I experience a state of almost post ride euphoria. On the drive home from trails, I am totally relaxed, stress free and happy. I do think riding is a form of EMDR but I don't know if your subconscious is working stuff out in the background or just finally has a chance to turn off and give your brain a break. When you're on the bike, blazing down a nice a nice trail, your not thinking about financial problems, relationship issues, deadlines, etc, etc. I related my post ride euphoria to my amygdala saying "thanks, i needed a bit of a break there"
I agree with what you said at the end. Most of the time when I’m riding, there’s so much focus on the bike, the road, traffic, navigating, I don’t think about anything else in my life. Sometimes when it’s a straight road or highway I get time to think things through that are on my mind. But that’s what I love about going out for a ride, escaping and not thinking about the everyday stresses.
100% post ride blues is a real thing! I spent 450 days on my CRF250L riding Australia’s most amazing dirt and covered 49,500kms of our spectacular country. When you experience the freedom, adrenaline, awe, nature, trials & tribulations of the ride…coming back to reality is an extremely hard pill to swallow. Suffice to say, discovering adventure riding on a dual sport bike in a country like ours, ruined my life! But I wouldn’t change a second of it! It was the BEST 450 days of my 52 years of life! 😂🙏🏁🏍️⛺️
Hi Roz, I followed your trip blog, loved it - call me a fan boy! I'm 67 and like to disappear into the west for a few weeks by myself on my bike, did a trip to Perth via the centre last year. I agree that the 'post ride blues' are real. It feels ordinary coming back to "real" life. Mundanity is one thing but so much precious time is swallowed up by other peoples' BS. Out on the road you are reduced to the simple necessities and pleasures of independent travel. Best wishes for the future, Roz.
Man I dream of living in Australia woth a dual sport to roam on. All the land in the u.s is posted now and most trails available are for bicycles or hot footing. Your lucky guy! Sounds epic!!
@@richardjohnson3861 1000% Richard! You’re spot on as only those of us that do it, really knows how it feels! 😂🙏 I’m hanging to do it again and am just waiting for the moment that the mundane rat wheel slaps me hard enough that riding away into the sunset is my only option! 🤞😂🍀🏍️🏁 It’s always an adventure…carry on! 😁🙏💋
@@JimWilliams-s8z I would’ve loved to come explore the US but yes, I’m hearing more that it’s becoming difficult to find places to ride. We certainly are lucky down under but I think the time will come when our open spaces will start to lockdown too. Seems like our western democracies are no longer about freedom!
Pretty timely video , I just got back from Critter Moto’s GLFY rally on northern Vancouver Island in BC which is fundraiser for Heads up Guys a recourse for men’s mental health and suicide prevention and to be honest I am feeling pretty low even after having such an amazing weekend. It’s ok to talk about this stuff folks , no one needs to feel afraid to admit they are feeling depressed. Tyler you have broken ground for guys to start talking about this stuff and for that I thank you .
Cheers @ShoestringADV did you know that it was Tyler here who inspired me to create and publish my video about my suicide attempt, which then in turn led to forming the Get Lost…Find Yourself Foundation? @eveRide you’re absolutely onto something. It’s the same thing for us long distance adventurers: we’re happiest on the bike and after a long trip away from society and civilization it’s hard to acclimate back in, and for me, it’s gets harder everytime. Post ride depression. Keep up the talking around mental health, it’s important! Cheers!
@@Crittermoto I do recall you mentioning Tyler’s influence. It may have been from that podcast you recently did with Ian @motorcyclesandpancakes , a good watch/listen I might add . 👍
When you ride serious offroad you cannot let your mind lose focus or you make silly mistakes or crash. Its like a hard drive defrag! After hours of zero intrusive or stressful thoughts I feel like a new man. Therapy on two wheels.
I'd say your right. I had EMDR therapy for a year or so and it helped me alot. Riding gives me the same feeling. Just got back from a 5 day bike trip. Tired and content now but I know this week will be tough. Lots of things contributing to the mental benefit of riding. Gives me a reason to keep on keeping on. Peace .
I think you are on to something, the more time I am on the bike the happier I am. The longer it gets between rides, the grumpier I get.....so, the ride more theory is my self prescribed therapy.
I am writing to you from Patagonia, Argentina. I consider myself a brute at 67 years of age; I rarely suffer from depression (I think I only suffered from it for two days due to a traumatic event; and I do not underestimate those who suffer from it; it is hard) I think the way to fight it is to prepare for the next outing, remembering and adjusting what went wrong or what was missing so that the next one is better I think the place where I live helps me; because I do a mile and I am in the paradise of on-off; with deserts, forests, rivers (similar to Utah) places to go out on a motorcycle; and this facility allows me to go out once a month (not once a year) and prevents my depression, which is a rarity in me I am sorry if my English is bad hugs
Have you tried the carnivore diet? I live off meat and eggs now. As soon as I stopped and processed food, seed oils and oxilates from vegetables it went away. Took about a week to start feeling better. Now I am down 80lbs. No more diabetic meds. No statins. No depression at all for nearly a year. Look up Dr Ken Berry. Dr Anthony Chaffee. Dr Shawn baker. All of them are on TH-cam.
