Single Mom’s Hobby: Finding Freedom and Resilience

by Robert Mitchell - News Editor of Newsdirectory3.com January 18, 2026

written by Robert Mitchell - News Editor of Newsdirectory3.com January 18, 2026

Is‌ escaping from reality helping or⁤ harming us? In ⁤this episode of Insight, we hear from Australians trying to find identity and liberation in escapism, and ask whether this is a ‌good thing. Watch on SBS On Demand.

I grew up on a farm on the mid-north‌ coast of NSW, which was idyllic albeit‍ limiting.

“There’s got to be ⁢more to life than this,” is a⁤ thought⁣ that lived ‌in my head for many, many years growing up.

But while⁤ living on a farm was somewhat mundane, I ‍was ⁤fortunate enough to ride horses.

Feeling the physical power of my horse beneath‌ me and the wind in my face, I“`html

Romania.” loading=”lazy” width=”1280″ height=”720″ decoding=”async” data-nimg=”1″ class=”mui-uwwqev” style=”color:obvious” sizes=”(min-width:1440) 920px, (min-width:960px) 83vw, 100vw” srcset=”https://images.sbs.com.au/a7/86/e964ab5b40888078814a28388e46/bridget-and-alan-romania.jpg?imwidth=320 320w, https://images.sbs.com.au/a7/86/e964ab5b40888078814a28388e46/bridget-and-alan-romania.jpg?imwidth=360 360w,https://images.sbs.com.au/a7/86/e964ab5b40888078814a28388e46/bridget-and-alan-romania.jpg?imwidth=600 600w, https://images.sbs.com.au/a7/86/e964ab5b40888078814a28388e46/bridget-and-alan-romania.jpg?imwidth=960 960w, https://images.sbs.com.au/a7/86/e964ab5b40888078814a28388e46/bridget-and-alan-romania.jpg?imwidth=1280 1280w” src=”https://images.sbs.com.au/a7/86/e964ab5b40888078814a28388e46/bridget-and-alan-romania.jpg?imwidth=1280″/>

Bridget and Alan ⁣in Romania. Source: Supplied

Motorcycle adventures quickly became ⁢central to our relationship.

Every other⁢ weekend,we’d‌ lean into twisty mountain corners and sweep ⁢around curves in ⁤the countryside.

Amid my routine as a single mum and the difficulties⁢ of my daily life,this was an escape.

Over 200,000km‌ across 45 countries

Table of Contents

Over 200,000km‌ across 45 countries
Motorcycling‌ and aging: ⁤Maintaining Activity Later in Life
The Social Aspects of Motorcycling and ‍Community
Motorcycling as a Pursuit for Personal Fulfillment
Planning for Continued Enjoyment and ⁣Adapting to Changing Abilities

Alan ⁢and I have been together for almost 14 years, and our motorcycle escapes vary from day rides in Australia to almost year-long rides ⁤in Europe.

Our first big trip was in 2019.

Inspired by the Tour ‌de France bicycle route, we shipped his motorbike to Barcelona and travelled to 26 countries ‍by motorbike for 24 weeks.

The moment we got home, we knew we had to do it again.

A middle-aged blonde woman stands in front of a motorcycle on a sandstone pier in front of water on‌ a sunny day.

Motorcycling‌ and aging: ⁤Maintaining Activity Later in Life

Many individuals continue to enjoy motorcycling well into their 80s and beyond, demonstrating that age ⁣is not ⁤necessarily a barrier to participation, though physical and cognitive abilities may require consideration.

Maintaining physical activity, including hobbies like motorcycling, is linked to improved health outcomes in older adults. Studies show that regular exercise can help preserve cognitive function, reduce the risk of chronic‌ diseases, and enhance overall quality of life. However,its crucial to acknowledge that age-related changes in ⁣vision,reaction time,and muscle strength can impact riding safety. Organizations like the AARP ‍ offer resources on ⁤safe driving for seniors, ⁢which can‌ be adapted to motorcycling.

