding is simply an essential activity and not just an occasional sport I participate in once in a while. Riding for me is akin to mental therapy, and as I get older, now also becoming physical therapy. I was 24 then and have just turned 64, I never miss an opportunity to go out riding for monthslong stints, or to the grocery store 5 minutes away.

[@blueyondermoto]

I think you've got it sorted! 👍

[@joelbrittenour8197]

Yes sir. I'm 65 here in North Idaho. As a caregiver doesn't pay much. You can find clean older bikes reasonably priced . My 2001 VFR now has 65,000. Still mint condition . I do all my own maintenance . I ride almost everyday even in the 40 F. temps. 520 conversion chain 2 up rear sprocket really livens her up.Also AMB straight bar all day comfort. Yoshimura exhaust sounds sweet. Would not trade for a newer one. Ride on.

[@blueyondermoto]

Spot on Joel. Keep on riding that VFR. Mine is going to the Isle of Man TT next year.

[@casper-zb1pp]

that is why I bought another motorcycle last week, after the divorce it took me 7 years to get back on my feet financially, even my sister said; You've been talking for years about what you want to do as soon as it's possible again, now you have the money for it, so DO IT! So next year I'm going to ride again after not riding for 7 years...I'm looking forward to it. I will be 56 years old by then, it's now or never, greetings from the Netherlands!

[@blueyondermoto]

A great story Casper and good work by your sister! Go for it.

[@cloudbasenirvana]

Go for casper, it's similar for me not had a bike for 13 years and This year I moved to Snowdonia North Wales from London and I was like, gotta get bike, gotta get a biked so I picked up a CBR1100XX Super Blackbird and I have just spent the summer and the autumn in the Welsh mountains as much as possible - Those 13 years bikeless just melted away and I felt so at home after the first hour or maybe even less. The past 7 months riding one if not the most beautiful places in the world on one of the greatest motorcycles ever built - it's like heaven.

[@blueyondermoto]

@@cloudbasenirvana some great biking roads on your doorstep! Have you done Llyn Brianne (see my video on a circuit from the Owl's Nest cafe).

[@cloudbasenirvana]

@@blueyondermoto - Not ventured that far down yet - so much to see, I've seen so much since I moved here but actually have barely scratched the surface. I have been carrying my trunks and a towel in my topbox for wild swimming on lots of rides also. Wales is truly a magical place - I check your Owl's Nest Circuit vid as spring will soon be here.

[@blueyondermoto]

@cloudbasenirvana we rode it on a fabulous day at the end of March. You need the good weather for it as its very high and very remote.

[@750vfrman]

Hi Alan, you took the words out of my mouth. I have on my desk my 2024 motorcycle UK adventures laid out. Will be visiting distant & in some cases unknown family members, like second cousins & their offspring. Some also live in Wales and look forward to the full 20 mph saga! Never mind having the opportunity & time for a ride, in my case, my hour glass has much more sand in the bottom. Love to read the youngsters in their, 50's & 60's. You see, I am a fit, 81! Not only that, but my only ride is an original, RC36 or VFR750FS. Had from new & this year will be 29 years old. She may be old, but give her the beans & in just a few seconds will leap from 60 to 120mph with ease. That's fast enough for me. So hope to be able to add to this in 2025.

[@blueyondermoto]

Good on you at 81. It's about having the attitude to do it. Bravo.

[@garyrauter8240]

I've liked and subscribed. I came across your channel by accident, but I have to say that your words went right in. Now is the time to do things and for all the reasons that you articulated so perceptively. I'm looking forward to getting back on two wheels in the new year, so thank you for posting this and for inspiring me even further 👍🙂

[@blueyondermoto]

Let's make 2024 the best riding year yet. Thanks for your comment and subscribe, most appreciated.

[@allanb52]

Agree 100%. I have a Royal Enfield in Thailand and ride winters here. I have a Vespa in Portugal and ride there, I bought the scooter in Norfolk and we rode it to Portugal.. We also have a home-made campervan and drive Europe, this year 10k km to Greece and Turkey. So lots of options on all 3 and we don't spend much time in my two small homes. I am 72 and this rings true about memories and agree the planning is a major part. We don't spend much either. My two houses cost £120k for both and all my vehicle add up to £10k So this is not about money, it is about freedom and adventure. Bonne Chance!!