Yup, post excitement blues is real. I usually mull around for a week after an amazing motorcycle event. After a week or so, I begin to feel like my old self. But riding is the most exciting thing, and I would never give that up
i saw the title of the video and i just had to come here to comment before i even watched the whole video, because i experience this way more often than i would expect. it really depends on where i ride, and who i ride with as to how bad its going to be afterwards. sometimes, the ride just doesnt hit the level of excitement i was hoping for, or i feel like maybe i didnt ride to my potential... or most recently trying to get my son to step out of his comfort zone with riding too slowly on rough terrain without standing up and constantly in fear of falling. causing me to worry about him the entire time. i only have one friend who i dont have to worry about when riding with, and he in fact usually leads the ride. we've not been on a ride this year yet because of a broken down KTM (big surprise) I may have to fix his bike for him LOL because we usually get a few rides in between august and october before the trails close. we've had some absolutely awesome rides in the last two years which may physically "break me" for a few days but the fun isnt forgotten when watching the video footage later on.
Loved the cinematic! They always end up leaving me wanting more. I agree that there is something to the end of a ride. Like a falling off from all of the adrenalin.
In the whitewater (rafting/kayaking) community we call it “re-entry”. It’s real and it stinks. Multiple days/nights away from responsibilities and the complexities of the modern world coupled with adrenaline…then abruptly you are back into the mundane and the realization that the trip/fun is over is rough.
I just got back from 8K+ solo ride through Canada and Alaska. Slept great, no stress, & loved being on the bike. It was just; ride, see new things, eat, sleep, and repeat. You get home and realize that all the waiting, planning, and anticipation are over. Then real life kicks you right in the ass with all the problem and issues of everyday life. Heck yeah it’s a thing! Only cure is plan a new trip and get back on the bike.
Hey Tyler, I definitely think this is a thing. I recently went on a motorcycle trip from Cornwall (UK) down through France to Monté Carlo. It was 9 days and over 2000 miles that I’ll never forget. Every day that passes by since coming home I’m thinking about the next trip I could go on. As winter approaches it’s not likely to be until next year now, so I have to contend with shorter local rides until then. But I think it helps to see photos and videos I took during the journey, and be able to recall the feelings of what it was like. I certainly believe motorcycle travelling is addictive and the more you do, the more you want to do.
Before you even finish… YEEEEES. Every time i come back from a BDR or my aunts in Moab i am hit with a big downer. Mostly because i live in southern Texas and everything is private property and no scenery to speak of. To add, when I get back from a trail ride I am so hyped up on adrenaline and when I finally come down it is also a downer of sorts. So i just keep planning rides as it gives me something to focus on instead of being depressed about not being able to ride during the week.
I'm a psychologist and I ride. I was lucky enough to be in the rally in the video. Here is my two cents of psychological blah, blah. I think you could make a strong case that riding, for those who enjoy it, could be even more effective than standard EMDR for treating anxiety and depression. You'd have to do research to test whether it the mechanisms theorized to underlay EMDR play a significant role in the mental health benefits of riding. But the neurological and psychological benefits associated with INTENSE focus combined with physical ACTIVITY, which is key to riding, are well supported by the research. Also, all forms of mental health treatment rely on CONNECTING with another person, and Tyler really does an exceptional job of connecting with people and making everyone feel part of a group doing something together. Feelings of group SOLIDARITY are essential to mental health. His rallies are much more than just riding with a group of guys. Also the post adrenaline blues, or come down after an extended high adrenaline activity is a very real phenomenon. Many athletes, writers, artists, and other people who engage in extended high focus, high stakes, activity report the same thing when they complete something. Also in the case of the rallies you end up leaving behind people you got attached to. Also there is research that suggests that perceiving the fractal structure of nature (as apposed to the nonfratcal borders of man made things) is therapeutic. That is a fancy way of saying the live perception of nature has a mental health benefit. Lots of beautiful nature on these rallies. In summary, riding good, stop riding bad.
Nice!! Loved the cinematic, as usual. You do awesome work. It feels strange being IN one of your videos. Regarding your EMDR theory-- it makes sense to me. I can say for sure that dirt riding is hugely therapeutic for me, and I do get post-ride letdown. I figured it was just a 'something I've been looking forward to for so long is now over' thing, but I can see EMDR processing could be part of that. I know that being on a bike, especially a dirt bike on challenging terrain, is absolutely the most in-the-moment thing I do, and the only time there is nothing else in my mind but NOW. Thanks for the awesome week, the awesome videos, and also for helping to put mental health front and center.
I've heard about depression effects (emptyness at least) after experiencing hormonal highs from adrenaline and endorphines, but so far never from bikes, but it makes intuitive sense. I have no knowledge about EMDR, but you describe a pattern I did as a child, while going to sleep. Lying on my back, flopping my face from side to side. "A self soothing behavior", it would be called. No connection to depression that I'm aware of in my case. Just a release of excess energy. Bobbing my head quite forcefully into the pillow (lying on my belly) was the nother "workout routine", but it doesn't relate to the EMDR description. I've only gotten uplifting, relatively long lasting effects from riding any bike intensely. Similar from running high, muscle workout, good sex, great food. Drinking alcohol is the only depression inducing high, I can relate to. Particularly with intense smoking. Post-Christmas feelings as a child was depressive. The last show in a TV series, as a child, was depressive.