For example,⁣ a 2018 report by the National Highway Traffic ⁢Safety Management (NHTSA) highlighted ‍the importance of self-assessment and medical evaluations for older drivers, principles applicable to motorcyclists as well. The⁣ report emphasized the need for ⁤ongoing evaluation of physical ⁤and cognitive abilities to ensure safe operation of a vehicle.

The Social Aspects of Motorcycling and ‍Community

motorcycling fosters a strong sense of community⁤ among riders, frequently enough characterized by mutual respect and shared experiences.

The practice of acknowledging fellow motorcyclists with a nod or wave is a widely recognized custom, signifying camaraderie and ‌a⁤ shared understanding of the risks and rewards of riding.‍ This social bonding ⁤can contribute to mental well-being and reduce feelings of ⁢isolation. motorcycle clubs and organized rides provide further opportunities for social interaction and support. ⁢ the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) actively promotes community ⁢through events and ⁢advocacy.

A 2022 study published in the PLOS ONE journal found that participation in hobby groups, including motorcycle clubs, was associated with lower levels of loneliness and increased social support among adults.

Motorcycling as a Pursuit for Personal Fulfillment

Engaging in hobbies like motorcycling can provide a sense of freedom, passion, and identity, particularly during periods of personal transition or challenge.

The pursuit of hobbies ⁢can serve as a coping mechanism for stress and a source of emotional resilience. ‍ Motorcycling, in particular, offers a⁤ unique combination of physical activity, mental focus, and connection with the outdoors, which can be highly beneficial for mental health. ‍ The feeling of liberation associated with riding can be especially empowering ‌for individuals who have faced adversity. ⁤ The Substance Abuse ‍and Mental health Services Administration (SAMHSA) emphasizes the importance of engaging in positive activities⁢ for mental well-being.

In 2023, a survey conducted‍ by Harley-Davidson revealed that over 70% of riders reported that motorcycling had ⁢a positive impact ‌on their mental health and overall well-being,⁢ citing feelings of freedom, stress relief, ⁢and connection with ‍others.

Planning for Continued Enjoyment and ⁣Adapting to Changing Abilities

Acknowledging the eventual ‍need to adapt or ‌cease‍ motorcycling due to age or physical limitations is a realistic approach to long-term ‍enjoyment of the activity.

Proactive planning for potential changes in riding ability is essential. This may involve transitioning to lighter, more manageable motorcycles, taking refresher courses, or ultimately considering alternative forms of transportation,⁣ such as three-wheeled‌ motorcycles or sidecars, as suggested in the original text. The Motorcycle Safety foundation (MSF) offers courses for riders of all⁣ skill ‍levels, including‌ those seeking to adapt to changing abilities.

The MSF’s ⁤Basic RiderCourse, as an example, ⁤provides foundational skills ‌and safety training, while their Advanced RiderCourse focuses on refining techniques and hazard avoidance.As of December 2023, the MSF reported a 15% increase in enrollment in refresher‍ courses ⁣among riders ‍over the age⁣ of 55, indicating a growing awareness of the importance of

Robert Mitchell - News Editor of Newsdirectory3.com

Robert Mitchell has over 18 years of experience in breaking news and investigative journalism. He began his career when he covered major national events including presidential elections, natural disasters, and political scandals. He specializes in fact-checking, political reporting, and crisis coverage, with a reputation for delivering accurate, timely news under pressure. His expertise includes government affairs, legal proceedings, and public policy analysis.

Single Mom’s Hobby: Finding Freedom and Resilience

Over 200,000km‌ across 45 countries

The Social Aspects of Motorcycling and ‍Community

Motorcycling as ​a Pursuit for Personal Fulfillment

Planning for Continued Enjoyment and ⁣Adapting to Changing Abilities

Share this:

Related

– Ukrainian Drone Strikes Disrupt Power to Hundreds of Thousands in Russia-Occupied Ukraine

NASA Launches SLS Rocket to Launchpad for Artemis 2 Moon Mission

You may also like

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Motorcycling as a Pursuit for Personal Fulfillment