Escapism and Healing Through Motorcycles

i love and miss you sweet pupAfter fourteen years together, I tearfully said goodbye to my sweet pup last week. I am devastated by her absence. She came home from the shelter with me before I knew my husband, before my daughter came into the world. She was the first member of the family that I began to build for myself as an adult. I love and miss her terribly.

Over the weekend, I tried to be normal and to cope with my feelings of loss. Typically, I tried to keep busy taking care of the things that need to be taken care of at home. But sometimes the place where you live, that place you’ve filled up with memories can feel like a prison.

With a crazed sense of urgency it seemed that I might lose my mind if I stayed in this house one second longer. I had to flee. The feelings washed over me in a panic.

My motorcycle provided the perfect escape.

There is something healing in those two simple wheels. I experienced that when I lost my dad last year. Being immersed in the task at hand, being focused on what you’re doing allows you to ignore all of the nagging stresses, the hurts, the aspects of your life that you just want to turn off.

I think I would have had a complete meltdown this weekend were it not for the ability to ride, to get away from the part of myself I didn’t want to deal with.

Two-wheels to healing.

Fuzzygalore

Rachael is the whimsical writer behind the 20+ year old Girlie Motorcycle Blog. As a freelance blogger, she is on a mission to inspire laughter, self-examination, curiosity, and human connection. Girlie Motorcycle Blog can be found on several Best Motorcycle Blog lists.

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17 Responses

  1. I am so very sorry about the loss of your dear friend. You are right, of course, about riding being a healing force. It gives you the unique ability to fully think about something *else* besides the loss, which truly does help one get past the pain. Wishing you time to heal, and fond recollections of your beautiful dog.

  2. Kathy says:

    Beautifully expressed. Luna will always be with you in your heart. I’m glad you escaped for a time. The hyper-focus required when riding makes for a great escape. Hugs to you and your family.

  3. jon says:

    Sorry Fuzzy. I lost my little black girl in February and I still expect to trip over her in the middle of the night. Shelter dogs are always the best pooches.

  4. James says:

    Sorry to hear that, Fuzz. I’ve been there. It’s never easy.

  5. Diane says:

    All I can say is I am so sorry. I guess doggy heaven is getting pretty full this year, as I too lost our sweet Sydni in February. Love our little furry friends so very much, and miss them even more. I feel your pain girlfriend.

  6. Sandi Roush says:

    Sorry to hear about your loss. It’s so hard to loose a dear friend.

  7. Shybiker says:

    Oh, I’m so sorry, Fuzz. I know this grief. It’s profound and unavoidable. You have my deepest sympathies.

  8. Rick says:

    Sorry Rachael!

  9. bob skoot says:

    Fuzzy:

    I can sympathize with your feelings of loss. It was the same when we lost our dog a few years ago. Be thankful that we have memories to look back upon, and smile at all the good times . . .

    so sorry

    bob
    A weekend photographer or Riding the Wet Coast

  10. Adrian says:

    BIG BIG BIG HHHUUGG!

  11. DUC748 says:

    Very sorry to hear about Luna, Fuzz. She was a very nice pup indeed.

  12. Bud Miller says:

    I feel your pain. I lost my Chester at 14 last year. They clinking of his tags on my keys as I ride are a constant reminder of the joy he brought our lives.

  13. Trobairitz says:

    I am sorry for you loss. It is so hard to lose a loved one, especially a furry member of the family. Hold on to the happy memories.

  14. Liz Jansen says:

    My deep condolences on your loss. #gratitude for 2-wheel therapy

  15. Raindog says:

    As with all of the above, I am sorry for your loss. It truly is amazing how these simple creatures so easily and quickly become woven into our lives and our hearts.

    Anyone who has ridden for enough years has no doubt read that one never sees a motorcycle parked outside of a psychiatrist’s office. There’s a reason for that. Remember, the one on the right makes the smiles happen.

  16. Fuzzygalore says:

    Thank you all so very much <3

  17. dinesh says:

    Sorry for your loss. Things won’t be back to the way it was, but we cope and adapt to the changes. Am myself using riding as therapy to my personal life changing event.

    Good luck!

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