‘There’s something wonderful about shared suffering’
Biker and pro-photographer, Amy Shore, on how riding with mates can get you through anything
As I write, I am listening to heavy rain bouncing off the tent, whilst various items of sodden biking kit – gloves, socks, trousers and jackets – hang from anywhere they possibly could hang, resembling something along the lines of a laundry in a shanty town. I am finally dry for the first time in 17 hours and reflecting on the day just passed and how bloody brilliant it was. I’m pretty sure the other 100 or so riders with me on this adventure would agree, despite all being at the same level of post-ride exhaustion and sogginess. There’s something wonderfully euphoric about shared suffering. If I had been riding through biblical gales and rain for 200 miles on my own, I highly doubt that I would be in such high spirits as I am right now. How happy can you be with rain funnelling into boots causing your foot to slosh whenever you change gear? Well, as it turns out, very. When you look over to your mate beside you as he wrings out his gloves and all you can both do is laugh, suddenly there is joy. I can’t deny that I would rather have been riding in glorious sunshine for 17 hours today, but that’s not real life. We’re in the UK, after all. Biking and mental health have a lot in common. Sometimes you’re riding through the rain on your own and you just get wet. The road looks miserable, you’re covered in spray, and all you want is a warm bed. But sharing that suffering with friends is called ‘fun’, apparently. Today has proved that for me. There will always be rainy days on the bike and in our minds, but being able to share the experience, talk to fellow riders or to the folk at CALM, can help you get through the mentally wet days – however many miles they may go on for. Whether you’re mentally riding in a persistent misty mizzle, or you’re suffering regular heavy downpours with more black clouds on the horizon – the best thing you can do is ‘Open it up’ and talk to someone. Give CALM a call.
Re: Andy Davidson’s excellent article on travel within Turkey (MCN, June 16), l’d like to point out that UK passport holders do not need a visa provided they stay less 90 days. Also, Andy if you pass through Dalyan again, call in. I am two minutes from the Candir ferry!