The Last Ride // A Motorcycle Film // Triumph Bonneville
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ธ.ค. 2021
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An inquiry into the perspective of motorcycling in relation to having to take a hiatus from riding, either due to the changing seasons or life circumstances. I took a solo trip to the Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont during October 2021 for some motorcycle camping, intended to be the last ride on my Triumph Bonneville for the season. I ended up having some ignition troubles during the trip, so I had to cut it short and replace my ignition system. Once fixed, I took my Bonneville back out in Massachusetts to catch some final foliage and winterize my motorcycle before the winter. The motorcycling was filmed on 3 cameras in parts of Vermont and Massachusetts.
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Film Name: The Last Ride
Quote from Eugen Herrigal’s ‘Zen in the Art of Archery’ (1948) - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
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You articulate the sentiments of many of us. I’m 74 and started riding again on my 48year old Benelli just 3 years ago. Advancing age brings the horizon closer with each passing year and robs us of our sense of adventure. For me the bike lets me now I’m still alive but reminds me that reactions are slowing. Thankfully, (hopefully?) I’m more careful on the bike to compensate. It’s November mild and damp in the UK now and I just returned from a short ride. Short rides are better than none at all and I’m determined not to make it my last ride of the year - ever optimistic! Love the video and commentary👍
Enjoy the ride and happy birthday. Im right behind you at 73.
Agree with your sentiments entirely.
Diagnosed with Terminal Cancer just after my 70th Birthday and in too much pain to ride my old Ducati SS, after unexpected good results from Chemotherapy, I bought an “Adventure” bike because I was able to ride for an hour or so in an upright position, without much pain.The enjoyment and “rejuvenation” I get from even a short ride is something a non-rider could never understand.
I liken the smooth negotiation of curves the closest thing to flying - I also hold a Private Pilot Licence but can no longer afford the horrendous costs associated. My Oncologist says he’s amazed I’m “still here” and puts it down to both the Chemo and my enjoyment of riding (including “tinkering” with mods and maintenance). Have to keep busy and keep riding until I can no longer ride safely - I’m determined that is still years away and even though side effects of treatment make it harder and quite painful to walk, once I’m on the bike, the pain goes away and I’m 30 years old again - (but with nearly 60 years of riding experience, so I don’t take the risks I did when I was riding high powered bikes in my 30’s 👍).
Keep riding, keep positive and safe travels always 👍🇦🇺
Me too right behind you at 72. Just ordered another set of tires and hoping to cover many thousands of miles across the country this summer. I ride most days as I will today. Enjoy.
Aging out of the sport is the hardest thing after 50 plus years.
Cheers thanks for sharing
I turn 72 next month and have always had a road bike for over 50 yrs. Most of my riding friends are no longer riding, due to age, illness, death. That's somewhat discouraging, but solo riding has always been a big part of my experience. Riding a bike can be a great attitude adjustment. An evening ride on a good road is a great time to think, or to not think at all. As someone who has always tried to be as self sufficient as possible, i find myself wondering if i have enough left in the tank to do everything i want (&need) to do. But, as long as i'm able, & feel safe doing it, i'll keep the bike ready to go. Riding has been an important part of my life. People say motorcycling is dangerous. It can be, but it has helped me survive some of the worst emotional times in my life.
Every ride could be your last. But then, every ride could be your first of the next thousand rides. Either way, enjoy the ride, enjoy life, and be grateful for this lovely world we get to ride in.
Love from INDIA. I am a rider too and this video literally brought tears. I can feel every sentence you narrate. That's the connection of riders.
Cheers Prabhuraj - glad the words were able to resonate with you! That's awesome
I'm now riding my bike at every opportunity, knowing there's evil coming thats going to stop me doing it, lm 62 I've never not owned a motorcycle since I was 17, it gave me everything
Wonderful video! I'm 63 and get back to motorcycles and short rides just after 58, restoring old bikes by myself and put them back to road, what a magical feeling. Greetings from Brazil!
We take many “last rides” in our lives and this succinct video does a fine job of reminding us of this.
Live every day as if your life depends upon it.
So true So true....to try to communicate this to a none bike rider is impossible. I am now in my 69th year and know I haven't got many more years to go riding , my only hobby, if you can call it a hobby, its more than that its given me everything, my wife , my friends, everything ...Bikes are not just inanimate objects ..