I think post-ride let down is a natural, inevitable thing. We anticipate a big ride for months, sometimes years. Then we finally do it, and we are on top of the world. By definition, any descent from that is gonna feel Blue, right? Part is just the natural letdown from the adrenaline/dopamine high of doing the ride. Part has got to be we've lost the daily anticipation buzz cuz now we're done. I think the bigger the trip, the deeper the funk. Maybe we should expect it and prepare for it. Know it's going to happen, maybe plan something that helps thwart it a little, but at least don't be sad that you're sad. One of my favorite quotes is, "Always have a ride in the chamber, no matter how far off."
(Non expert hypothesis here) I think they’re different types of depression experiences. EMDR brings up past memories and feelings so they can be processed in a different context, the depression is from experiencing the past again. Where as after dirt biking, it’s back to the daily grind, the depression is from missing the joy and excitement. If you did EMDR everyday, would the depression still happen? I would think yes. If you rode motorcycles everyday, would the same depression/sadness still happen? I would think no. I do agree that motorcycling can stimulate the brain like EMDR, but I tend to be concentrating on riding rather than of past trauma. It’s definitely an interesting topic and there’s still so much to learn about EMDR and the brain in general. Wish I could come out and ride with you, hopefully someday. Thanks talking about mental health and motorcycles!
Been awhile since a Mr. Everide production! Wishin' my buddy didn't have to "cut down on communications" and instead was along for the ride. I guess there are too many "fans" to keep up with them all. I got an idea! Never stop riding!
We call it "riders high", a mildly euphoric feeling that can last for a couple of days after a good ride. The flip side i have also experienced after a riding trip of a few days or more is a sadness knowing the experience is over for now and reality must now be accounted for
Every. Single. Time. Could be a ride. Could be when I was racing. Could be when I was gigging with my band. Whatever awesome thing it was that I did, the next day always paled in comparison. The main thing that kept me going was knowing that more awesome was going to happen again in the future.
I’ve been wondering why I feel kinda crappy. Just finished 7 days doing the Oregon BDR and it was absolutely awesome. Your cinematic video is freakin epic, nice job. 👍🏻
I've experienced the same thing. The problem ended up being multi-vitamins. I removed those and the post ride depression cleared up. Snowmobiling was much worse than dirt biking. There is a difference between post adrenaline blues and depression. The valley is much deeper with depression like there is suddenly a world crushing all happiness out. Stopping the multi-vitamins took a couple of months for the post ride depression to stop. Took a couple of years for the issue to get bad, and I'd mentioned the issue to doctors and sort of got blown off. So I stopped the multi-vitamins on a thought that I had and slowly and surely the issue went away. Now I do a ride and I'm more or less on cloud 9 for several days afterwards.
Post-ride depression certainly is a real phenomenon in my life. It's always been a problem for me and the cure is aerobic exercise. If I exercise hard, the depression is minimal and if I don't, it's pretty bad.
It definitely happens to me..usually for me I get a massive sense of euphoria for a while until I get home, then as things settle and even into the next day I get this sense of dread and sadness, and I guess there have been times where it's been a massive crash into a pretty bad bit of .... Temporary? Depression
Hey mate, it's been way too long since I watched a video of yours! Shame on me! That footage was epic. What a great moto playground! I just returned from a bike trip to the outback which was pretty cool, but yeah, despite the fact that I get to ride bikes for work, it has been hard getting back into the routine of life. I always find that after any trip when it's over, without having the trip to look forward to anymore, it gets a bit depressing. Especially when others don't show that level of passion and interest in your trip as you do. The bigger the trip, the harder I find it. I'd never equated EMDR to any of it, but that's interesting. I know that my mate @CaptainCranky was getting into EMDR as a cure for his PTSD issues and it seemed to work for him.
I like that you are talking about mental health and promote getting in touch and talking about feelings. I didn't like that you use the depression word to describe it, I feel it as "cat fishing-ish". To me, calling it depression is an exaggeration. I think of it as post riding trip blues. Which is normal and happens, as you quickly mention, when any awesome experience is over, especially when the experience lasted more than one day. Initially after an awesome trip, adventure or experience I stay in a state of bliss & ecstasy. After getting back into the routine then the blues come, but to me it is positive. I accknowledge the blues and take advantage by using them as evidence that something wonderful just happened to me and to remember the experience and let it sink in.
It’s 100% real. I’m dealing with it right now. I think a trip to Utah this fall is in order. I broke my wrist and some ribs in Moab this spring and I am ready to go back!
It's real. After multi-week rides (including living off my bike for a year) I get depressed after returning home. I absolutely don't want to be home. Fortunately I'm retiring next spring and will be on the road full time and I won't have to deal with it any more.
