‘Solo rides give me time to think’
MCN’s organisational guru, Ali Silcox, on how time alone on two wheels boosts her mental wellbeing
My job is to run the MCN office, so I wear many hats. I balance budgets, sort logistics, moan at people when they submit expenses late, act as first aider and, in the last 12 months, have also trained to be a Mental Health First Aider. Being an MHFA has given me the tools to help others and it’s also made me realise how important it is to look after myself, too. What better way to be a little selfish and take time out, than to plan the odd solo riding trip? It’s something I’ve done for years,
I’ll clear off for anything from an overnight stay to a week away – just me, my bike and my thoughts.
I trained with the IAM a few years back and Allie, my observer, made a very valid point: Biking is the ultimate way to exercise mindfulness. You have to be present, be in the moment and be focused just on riding.
For me, disappearing on a bike is the ultimate head-clearer and battery-recharger. When I say disappear, I don’t quite mean disappear – I make sure my other half has a loose plan of where I’m heading and I’m not such a free spirit that I can cope not knowing where I’m sleeping for the night!
I love the whole process and gives me a goal to focus on. Everything from the initial search for the destination, to route planning and packing my kit.
I’ve ridden solo for over 15 years, and my first jaunt to Scotland was for a charity event. I headed north on my Ducati Monster. For two pins I’d have turned tail and come home – but didn’t. And it was the best thing I could’ve done.
Since then, I’ve had nights down south, been to France, Ireland, Wales and my biggest trip, Venice. I rode for four days, with three nights in fabulous hotels, had a few nights with my hubby in Venice (he’d flown in), then a 1000-mile, 20-hour ride home. Great for my confidence, a perfect way to see fantastic sights and most importantly, completely self-centred, self-absorbed fun.