Beautifully done . . . don't forget the battery tender . . .
My "last ride" came a lot sooner than I expected.
I had only been riding for 8 months, and I had fallen in love with it. I had just finished my first summer riding and did about 1500 miles over 2 road trips.
It came to an abrupt end because something terrible happened...
I was with a really good friend, and we were stopped at a red light. It was a nice sunny perfect day out. We were just sitting there, and I was looking over at him and enjoying the day. Out of nowhere, a van came from behind us, speeding at around 50 (speed limit was 25), and rear ended my friend. It felt like it happened in slow motion because one moment I was just looking over at him enjoying the day, and the next I saw him being hit....
The god damn van driver was on his phone because he was still holding it when I ran over. They skid down about 30 feet. I ran over to my friend who was completely motionless....
My friend's alive, but he has a long long way to go before he can walk again.
After seeing that, no matter how much I love riding, I'm pretty much done. I miss it... but I don't think I will ever get back on a bike
Thanks for this. After a lifetime of motorcycling, road, track and dirt, at 64 I am 6 years into long term illness which now prevents me from riding. This video resonates so well with me. I have fantastic memories of racing, commuting and touring with my wife on the bikes. Enjoy! Subscribed. Looking forward to your other videos.
I was born in VT in 1956. I live in the west now and love the wide open spaces but I sure do miss the woods, lakes and rivers of northern New England. Oh, those wonderful back roads too. Thanks for taking me back for a short while.
Beautiful scenery, beautiful narration, beautiful bike. Beautiful sentiment - Gratitude. Meditation in motion is how I view riding, with gratitude increasingly felt in my seventh decade of riding:). Thank you for sharing. Blessings from Lancashire, England 🙏.
"Meditation in motion" - love that concept! Cheers - seven decades of riding is no small feat!
Thank you!
Your never alone on a Triumph , you brought back so many memories of years gone by , freedom to take in the scenery and the weather. Thanks for your video ..
Ride most of the year round, on Triumphs, nothing better for the soul. Great video. Ride safe.
Add to that...when you ride a motorcycle, you have to have a 1 track mind. Staying Alive! It's a release
Or catharsis ( relief from tensions from every day
Life. After a good ride, you come back feeling
Clean/refreshed ready to make for another
Day/ week.
I am also a motorcycle enthusiast，At present, the service life of motorcycles in my country is only 13 years, that is, 13 years of compulsory scrapping.
Thanks Chris!
Wow, thank you so much. Loved it all.
I have also been riding for many years (started in 1971). As I grew into adulthood, I sadly watched many friends relinquish their riding and bikes to family responsibilities and other financial demands. While I also started a family as well, I just couldn't imagine NOT having a motorcycle to jump on when time permitted or when I just felt the need for the open road. I've never been able to articulate exactly what this means to me but I just know it nourishes my soul. I've been to a number of places and traveled some obscure roads, and am sure I wouldn't have otherwise visited/traveled most of these destinations/paths had it not been for the call to adventure that two wheels provides. Loved this video as it at least lets us visualize what the freedom of being out on a motorcycle can be like. I'm hoping I have many more 'last rides' ahead of me. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing! Cheers Michael
At 67 still riding, every ride is exciting as the first sadly there was ahalf a dozen of us that always rode together now just me . Moved from ma to nc so now I ride year round
Very cool. Terrific writing. Thank you
My motto: "Mobilis in Mobile" taken from the Jules Verne novel "20,000 leagues under the sea". It means "moving in element" or words to that effect. I have it written on my Goldwing console to remind me. When winter comes I enjoy the hibernation time. I can reflect on the rides/trips/tours I took, the new friends I met on the road, etc. It avoids complacency to have winter down time from riding, so bad habits don't become common! And then, one day in spring, it is time again and all the newness, the feeling of the first time riding, all those feelings are back! And thus the cycle begins (pardon the pun) and I become "moving in element" once again.