Yup, after my last two trips I've been in the dumps. I keep asking myself what's going on! Just mentally blah to the point I have not ridden in two months. I did start the bike yesterday though!🤣
I had to stop riding because it was depressing me so much while doing it, that I just wanted the ride to end. Trying to get back into it (again) after a few years of on and off absence, but every time I try to "rekindle the spark" I stop after a few weeks because it puts me in such a sad state of mind. I think it's because when I am riding all I'm thinking about is all the problems in life/ work. I believe it was more enjoyable when I was new to it, because I was mentally engaged as well. Now, I find it so natural to ride, that I am no longer mentally present and am just physically going through the motions. It's absolutely heartbreaking as it was what I used to live for.
Riding, whether it’s intense street riding, a slow cruise down a scenic road or off-road riding is really a form of meditation because all of the normal chatter that goes on inside your head (usually causing stress or anxiety) is gone and you are intensely focused on operating the machine beneath you and navigating the road or trail ahead of you. As soon as you’re done riding, for most of us, that same internal chatter and conflict reappears and perhaps that’s where the depression comes from. Your mind is no longer in the present moment like it is when you’re riding. That’s my $.02 on the matter. 😜
I have done the same treatment for PSTD. Motorcycling is like an addiction. It helps deal with life situations but like any drug once the high wears off Im looking for the next ride or high. I have spent months on the road and have to be careful not to allow riding or living on the road to become the most important thing in life. All this stuff on earth will pass away so we should make our treasures in heaven, because the only thing we can take with us are the people around us.
I've definitely thought this for a few years now. I'm 64 and have been riding for about 55 of those years. I've noticed after a really good fun ride that couldn't be better that you never want to end, I think, why ? What's the point to it ? I relate it to cocaine use. Yes, the 80's were a wild time. It's great till it's gone and then, harsh reality shows up. Clean and sober for decades now, but still riding. Always will, post depression or not. Cheers !
I know exactly what you mean..after 2 weeks in the Anatolian Highlands of turkey..back in Berlin..worst depression..i never heard of emdr..but for shure the depression you get is much deeper then a normal post holiday experience.. after 6 weeks on the seychelles I had huge trouble back home, asking what is the point of all of it.. but after Enduro riding its muvh worse...I believe the depression comes from the size of the gap in freedom: the bigger the gap the bigger the problem!!!. riding offroad (alone wr450f) is cheap, its paradise, its total freedom in Nature..why not drive around the world? In Turkey the contrast of Freedom can not be higher then to a Place like Berlin Germany... I think thats were the big depression comes from.
This is normal, especially if it’s challenging! If it’s dangerous and you get through, there’s a comedown after. Rewatch hurt locker to see an extreme example. Our rides are like mini versions of this.
I don't after a ride, though I am usually physically wiped for a day or two. Many times after taking my kids to some big full day fun activity, like an amusement park, they will be at their most annoying and least appreciative on the way home. A part of that might be the unfiltered overtired coming out. Some may be a tendancy to dwell on wanting more fun, more entertainment, instead of practicing reflection on the fun that was just had.
I do know having to leave the rally 5 days early brings on depression…or was that just me feeling sorry for myself. Maybe both. Those 2 days were good to go. Shoulder surgery done, I’ll be back for sure
I live in Illinois which sucks badly for offroad motorcycling. I am lucky enough to get to goto Michigan and Colorado a few times a year to ride. But really do get depressed even when i get to riide locally because its just not very good riding compared to the others. Im at a crossroads trying to decide whether to keep my bikes ornot. Driving half way across the country to ride sucks and i cant do it enough to get my fix
I’ve heard football players after the superbowl state that it was one of the worst days of their lives With every high comes a low Expect it and you won’t be so down when it comes
Well its not the the ride what is causing it but the down leveling of dopamines and endorphines after doing anything that makes you happy.... So yeah we have to adapt when arriving back . Same with sports, hobbies etc
Jordan Peterson talks about motorcycles create a situation for emotional positive response. That riding is a psychological positive therapy for humans.
The reason is that we live in a very sick society, and the solution is to abolish all forms of government and completely change our work/life balance. We need a culture that values community and fun! More time outside with those we love and less time isolated in front of a screen.
![ปฏิเสธไม่ไหว (Crush on you) - LIPTA feat. No One Else [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/NBw1jF342vw/mqdefault.jpg)
I experience a state of almost post ride euphoria. On the drive home from trails, I am totally relaxed, stress free and happy. I do think riding is a form of EMDR but I don't know if your subconscious is working stuff out in the background or just finally has a chance to turn off and give your brain a break. When you're on the bike, blazing down a nice a nice trail, your not thinking about financial problems, relationship issues, deadlines, etc, etc. I related my post ride euphoria to my amygdala saying "thanks, i needed a bit of a break there"
I agree with what you said at the end. Most of the time when I’m riding, there’s so much focus on the bike, the road, traffic, navigating, I don’t think about anything else in my life. Sometimes when it’s a straight road or highway I get time to think things through that are on my mind. But that’s what I love about going out for a ride, escaping and not thinking about the everyday stresses.