[@blueyondermoto]

I'd say you're living the dream!

[@allanb52]

@@blueyondermoto I guess so but it doesn't seem that way and it's not difficult to do. I couldn't afford to live in the UK, I own both houses and if I sold them what could I buy in the UK for £150k, plus £2k per year house tax and another £3k utilities? With the campervan we buy our food from LIDL, so just buy a little diesel and an odd campsite. You just need to say "what one can do another man can". "Things are always easier than you think".

[@johndiehardmclean23]

Unusual I'll admit, somebody on the net talking a whole lot of sense Alan! 😜👍 I bought my first bike in January 2020 @ 41 years old, then Covid-19 stopped me getting my CBT until August that year! 🤬 Getting out & on it is something I now can't go without & just lucky I guess being Scottish & having an awesome selection of roads a meer stones through mate & obviously my weather has turned me into an all weather rider aswell!!! 🤣👍

[@blueyondermoto]

Yes little alternative than to be an all weather rider where you are, unless you only go out a handful of times a year. Very blowy today so my bikes stayed firmly in the garage. Thanks for the compliment and comment.

[@johndiehardmclean23]

@@blueyondermoto Yeah blowy conditions were a nightmare on my 125's,with them only being around the 140kg mark, but realised pretty quickly that it's no fun on any bike, more so side gusts! 👍

[@Peter-Alexander]

Alan, you are absolutely right. Congatulations passing the 1000 subscriber mark! 😊

[@blueyondermoto]

Thanks Peter

[@49googie]

When you tour by car it's like watching a movie, when you tour by bike your in the movie. Only way to travel. I concur with your thoughts.

[@blueyondermoto]

That's so true

[@teltwosheds2972]

I ride over 80 miles a day up the Welsh coast in all weather. Not always nice,but awesome at the same time 😁. Right gotta go it's blowing a hooly.

[@blueyondermoto]

Take care in the winds.

[@bikeaholic6386]

I concur, I didn't really do much on the bike last year apart from 3 tours, definitely be doing more next year, hence the new bike 😉

[@blueyondermoto]

Make hay!

[@alivekicking6247]

What a great video. The same applies to driving your fun car. That's given me a boost to get my bike licence at 50.

[@blueyondermoto]

Go do it!

[@alivekicking6247]

@@blueyondermoto I probably will

[@paulyflyer8154]

By 6pm on 23 March 2020, I realised it was all planned and a scam. I then carried on riding pushbikes and motorbikes as normal and those 12 months were the most fantastic period of my life. Deserted roads and peace was pure bliss. The best part personally was in April 2020 I put my pushbike in the boot and travelled from here in the Brecon Beacons to London, and cycled 37 miles around a post-apolcolyptic city. I remember riding down a deserted Mall from Trafalgar Square, and then back up to Regent street and Piccadilly Circus which was totally bereft of humanity. Fantastic times which I know will never be repeated. It should now be obvious even to the most naieve pleb that they want us off the roads and confined to our little digital cages. Unless there's mass disobedience I fear we'll be living impoverished 15 minute cities within a couple of years.

[@blueyondermoto]

The roads certainly were deserted.

[@paulyflyer8154]

@blueyondermoto I A lot of people's heads were deserted too 🤣. Happy to take advantage though.

[@3RDOOR]

Taking in the moment in the moment ❤;-)

[@blueyondermoto]

Thanks for the comment, appreciated.

[@mick1583]

When the WEF & WHO have full control of the country and introduce digital currency we won't be allowed enough fuel for a ride to the shop to buy our insect meat. Is insect food vegetarian?

[@blueyondermoto]

Good question 🤔

[@michaelfirth1075]

Great video, I totally agree young man. I’m 71, hope I have a bit longer to enjoy my bikes. One of the best common sense videos I’ve seen.😊

[@blueyondermoto]

I'll take "young man" all day long Michael! 😄