Q&A: How would I describe the feeling of riding a motorbike?

Every month, I publish an answer to a reader’s question. Here’s a transcript of my answer to the reader’s question about riding a motorbike.

How would I describe the feeling of riding a motorbike to someone who’s never been on a motorbike?

If you’re curious about riding a motorbike, I’d say the best way to find out is to hop on the back and give it a try. It’s how I got to know the interior of Vietnam, and it’s honestly one of the best ways to see if motorbiking is for you. For me, riding is one of those rare, sacred moments where you don’t have to think too hard. It’s like everything just switches off, and you’re simply moving. There’s this rush—almost like free falling—that’s hard to explain, but it feels freeing in a way that’s hard to match. At the same time, it also brings you right back to the present, because you can’t afford to be distracted by anything else. Vietnam’s motorbike culture is a huge part of daily life, and the locals make it look effortless, even on the rough, unpaved roads. But the wind in your hair, the hum of the engine, and that pure feeling of being completely in the moment is quite infectious. In that respect, it’s much more than getting from one place to another.

Are you riding a motorbike, or thinking about it? Let me know in the comments.

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Thank you for reading. This reader’s question is part of the Ask Me Anything series. Feedback from you, the reader, is important to me. Want to ask me a question for next month? Send me your question via team@lisanneswart.com

Here is a list of the last 3 readers’ questions I’ve answered:

• Why did I choose this medium for expressing my creativity?
• What is the most important skill to have at work?
• What is the part I love most about learning languages?

» Explore more answers to thought-provoking questions from readers