100% post ride blues is a real thing! I spent 450 days on my CRF250L riding Australia’s most amazing dirt and covered 49,500kms of our spectacular country. When you experience the freedom, adrenaline, awe, nature, trials & tribulations of the ride…coming back to reality is an extremely hard pill to swallow. Suffice to say, discovering adventure riding on a dual sport bike in a country like ours, ruined my life! But I wouldn’t change a second of it! It was the BEST 450 days of my 52 years of life! 😂🙏🏁🏍️⛺️
Hi Roz, I followed your trip blog, loved it - call me a fan boy! I'm 67 and like to disappear into the west for a few weeks by myself on my bike, did a trip to Perth via the centre last year. I agree that the 'post ride blues' are real. It feels ordinary coming back to "real" life. Mundanity is one thing but so much precious time is swallowed up by other peoples' BS. Out on the road you are reduced to the simple necessities and pleasures of independent travel. Best wishes for the future, Roz.
Man I dream of living in Australia woth a dual sport to roam on. All the land in the u.s is posted now and most trails available are for bicycles or hot footing. Your lucky guy! Sounds epic!!
@@richardjohnson3861 1000% Richard! You’re spot on as only those of us that do it, really knows how it feels! 😂🙏 I’m hanging to do it again and am just waiting for the moment that the mundane rat wheel slaps me hard enough that riding away into the sunset is my only option! 🤞😂🍀🏍️🏁 It’s always an adventure…carry on! 😁🙏💋
@@JimWilliams-s8z I would’ve loved to come explore the US but yes, I’m hearing more that it’s becoming difficult to find places to ride. We certainly are lucky down under but I think the time will come when our open spaces will start to lockdown too. Seems like our western democracies are no longer about freedom!
Pretty timely video , I just got back from Critter Moto’s GLFY rally on northern Vancouver Island in BC which is fundraiser for Heads up Guys a recourse for men’s mental health and suicide prevention and to be honest I am feeling pretty low even after having such an amazing weekend.
It’s ok to talk about this stuff folks , no one needs to feel afraid to admit they are feeling depressed. Tyler you have broken ground for guys to start talking about this stuff and for that I thank you .
Cheers @ShoestringADV did you know that it was Tyler here who inspired me to create and publish my video about my suicide attempt, which then in turn led to forming the Get Lost…Find Yourself Foundation?
@eveRide you’re absolutely onto something. It’s the same thing for us long distance adventurers: we’re happiest on the bike and after a long trip away from society and civilization it’s hard to acclimate back in, and for me, it’s gets harder everytime. Post ride depression.
Keep up the talking around mental health, it’s important!
Cheers!
@@Crittermoto I do recall you mentioning Tyler’s influence. It may have been from that podcast you recently did with Ian @motorcyclesandpancakes , a good watch/listen I might add . 👍
When you ride serious offroad you cannot let your mind lose focus or you make silly mistakes or crash. Its like a hard drive defrag!
After hours of zero intrusive or stressful thoughts I feel like a new man. Therapy on two wheels.
Agreed. There’s a point were you’re riding fast enough that it’s all you can think about. None of the other junk in life is there.
I'd say your right.
I had EMDR therapy for a year or so and it helped me alot.
Riding gives me the same feeling.
Just got back from a 5 day bike trip.
Tired and content now but I know this week will be tough.
Lots of things contributing to the mental benefit of riding.
Gives me a reason to keep on keeping on.
Peace .
My motorcycle is my therapist.
Is what it is.
Just keep riding into the sunset
I think you are on to something, the more time I am on the bike the happier I am. The longer it gets between rides, the grumpier I get.....so, the ride more theory is my self prescribed therapy.
I've missed your cinematics - so good. Thank you for sharing!
I am writing to you from Patagonia, Argentina. I consider myself a brute at 67 years of age; I rarely suffer from depression (I think I only suffered from it for two days due to a traumatic event; and I do not underestimate those who suffer from it; it is hard)
I think the way to fight it is to prepare for the next outing, remembering and adjusting what went wrong or what was missing so that the next one is better
I think the place where I live helps me; because I do a mile and I am in the paradise of on-off; with deserts, forests, rivers (similar to Utah) places to go out on a motorcycle; and this facility allows me to go out once a month (not once a year) and prevents my depression, which is a rarity in me
I am sorry if my English is bad
hugs
Have you tried the carnivore diet? I live off meat and eggs now. As soon as I stopped and processed food, seed oils and oxilates from vegetables it went away. Took about a week to start feeling better. Now I am down 80lbs. No more diabetic meds. No statins. No depression at all for nearly a year. Look up Dr Ken Berry. Dr Anthony Chaffee. Dr Shawn baker. All of them are on TH-cam.
Yup, post excitement blues is real. I usually mull around for a week after an amazing motorcycle event. After a week or so, I begin to feel like my old self. But riding is the most exciting thing, and I would never give that up
True. Spend time with family
I have post ride elation. Had a great ride, got home safe, had a great ride workout, and alive and anxious to get back out there again.
i saw the title of the video and i just had to come here to comment before i even watched the whole video, because i experience this way more often than i would expect. it really depends on where i ride, and who i ride with as to how bad its going to be afterwards. sometimes, the ride just doesnt hit the level of excitement i was hoping for, or i feel like maybe i didnt ride to my potential... or most recently trying to get my son to step out of his comfort zone with riding too slowly on rough terrain without standing up and constantly in fear of falling. causing me to worry about him the entire time. i only have one friend who i dont have to worry about when riding with, and he in fact usually leads the ride. we've not been on a ride this year yet because of a broken down KTM (big surprise) I may have to fix his bike for him LOL because we usually get a few rides in between august and october before the trails close. we've had some absolutely awesome rides in the last two years which may physically "break me" for a few days but the fun isnt forgotten when watching the video footage later on.