Thank you for taking me on a ride with you. Lovely. I own the same bike. Ride the same roads. People think it strange a 75 year old man loves his bike like I do. Well maybe if they watch this video they might understand. Ha!
i guess thats why some rides are better than others i have been riding since 78 and i still enjoy it just as much i am happier riding to and from work
Beautiful
美好的一切总是让人充满期待，但它也需要一双发现的眼睛。那些在城市中生活的人们，却很难体会到这一点。旅途不完全是幸运的，但又充满着未知和奇险。很喜欢你的视频，希望你不要放弃自己喜欢做的事，在未来，可以拍出更多、更好的作品！
Fantastic tale of a motorcyclist. My father used to take me for rides on his CB750F when I was just out of diapers and later on his FJ1100 when I was in my teens, and bought me my first motorcycle when I was 16 a RG125. I was bitten by the motorcycle bug, my dad died in 2002. Then my mom died in 2020 shortly before we locked down. I was stuck at home thinking how I could recapture that feeling of freedom so I bought a Triumph Street Cup and it’s honestly been the best therapy blasting our mountain passes and coastal roads here.
Sorry for your loss, but what a touching story. My own story is similar. My Dad bought a new Honda CB750 in 1971 (his 3rd bike). I was 13 at the time and got to go on a number of rides with him on that bike. Fast forward to the late 70's and Dad decided to hang up his helmet. I took over the CB750 and it was my regular ride for the next 10 years or so (such a reliable bike). I graduated to a Gold Wing, but knew I just had to keep the CB750. It was relegated to the back of the garage and didn't see any use for a while. In 2006 I decided to do a full restoration on it. The goal was to make it look like the day Dad first brought it home. I was able to show him the results before he passed and the bike is now my connection to him. My own Son was never interested in motorcycles growing up, but about 5 years ago, he surprised me by secretly taking MSF course and getting his own bike license. After he got some miles under his belt, I let him take out the CB750. He knows how special this is to him & I. Now I know it will be passed on and hopefully remain in the family moving forward.
Beautiful story. Have heard from others too about motorcycles being passed on to 3rd generations.
Beautiful poetry in motion😎
Thanks
Amazing feeling! Thank you!
Brilliant we have not long been out of hibernation here in the uk,your sentiments will be understood by all riders that have to lay up for deep winter
yes, Chris, you did say it all! Magnificent!
Morning of 6 Feb 21, I was riding in the mountains and slipped on black ice, twisted my left knee under the bike and managed to limp to the side of the road, it was the same feeling of "The Last Ride" that came over me as I was lying there waiting for my fellow rider to come up to me. I thought that I had broken something and next 6 months will be like hell. Thankfully, it was only a stretched tendon. 3 days later I was riding back home on the same bike with my knee fixed in a brace and covered 1200km in next 2 days to my home. But that moment on the road, I felt a lot of things, it was fear, vulnerability, excitement and many things I don't have words for.... and now that I look back to it, I'm glad that I had such an experience in my life. I'm never gonna quit riding
Good to hear you were ok! & that you were riding only 3 days later... beast
Love the video, thanks for sharing!
I'm more than a little bit sad when I have to put the bike away for the season. Winters can be unreasonably long....at least it feels that way....and I never really lose the urge to ride. I try to ride as early as I can in spring and will quite often push the envelope in fall just to get those last few miles in. I hope I never have to give up riding....
I just recently joined the Bonnie Club. I get the feeling Bonneville riders have a special view of motorcycle riding, one I really like. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I hope you start making longer videos, I think I can speak for many that we enjoy your content and feel as if we are right along with you on the ride and don't want the journey to end so soon. Till the next riding season, thank you Chris
Im 17 years old today my father told me that he going to sell his motorcycle im super sad because i have many memories with my dad bike riding around the town 🤕but have to say goodbye.. I don't even have my last ride with my bike but the memories will always stay with me ❤
But why only 10.8k subscribers - This stuff is brilliant - Thank you.
Thanks John!
As a car guy who wants to own a motorcycle I get and understand this so much, I ride with the top down in my Miata just to feel even more free
Your videos make me happy. Thank you.
I'm packing after listening to this..I'm going..going where u have no clue .but I'm going . Thanx.
Very good point of view. Well done my friend
That scenery is beautiful ❤️
Beautifully said
Another good one. Thank you.
Beautifully stated! Great video. Ride safe!
