Bends, curves, twisties. What exactly is it that makes them so attractive and addictive? I have been lucky enough to ride in the Alps and the Pyrenees. Last year we holidayed in Grasse & I got to play on different bits of the Route Napoleon on several occasions. Blue skies, 30 degrees. Bliss! I have never driven a real performance car but the experience even in a half-decent motor doesn't come anywhere close to that of a bike with the prospect of some lovely sweeping bends supplemented by spectacular scenery. So what is it?
:Woot: Pushing the (your own) limts, theres nought as thrilling as scaring yerself a wee tad eh :Nailbiting:.
Fear of falling, simple as that. You're taking a much bigger risk on a bike, that's why it's more enthralling than driving a car. And when you get it right the rewards are that much sweeter
loving the countryside is a good excuse to get out the bike. on a favorite stretch of road it can be quite euphoric, almost like yer at a rave, giggling inside yer helmet, i have a couple of sections on my commute are like this, yer buzzing by the time your get to work.
Attacking a set of twisties in a well set up sports car is a very enjoyable experience, the grip, the power, the noise, the speed it all adds up to a feeling of euphoria especially when it all clicks. On a bike you get the same sensations however they are distilled, purer somehow. Driving a fast car on a great road is like a shot of adrenaline, riding a fast bike on the same road is like the same shot of adrenaline but delivered straight to the heart...
It's the sense that you are doing it right whilst knowing that if you do it wrong - it's gonna hurt. It's visceral too - the sensation of speed, that sensation of leaning without falling, the noise of things touching down on tarmac (in a good way), the view if the apex or exit ahead - slanted at 35-45 degrees (or more!) to the vertical ... it all adds up. The thrill of throwing yourself from side-to-side in a really twisty bit. The pull of the engine drawing you upright as you exit the corner. I'd love to try a sports car - my Almera doesn't share the same sense of ambition that I have - but I cannot imagine it being anything like a bike, in terms of thrill.
The feeling through the bars and the seat of engine power taking on G-force is certainly euphoric. I like very fast sweepers. Taken as fast as I dare, under power with the bike heeled right over reeling in the vanishing point is a sensation akin to flying. Rolling left to right through a fast section of bends is like sprouting wings. Then there's the elation of executing a bend perfectly, even the slowest ones. You can't beat a hairpin with all round visibility which allows you to get stuck in. You're in the right gear, you get the entry right, follow the perfect line and nail it on the exit and pop a little victory wheelie. Hugely satisfying.