No depression from your videos. Just wanna ride ;-) Günter/Nürnberg
I am usually tired, happy for the experience, and glad that someday I will again.
MUCH LOVE!!! 🤟
Awesome video quality! Epic scenery!
Loved the cinematic! They always end up leaving me wanting more. I agree that there is something to the end of a ride. Like a falling off from all of the adrenalin.
Life is upside down and downs, ebb and flow. For me the riding is real therapy. Can't imagine not having it as an outlet
Super cool stuff to think about and talk about Tyler!
Good observations. Keep your eyes up and your knees down. See you on the trail friend. MRP alumni! Peace Baby!
In the whitewater (rafting/kayaking) community we call it “re-entry”. It’s real and it stinks. Multiple days/nights away from responsibilities and the complexities of the modern world coupled with adrenaline…then abruptly you are back into the mundane and the realization that the trip/fun is over is rough.
Post adrenaline blues are a thing, regardless of how you get that adrenaline and endorphine high.
I just got back from 8K+ solo ride through Canada and Alaska. Slept great, no stress, & loved being on the bike. It was just; ride, see new things, eat, sleep, and repeat.
You get home and realize that all the waiting, planning, and anticipation are over. Then real life kicks you right in the ass with all the problem and issues of everyday life. Heck yeah it’s a thing! Only cure is plan a new trip and get back on the bike.
Hey Tyler, I definitely think this is a thing. I recently went on a motorcycle trip from Cornwall (UK) down through France to Monté Carlo. It was 9 days and over 2000 miles that I’ll never forget. Every day that passes by since coming home I’m thinking about the next trip I could go on. As winter approaches it’s not likely to be until next year now, so I have to contend with shorter local rides until then. But I think it helps to see photos and videos I took during the journey, and be able to recall the feelings of what it was like. I certainly believe motorcycle travelling is addictive and the more you do, the more you want to do.
Can't wait to ride with you again on my own 500 the next time.
If you have the opportunity, do a riot rally! Incredible landscape and great times!
Before you even finish… YEEEEES. Every time i come back from a BDR or my aunts in Moab i am hit with a big downer. Mostly because i live in southern Texas and everything is private property and no scenery to speak of.
To add, when I get back from a trail ride I am so hyped up on adrenaline and when I finally come down it is also a downer of sorts. So i just keep planning rides as it gives me something to focus on instead of being depressed about not being able to ride during the week.
I'm a psychologist and I ride. I was lucky enough to be in the rally in the video. Here is my two cents of psychological blah, blah. I think you could make a strong case that riding, for those who enjoy it, could be even more effective than standard EMDR for treating anxiety and depression. You'd have to do research to test whether it the mechanisms theorized to underlay EMDR play a significant role in the mental health benefits of riding. But the neurological and psychological benefits associated with INTENSE focus combined with physical ACTIVITY, which is key to riding, are well supported by the research. Also, all forms of mental health treatment rely on CONNECTING with another person, and Tyler really does an exceptional job of connecting with people and making everyone feel part of a group doing something together. Feelings of group SOLIDARITY are essential to mental health. His rallies are much more than just riding with a group of guys. Also the post adrenaline blues, or come down after an extended high adrenaline activity is a very real phenomenon. Many athletes, writers, artists, and other people who engage in extended high focus, high stakes, activity report the same thing when they complete something. Also in the case of the rallies you end up leaving behind people you got attached to. Also there is research that suggests that perceiving the fractal structure of nature (as apposed to the nonfratcal borders of man made things) is therapeutic. That is a fancy way of saying the live perception of nature has a mental health benefit. Lots of beautiful nature on these rallies. In summary, riding good, stop riding bad.
Nice!! Loved the cinematic, as usual. You do awesome work. It feels strange being IN one of your videos.
Regarding your EMDR theory-- it makes sense to me. I can say for sure that dirt riding is hugely therapeutic for me, and I do get post-ride letdown. I figured it was just a 'something I've been looking forward to for so long is now over' thing, but I can see EMDR processing could be part of that. I know that being on a bike, especially a dirt bike on challenging terrain, is absolutely the most in-the-moment thing I do, and the only time there is nothing else in my mind but NOW.
Thanks for the awesome week, the awesome videos, and also for helping to put mental health front and center.
I've heard about depression effects (emptyness at least) after experiencing hormonal highs from adrenaline and endorphines, but so far never from bikes, but it makes intuitive sense.
I have no knowledge about EMDR, but you describe a pattern I did as a child, while going to sleep. Lying on my back, flopping my face from side to side. "A self soothing behavior", it would be called.
No connection to depression that I'm aware of in my case. Just a release of excess energy. Bobbing my head quite forcefully into the pillow (lying on my belly) was the nother "workout routine", but it doesn't relate to the EMDR description.
I've only gotten uplifting, relatively long lasting effects from riding any bike intensely.
Similar from running high, muscle workout, good sex, great food.