Great video, thank you. You have managed to articulate what most riders are only dimly aware of. We all know that riding our motor-cycles is good for us - the solitude, the freedom, the emptying of our minds of clutter to focus on the road & any obstacles, etc. I have been riding since I was 16 years old, but in the last 3 to five years, I have discovered the joys of riding dirt roads and off-road, & it's given me a whole new lease on life. I live in South Africa, which is bike-riding heaven, despite all the warts here. I am now 72 years old, & will keep riding as long as I am able
You're the best, Chris
Great video, we have had to have crossed paths as I do the Berkshire/Green/Catskill/Adirondacks often on my blue-black Bonnie. I start my 'last ride' mindset in September just in case then proceed to get about 50 more 'last rides' in before Winter. I identify on so many levels, thank you friend!
Well said... i just started ridin' 5mos. back.. but i clearly understand now fuck yeahh why i ride.
❤❤❤
Hey Chris nice job on the video. I took my last ride in the a Green Mountains this season. Your video brought back great memories from riding and camping for a couple of days in all that gorgeous fall foliage. Thanks for posting!
Excellent representation of a biker’s prospective on life! Thanks
A beautiful video in every way.
this is beautiful
Awesome Ride and a Very Inspiring video Indeed. Cheers ❤
Thank you for a nice video
Well , i winterized my motor nov 28th. Since the winter was so soft , i took it out on 18 th of Jan. So I was eager to ride, while enjoying it now on No salty days… i own a boXXer twin and love the character and yess i turned on the heated gripps…😉
Nice upload, so long as there isn't snow or ice, I'll continue riding
Beautiful photography and perspectives. Thanks! Ha! I was expecting an older Triumph, like 70s or 80s...I guess the tradition of funky ignition problems lives on.
1st time viewer.
Beautiful, mate. A superb narrative and video. Thank you.
Now subscribed.
Thank you. I needed to see something like this today.
I’ve come across this video previously in my feeds and it’s only today I finally tapped on it. Beautiful narration and really deep into the minds and thoughts of a motorcyclist. You've detailed very well the thoughts and emotions that go through the minds of every rider that have to put their bikes to sleep at the end of the season. And the concept of the Last Ride - that was amazing and so true. Only made me realise how true it is - every time we take the bike out, it could very well be our Last Ride, but we take that step because it pushes us to the edge of life and it is there that we are able to find true joy and talk to our inner self in the state of Nirvana. Peace out brother! Love from a fellow motorcyclist and TH-camr from Toronto, Canada! 😎✌️
Cheers thanks!
Last November, 2023, I brought home my first ever Triumph, a 2018 T-120. It is also the first used bike I’ve ever bought. I spent some time over most of the winter cleaning it up, changing out some components, being careful to maintain the “stock soul” of this beautiful bike. The weather is finally getting warm-ish and more stable here in Door County, Wisconsin. Will likely take it out in a couple of days as I will my Honda ST1300 and Honda GL1800. I’ve been riding since my teens. Don’t sense my last days of riding. But, I hope I will be able to recognize when I should stop riding. We’ll see… I’m 74.
oh great. you captured my current state of mind accurately. I got the same feeling when I was riding in Himalayas and hit by AMS
live to ride brothers live to ride.
Perfectly on point. Period.
This is possibly the best articulation of the riding mindset I have ever seen.
And what you describe is FLOW (see the book by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi). You have recognized that the ride isn't about adrenalin but really about chasing FLOW frame of mind.
The immersion of the mind in the present moment and the intense focus of being a rider and not just a passenger.
I do it for my mental health and every rideable day that I miss feels like a treasure that has slipped through my fingers.
We both ride Triumphs and I recognized some of those roads, notably VT11 past Bromley Mountain.
Absolutely well done.
Instant sub
Very very intellectual story teller.
Cheers - thanks Alex
Just love this
Been binging your videos. They are fantastic!
dude i was shocked by the tittle, thought this is gonna be your last ride ever!!
glad It wasn't. you inspire me. keep up the good work.
love from (Bangladesh/Germany) 💖
Cheers thanks!
Im turning 74 this coming May and feel acutely that each ride, indeed each day, may be my last. Great vid.
Thanks! That last day eventually comes for all of us. Have you been riding all of your life?
Wow...absolutely beautiful and brilliant
Just found this. ❤
Wish you had a transcription of this voiceover somewhere... I'd save that & come back to it again and again.
