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If you’re a motorcyclist, you know there’s nothing quite like the feeling of gazing at the open road in front of you and accelerating into the unknown. It’s a feeling of freedom and liberation that’s hard to match. But if you’re going through a difficult time in life, motorcycling can provide even more than just a temporary escape. It can give a sense of purpose and even aid in the healing process.
I personally discovered the therapeutic benefits of motorcycling a long time ago, but I rediscovered the healing properties of it especially when I was going through a tough time in my life. In December 2021 I was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer.
Photo: Paolo
I probably don’t have to describe the overwhelming feeling of sadness and depression that news like this can bring to somebody’s life. Cancer is a very common disease and it affects more people than we think. But, these negative feelings were swept away momentarily when I was able to focus on the present moment, and let go of all my worries and stresses, thanks to my motorcycle. It was truly a liberating feeling, and it allowed me to forget for a moment that I was fighting for my life.
Those mind-clearing rides were even more special because I was in such a beautiful place—Australia. I was hospitalized only three days after my arrival from Europe. Thankfully, I found impeccable public health support in a country that is a motorcyclist’s paradise, with stunning coastlines, winding mountain roads and wide open spaces. It’s the perfect place to escape the worries of everyday life and focus on riding in pristine nature.
As for the motorcycle itself, I was fortunate enough to have KTM backing me up. That support made me feel that I wasn’t alone in this battle. Riders are supposed to help each other, but I would have never expected assistance from a big company like that. I am glad that the Austrian brand is managed by riders first and not by mere business people.
Photo: Paolo
Motorcycling allowed me to connect with others who were also passionate about the sport. It made me feel “normal” and allowed me to believe for a brief moment that everything was like the old times when I was riding and exploring the world without worry or concern in my life. I was also able to join local riders and go for short rides around Sydney. It’s always soothing to chat with like-minded individuals who were also looking for a sense of community and belonging. This helped to lift my spirits and reinforced my support network during this difficult time.
Of course, motorcycling does come with its own set of risks. My oncologist warned me that I didn’t have to worry about chemo, but I’d be in big trouble if I crashed my bike while I was immunocompromised.
Going through chemotherapy was a challenging experience. It required a lot of physical and mental strength, as well as a positive attitude. The side effects of chemotherapy can be severe, persisting for months after the therapy ends. I still haven’t regained full sensitivity to my hands and feet because of that, but it will come with time, I’m sure. During therapy, it can be easy to feel trapped and overwhelmed, like you’ve lost control over your own body and your own life. But for me, motorcycling was the missing link, a way of connecting to the happy part of my existence and forget about the stress of chemo and radiotherapy.
When you’re riding, you’re focused on the moment, letting go of all concerns. The smell of sea breeze, of gasoline, of burning rubber. the high-pitched noise of the engine revving, the adrenaline rush you get while leaning in a corner… These feelings were a welcome respite from the constant worry and anxiety of knowing I was fighting for my life.
Photo: Paolo
But motorcycling provided more than just a temporary escape. It also served as a form of physical and mental exercise. Riding a motorcycle requires a certain level of concentration, focus, and strength, which helped to keep my mind sharp, my spirits up, and my body constantly in check. The physical exertion of riding kept my body moving, despite the toll that chemo and radiotherapies were taking on it.
In conclusion, motorcycling has been an invaluable source of joy and healing for me during probably the most difficult time in my life. The freedom and exhilaration of the open road, the beauty of Australia, and the performance of my KTM all contributed to making my experience somehow bearable.
It’s fair to call this motorcycling…”therapy” then? I think so.
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