Drinking alcohol is the only depression inducing high, I can relate to. Particularly with intense smoking.
Post-Christmas feelings as a child was depressive. The last show in a TV series, as a child, was depressive.
I think post-ride let down is a natural, inevitable thing. We anticipate a big ride for months, sometimes years. Then we finally do it, and we are on top of the world. By definition, any descent from that is gonna feel Blue, right? Part is just the natural letdown from the adrenaline/dopamine high of doing the ride. Part has got to be we've lost the daily anticipation buzz cuz now we're done.
I think the bigger the trip, the deeper the funk. Maybe we should expect it and prepare for it. Know it's going to happen, maybe plan something that helps thwart it a little, but at least don't be sad that you're sad. One of my favorite quotes is, "Always have a ride in the chamber, no matter how far off."
Could not agree more! The importance of the "next ride" can not be underestimated.
(Non expert hypothesis here)
I think they’re different types of depression experiences. EMDR brings up past memories and feelings so they can be processed in a different context, the depression is from experiencing the past again. Where as after dirt biking, it’s back to the daily grind, the depression is from missing the joy and excitement.
If you did EMDR everyday, would the depression still happen? I would think yes.
If you rode motorcycles everyday, would the same depression/sadness still happen? I would think no.
I do agree that motorcycling can stimulate the brain like EMDR, but I tend to be concentrating on riding rather than of past trauma. It’s definitely an interesting topic and there’s still so much to learn about EMDR and the brain in general.
Wish I could come out and ride with you, hopefully someday. Thanks talking about mental health and motorcycles!
Been awhile since a Mr. Everide production! Wishin' my buddy didn't have to "cut down on communications" and instead was along for the ride. I guess there are too many "fans" to keep up with them all. I got an idea! Never stop riding!
We call it "riders high", a mildly euphoric feeling that can last for a couple of days after a good ride. The flip side i have also experienced after a riding trip of a few days or more is a sadness knowing the experience is over for now and reality must now be accounted for
Every. Single. Time.
Could be a ride. Could be when I was racing. Could be when I was gigging with my band. Whatever awesome thing it was that I did, the next day always paled in comparison. The main thing that kept me going was knowing that more awesome was going to happen again in the future.
I’ve been wondering why I feel kinda crappy. Just finished 7 days doing the Oregon BDR and it was absolutely awesome. Your cinematic video is freakin epic, nice job. 👍🏻
I've experienced the same thing. The problem ended up being multi-vitamins. I removed those and the post ride depression cleared up. Snowmobiling was much worse than dirt biking. There is a difference between post adrenaline blues and depression. The valley is much deeper with depression like there is suddenly a world crushing all happiness out.
Stopping the multi-vitamins took a couple of months for the post ride depression to stop. Took a couple of years for the issue to get bad, and I'd mentioned the issue to doctors and sort of got blown off. So I stopped the multi-vitamins on a thought that I had and slowly and surely the issue went away. Now I do a ride and I'm more or less on cloud 9 for several days afterwards.
after a ride im always better !
Post-ride depression certainly is a real phenomenon in my life. It's always been a problem for me and the cure is aerobic exercise. If I exercise hard, the depression is minimal and if I don't, it's pretty bad.
It definitely happens to me..usually for me I get a massive sense of euphoria for a while until I get home, then as things settle and even into the next day I get this sense of dread and sadness, and I guess there have been times where it's been a massive crash into a pretty bad bit of .... Temporary? Depression
Yep, when I stopped riding all those years ago, I ended up with a feeling of withdrawal of sorts... Like I needed my weekly fix of going out to ride.
Hey mate, it's been way too long since I watched a video of yours! Shame on me! That footage was epic. What a great moto playground!
I just returned from a bike trip to the outback which was pretty cool, but yeah, despite the fact that I get to ride bikes for work, it has been hard getting back into the routine of life. I always find that after any trip when it's over, without having the trip to look forward to anymore, it gets a bit depressing. Especially when others don't show that level of passion and interest in your trip as you do. The bigger the trip, the harder I find it. I'd never equated EMDR to any of it, but that's interesting. I know that my mate @CaptainCranky was getting into EMDR as a cure for his PTSD issues and it seemed to work for him.
I like that you are talking about mental health and promote getting in touch and talking about feelings.
I didn't like that you use the depression word to describe it, I feel it as "cat fishing-ish". To me, calling it depression is an exaggeration.
I think of it as post riding trip blues.
Which is normal and happens, as you quickly mention, when any awesome experience is over, especially when the experience lasted more than one day.
Initially after an awesome trip, adventure or experience I stay in a state of bliss & ecstasy. After getting back into the routine then the blues come, but to me it is positive. I accknowledge the blues and take advantage by using them as evidence that something wonderful just happened to me and to remember the experience and let it sink in.
What tire is that on the Kove? Great vids, one of these days I’m going to get myself and my bike down there and check out the reef.
It’s 100% real. I’m dealing with it right now. I think a trip to Utah this fall is in order. I broke my wrist and some ribs in Moab this spring and I am ready to go back!
It's real. After multi-week rides (including living off my bike for a year) I get depressed after returning home. I absolutely don't want to be home.