This is nonsense i ride now 47 years motorcycles and i will never stop riding. Live to ride!
Thanks man! Nicely put into words.......greetings from a guzzi V7 850 rider from the Netherlands.
So many people rightly mention gratitude when they talk of the joys of biking. I'd just like to say, please remember the one to whom we should be grateful.
Well done!
Well done Chris. Been on a motorcycle starting in '69 when I was 14. Took a 33 year break and came back in 2018. Love of riding never left me and is just one a only a few things I really love and never want to give up. The last ride will come for sure, just not sure when or how. I pray its by choice and with peace.
Good video and I like the overall idea that we are truly here for a fleeting moment, so make the most of it! The problem I see after many years of riding is many folks adopt the “I’m a motorcyclist” idea. Keep in mind that it takes more than just doing something over and over to truly get better at it. The humility necessary to admit that good training, lane discipline, vigilant situational awareness, and some good gear, is essential and you’ll be riding off into the sunset till you’re 90. Thanks for the great scenery!
I'm sixty years old and my last ride happened back in 2019, just before the pandemic started. That's when an old lady went through the red light and I T-bone her car with my Iron 1200. Fortunately I didn't break any bones but my right shoulder, my neck and lower back haven't been the same ever since. Last year, 2022, my dad died and I inherited some money , which I spent buying me a Honda NC 750 with DCT. I love spending my afternoons alone playing videogames with my cat sitting on my lap. However, once in a while, I can hear my spirit calling me out for one more ride. Thank you for this video from Brazil.
I try not to do anything in life as if "it's the last time", but I can get the vibe.
Outstanding video that hits home; thank you for sharing.
Really appreciated the commentary, cinematography and scenary! Great watch, cheers from the UK.
Ya it's a spiritual thing. I've been riding since the 70s. Camp on the ground when I travel every summer. Been across Canada from ocean to ocean 4 times. Most the northern states and west coast and Alaska. Thinking of trying to do the dempster hyway this summer. Tried it 15 years ago but roo wet. Happy trails brother.
Cheers - east to west across Canada sounds like an excellent journey. Hoping to visit Banff soon enough
In 2 weeks today will be 50years riding, yesterday a run up over the hills in borders of Scotland. You’ve nailed the inner feelings. It’s weird, exactly same feeling as when a teenager but with powerful appreciative inner joy. You can’t imagine that 50 years ( what that’s ancient) later you could have same joy. Must be the same part of your brain that loves music, coz it’s the same. Thanks for making and sharing this video, it connects us all. Happy riding all!
You make me want to buy a triumph now. Love the vintage look. Your videos are meditation. Thank you
Thanks Shane - much appreciated
I've been riding for 40 years, never really did find a way to explain to family. When I was younger I was 80% about the thrill, and I do go fast on occasion even now. But it's the Zen of it that really makes it a great life. Once in a great while I reach true Zen, "No motorcycle, no road, no rider". But everyday riding is so worthwhile.
Thank you for this. I sent it to my siblings and children, several said they began to see what it's about.
Thanks for sharing Tom!
Great video... I think you've captured the riding spirit that we share. Thanks.
Excellent. Your thoughts always brings me to the point why we all love riding motorcycles. Thank you sir!
I have lost several friends to motorcycle accidents… each on is heartbreaking, my wife is now terrified of riding with me…. I explained as best i could how my mind takes in and uses all my senses which rejuvenates my soul… can’t explain anymore than that…. For me it is medicinal. I am now 50 and have raised 3 beautiful souls but now it’s my time to do epic shit in the form of rides( Rt. 66, PCH, southern Utah, etc…)
Thanks to you, I'm proud to be a rider. Thank you Chris.
I love motorbikes sooooo much!!!! Great video man.
love this!
Indeed! 💛
Thank you for a terrific looking and very thoughtful video!
Go forth with an open mind and, most importantly, with an open heart!
Dave
Good stuff - well said
I live in NY after switching from harley to dual sport xr650 - there no more need for winterizing - just hitting snow covered trails
Thank you Chris, well done and the drone footage was beautiful. I put my bonneville away a couple weeks back and look forward to that first ride of the year, I am sure you do too.
God bless.