(Article on life on the open road by Mike Ray*)
If you haven’t taken some time out from life to explore the vast expanse of our world, you’re missing out. There’s something extraordinary about packing up some essential belongings, jumping on your bike and cruising off into the sunset.
OK, that’s slightly too romantic a setting, but can you see how relaxing an adventure on the open road can be? Sure, switching off and taking a digital detox can be incredibly relaxing.
But, you can still balance having a relaxing trip with staying in touch with the world. Since we’re all so connected thanks to the smartphone surge, connecting with our loved ones is only seconds away through the likes of Facetime, Skype, WhatsApp and the addictive social media channels.
Hell, there’s also new betting sites you can try while you’re on the move if betting is your thing. With mobile networks and WiFi hotspots stronger than ever, placing bets and watching live streams online is much easier now.
The fact is, apart from the rigmarole of daily life pressures, you can explore the likes of Mary River Valley without feeling stressed about putting life on hold.
How? That’s for us to know, and for you to find…
No, we’re kinder than that!
Work Flexibly
We understand that not everyone can be mobile when they’re working. However, with such a massive shift in employers’ recognising that staff want more flexibility in working hours and work locations, how much is there to stop you from working on the road?
Imagine a world where you can cruise around on your bike, stopping off in a coffee shop to attend a conference call and catch up with the team while supping on your favourite bean-brew of choice. It’s possible, it really is.
How? Well, people are already doing it, so follow them!
Bloggers Are Leading the Way
Freelancing and blogging sit in their isolated niche away from the office and factory-binding jobs that make you feel like you can’t ever break free. Even if you can’t take your work away on your bike, perhaps you can extend your work so you can entice your employer to be more flexible.
What if they let you have some time out over and above authorised leave for a trip on your bike, in exchange for you to blog about your employer?
Or, in exchange for snapping some photos of your travel, the company can do a spotlight on their employees and what they get up to in their spare time?
This is just one example of how breaking the status quo can lead to a life more open and explored.
Stagnancy is the route of all Evil
You know that feeling of doing the same thing day in, day out? It’s awful, isn’t it? If McGregor and Boorman can inspire millions, why can’t you? If you want to make a drastic change, it’s up to nobody but you.
The thing is, you don’t even need to do it alone. If your spouse, ankle-biters or mates fancy a trip with you, memories could be created for life for all involved, not just you. That way, you won’t feel like you’re being selfish for packing your saddles and riding off.
Just because you’re on “holiday,” it doesn’t mean that you step out of one life and into another.
Take your iPads, smartwatches and phones. Crikey, even take your portable games console if you want to.
Plan way in advance and tell people what your intentions are. That way, there’s no surprise factor when it comes close to your trip.
There are very few things that you can’t get while on two wheels. The exception to this, of course, is if you head out into the true wilderness. Even so, with a boost to 4G coverage in the outback, you still might not be as isolated as you once thought.
What Are You Waiting For?
For some, it’s not so simple to pack up and ride away. Life commitments get in the way, and it’s not good to sack off your mates for a better option. But, if your boss says it’s no dramas to take some holiday at short notice, and it’s a feasible option otherwise, what’s stopping you?
We know, it’s you! We wild humans tend to find a reason to NOT do something instead of going wild and just doing it.
Even if you’re looking to grab your first motorbike or need an upgrade, start to look for a new one before you get the opportunity to go away. That way, you remove the barriers before they begin to imprint in your life and stop you from channelling the open road.
Make a plan, and it’ll become more of a reality than a dream.
About the author
(*Author Mike Ray is a motorbike enthusiast and adventure lover who grew up watching motorbike races and now is on a mission to travel the world and discover awesome places.)