Fortunately I'm retiring next spring and will be on the road full time and I won't have to deal with it any more.
Probably has something to do with depleted dopamine.
Yup, after my last two trips I've been in the dumps. I keep asking myself what's going on! Just mentally blah to the point I have not ridden in two months. I did start the bike yesterday though!🤣
I had to stop riding because it was depressing me so much while doing it, that I just wanted the ride to end. Trying to get back into it (again) after a few years of on and off absence, but every time I try to "rekindle the spark" I stop after a few weeks because it puts me in such a sad state of mind. I think it's because when I am riding all I'm thinking about is all the problems in life/ work. I believe it was more enjoyable when I was new to it, because I was mentally engaged as well. Now, I find it so natural to ride, that I am no longer mentally present and am just physically going through the motions. It's absolutely heartbreaking as it was what I used to live for.
That’s life in general.
Anytime you’re finished doing something you truly enjoy there will be part of you missing it.
I get it after long camping weekend, and yes solo ADV and camping was my therapy after I got divorced. Still now a good reason no.to give up...
Riding, whether it’s intense street riding, a slow cruise down a scenic road or off-road riding is really a form of meditation because all of the normal chatter that goes on inside your head (usually causing stress or anxiety) is gone and you are intensely focused on operating the machine beneath you and navigating the road or trail ahead of you. As soon as you’re done riding, for most of us, that same internal chatter and conflict reappears and perhaps that’s where the depression comes from. Your mind is no longer in the present moment like it is when you’re riding. That’s my $.02 on the matter. 😜
I have done the same treatment for PSTD. Motorcycling is like an addiction. It helps deal with life situations but like any drug once the high wears off Im looking for the next ride or high. I have spent months on the road and have to be careful not to allow riding or living on the road to become the most important thing in life. All this stuff on earth will pass away so we should make our treasures in heaven, because the only thing we can take with us are the people around us.
I've definitely thought this for a few years now. I'm 64 and have been riding for about 55 of those years. I've noticed after a really good fun ride that couldn't be better that you never want to end, I think, why ? What's the point to it ? I relate it to cocaine use. Yes, the 80's were a wild time. It's great till it's gone and then, harsh reality shows up. Clean and sober for decades now, but still riding. Always will, post depression or not. Cheers !
I know exactly what you mean..after 2 weeks in the Anatolian Highlands of turkey..back in Berlin..worst depression..i never heard of emdr..but for shure the depression you get is much deeper then a normal post holiday experience.. after 6 weeks on the seychelles I had huge trouble back home, asking what is the point of all of it.. but after Enduro riding its muvh worse...I believe the depression comes from the size of the gap in freedom: the bigger the gap the bigger the problem!!!. riding offroad (alone wr450f) is cheap, its paradise, its total freedom in Nature..why not drive around the world? In Turkey the contrast of Freedom can not be higher then to a Place like Berlin Germany... I think thats were the big depression comes from.
This is normal, especially if it’s challenging!
If it’s dangerous and you get through, there’s a comedown after.
Rewatch hurt locker to see an extreme example.
Our rides are like mini versions of this.
eveRide video
absolutely is
I get depressed when I decide not to ride.
drummers have the same experience.
I don't after a ride, though I am usually physically wiped for a day or two.
Many times after taking my kids to some big full day fun activity, like an amusement park, they will be at their most annoying and least appreciative on the way home. A part of that might be the unfiltered overtired coming out. Some may be a tendancy to dwell on wanting more fun, more entertainment, instead of practicing reflection on the fun that was just had.
I do know having to leave the rally 5 days early brings on depression…or was that just me feeling sorry for myself. Maybe both. Those 2 days were good to go. Shoulder surgery done, I’ll be back for sure
I live in Illinois which sucks badly for offroad motorcycling. I am lucky enough to get to goto Michigan and Colorado a few times a year to ride. But really do get depressed even when i get to riide locally because its just not very good riding compared to the others. Im at a crossroads trying to decide whether to keep my bikes ornot. Driving half way across the country to ride sucks and i cant do it enough to get my fix
Who can I contact about going on a tour?
You ever rode in Oklahoma or north Texas or Kansas?
Not for me. After a good ride I feel fantastic.
Week long ride, all paved, followed by some dysthymia.
Even watching epic riding videos is depressing especially when you live in flat boring middle earth otherwise know as the Midwest.
Riding is my antidepressant. I get depressed when I see other people on their bikes, and I'm in a car.
Brutally Honest review of Himalayan 450?
I’ve heard football players after the superbowl state that it was one of the worst days of their lives
With every high comes a low
Expect it and you won’t be so down when it comes
Well its not the the ride what is causing it but the down leveling of dopamines and endorphines after doing anything that makes you happy.... So yeah we have to adapt when arriving back . Same with sports, hobbies etc
Ya cause I shyt the bed on my last ride and buggered off when there was 2 days left.
Self hate
Jordan Peterson talks about motorcycles create a situation for emotional positive response. That riding is a psychological positive therapy for humans.
The reason is that we live in a very sick society, and the solution is to abolish all forms of government and completely change our work/life balance. We need a culture that values community and fun! More time outside with those we love and less time isolated in front of a screen.
the therapist is most of your problems.