An "M" for Macho (read motorcycles) and an "S" for She (read scooters).
Amongst all vehicles, riding a two wheeler is fun.
This is especially true for motorcycles.
Big wheels, large handle bars, disc brakes, big headlights...
everything is truly macho.
Compared to its less fancied sibling, a scooter, which has everything in a closet, and compact in size, a motorcycle and its rider are glorified and seen with respect.
The riders have no difficulty tackling any road condition, any weather condition and are able to corner any road with ease.
Maybe due to these qualities, the terms zip, zap & zoom came into existence.
DO WE HAVE AN ALTERNATIVE? If one wants to experience a machine, flaunt one's muscles, exhibit command on the vehicle, there is no alternative to a motorcycle.
Such is the aura that our youth can hardly resist riding one.
And for that matter even ladies are not to stay behind and we invariably observe them taking the roads.
And when everyone around having a go even the kids want one for themselves, even if it is a toy.
I remember that my two-year old son, before riding his cycle used to "kick" (though only hitting the rear wheel) trying to imitate my starting the motorcycle.
WHY MOTORCYCLE RIDE THRILLS? The beauty of the ride is on carpeted roads if it is smooth, on bumpy roads it gets thrilling.
Get a glimpse of peeping girls, the adrenaline rush is uncontrollable and often the rider tries to climb newer heights.
If the wet road poses some challenge wading through a flooded road is more challenging and satisfying too.
No doubt, looking at the riders' triumph in every condition, races are organized for both: roads & mud tracks and yet there are winners for both.
PROS AND CONS OF THRILLING RIDES You can't have the cake and eat it too.
You cannot have all the fun and no injuries.
You can't learn tree climbing unless you fall and learn from it.
The motorcycle being all bare, with almost no protective linen, injuries are often severe.
Protective gears (clothing) exist but at high speeds nothing seems effective, if you take a tumble.
You have a helmet on your head but your neck has none.
Your head may survive a crash but if the angle is awkward, your neck would give in.
Competing on the race track is one sport everyone tries to be in.
So much admiration, adulation, money and fame, its temptation is too difficult to resist.
You hit many birds with one shot.
As mentioned earlier, all these don't come easily and you have to pay the price.
If lucky the price is easy to pay, and you walk away with small injuries.
Otherwise, your competitor may skid and land on you taking both for a tumble.
This is not a hypothesis, we have all seen it on TV broadcast.
Just as human life is precious, so is the sport that fills our lives with energy.
Participating in sports provides physical & mental activities of a higher order and keeps our bodies fighting fit.
You may observe all precaution possible yet sometimes we do err.
And one reason for this error is simple, a misconception amongst the youth: they know all and there is nothing to read.
AVOIDING INJURIES ON RACE TRACKS Injuries bring trauma and sometimes this trauma haunts us for whole life.
Practice these following points to keep injuries away: 1.
Know your machine Every bike or vehicle has some plus and some minus points.
There is a term known as the "fine print".
Most of the negative or adverse points are put in that area.
Moreover, mastery on one vehicle should not mean mastery on the universe.
Race tracks are thrilling and killing both.
2.
Test your machine for all conditions The Brake, clutch, handle are all mechanical parts and though oiled properly, have their own limitations.
Use them in testing conditions, at full speed, while turning or taking sharp turns.
Do this in both: dry & wet conditions.
Arm yourself with their results.
You would never regret.
3.
Every day is a new day.
No two days are equal, and same goes with your events.
Do not harp on past performances.
Always prepare for the next event with the same fervor as you did for the last event.
No slip-ups allowed.
4.
Fine-tune your senses Race tracks demand split-second accuracy.
Not only your eyesight should be perfect, even with your headgear on, your brain and ears should be tuned to the atmosphere and competitors' positions as well.
Practice deliberately on this aspect also.
Fore-warned is fore-armed.
This practice will enable you to "sense" these exigencies and take immediate preventive measures.
While cornering if anyone is about to hit, you would be able to escape unhurt and proceed ahead.
IT IS IN YOUR OWN HANDS It can only be said that you have to read all the manuals and available text to tune your body, mind and senses.
There is enough literature available in libraries and the Internet.
Do not shy away from text that may seem "unfashionable".
After all, your body is precious and you should take all care to protect your body and the sport you love, and live for.
For those who need a tailor-made, ready to use shortcut you only need to browse the Internet.