Take the Open Road: Life Lessons from the Life of Two Wheels
By Steve Larsen
There are moments that every rider knows. The world narrows down to the next curved sweep, the engine hum, and the persistent pull of the wind. But for me, motorcycles have always been more than a machine. They were teachers, mirrors, and sometimes therapists. The open path is where I learned the most about myself, business, and life itself. This is more than just a motorcycle story. It’s about the personal growth, resilience and perspective that comes from living at full throttle.
Beyond Vehicles: Why Motorcycles Are Life Schools?
Motorcycles are often portrayed as escapes, and are a way of freeing themselves from everyday grinding. But for us who ride it, that’s more than that. Motorcycle saddles offer a unique perspective not only on the landscape, but also on the challenges and opportunities in life. That’s where I found the clarity of the connection between confusion, victory humility, and loneliness.
My journey on two wheels spanned the continent and decades, but the real adventure was inside. All rides across the desert of Arizona or through the winding path of Andeswas a lesson in the fleeting nature of risk, reward, and control. The road is unpredictable, like life. And that’s exactly where growth happens.
Adventures as a catalyst for change
Some of my most formative experiences come from pushing my limits on motorcycles. Joined a group of New Zealand riders. The scenery was breathtaking, but halfway through the hiking trail I was breathless and unable to keep up the pace for the air. The moment was a wake-up call not only about physical limitations, but about the state of my heart and the importance of listening to my body. It led to heart surgery that tested my resilience and redefines the relationship between my risk and reward.
Think of the fake camaraderie of cross-country rides with friends. Bad weather, mechanical failures and long-day shared adversity in the saddle have produced stronger bonds than most business partnerships. These adventures taught me the values ​​of trust, preparation, adaptability, and skills that have been useful in the boardroom as well as backloading.
Risk, resilience and the art of letting go
All riders know about dangerous dance. Motorcycles are inherently dangerous, and the risks demand respect. After surviving three open heart techniques, I learned to accept the vulnerability of life, not something that I fear. The wounds in my chest are a reminder of the importance of close call and second chance, counting every moment.
Riding taught me to embrace things I can’t control: weather, traffic, unexpected detours, etc. and focus on what I can: preparation, attitude, and my reaction. This shift in thinking is invaluable in business where uncertainty is the only constant. My willingness to adapt to pivot, if necessary, kept me alive on the road and succeeded in my career.
View from the saddle: Viewing the world differently
There is clarity that comes from riding a motorcycle. The world feels bigger and more instant. You are exposed to the elements, spend your surroundings, and are present at the moment rapidly. This growing awareness has made my worldview more shaped, making me more empathetic, curious and open to new experiences.
From my motorcycle seat I witnessed the kindness of strangers, the beauty of faraway places, and the interconnectedness of people and the landscape. These experiences reminded us that despite our differences, we share a common humanity. This perspective influences my approach to leadership, urging me to value diversity, promote collaboration, and lead with humility.
Business lessons from the public road
Motorcycles and business may not seem like the world, but the lessons I learned on two wheels have directly influenced my professional life. Here are some important points:
- Preparation is everything. Just as successful rides depend on checking your bike, gear and route, business success requires thorough planning and risk assessment.
- Accept uncertainty. Roads are unpredictable, and so are the markets. Flexibility and adaptability are essential.
- Trust your team. To get into a group, trust and clear communication is required. The same goes for building an effective business team.
- Celebrate your journey, not just your destination. Like on the road, some of the best moments in business are overcome together from unexpected detours and challenges.
Forged relationships in the crucible of adventure
Some of my closest friendships were fake on motorcycle trips. There’s something about sharing adversity. It can release storms, secure an apartment that is nowhere to be found, or simply endure a long day of rides. These relationships enrich my life well beyond the scope of providing riding, support, laughing and perspective through the ups and downs of life.
Motorcycles also have an impact on my family life. My wife, Maggie, was my partner in adventure, supporting my passion and sometimes joining me on the road. Whether it’s two wheels or four, our shared experiences strengthened our partnership and deepened our appreciation for the unpredictability of life.
The humility of speed: the limits of learning
No matter how skilled you are, there is always something to learn. I am humbled over and over again by the realization that even after decades of riding, I am merely scratching the surface of what is possible. Watching professional riders handle the machine with elegance and accuracy reminds us that learning is a journey rather than a destination.
This humility has been passed down to my business life. I have been looking for mentors, listening to feedback, and learning not to stop learning. The willingness to admit what you don’t know and keep pushing your limits is key to growth both in the road and in life.
The healing power of open roads
After each of my heart surgery, going back to bike was my goal and form of treatment. The rhythm of the ride, the need for focus, and the sense of freedom contributed to my recovery. Laughter also played an important role. The comedy album and the support of my loved ones helped me heal faster than any other drug.
Motorcycles have taught us to find joy in our journey, appreciate small victories, and continue to move forward regardless of obstacles. It hopes others will stay in their minds, whether they ride or not.
What other people can learn from life with two wheels
You don’t need to be a motorcyclist to benefit from the lessons that Open Road can teach. Here are some principles that everyone can apply:
- Live intentionally. Life is unpredictable. Make the most of every moment.
- Accept the vulnerability. Taking risks, both on the road and in relations, is how we grow.
- Value connection. Shared experiences, especially in adversity, create the strongest bond.
- He’s very curious. The world is full of surprises. We approach each day with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
- Find your passion. Whether it’s motorcycle, music, or something else, pursue what makes your heart race.
The road ahead
Looking back at my lifetimes I spent chasing my horizons, I am grateful for the lessons I learned, friendships created and the adventures I have shared. The motorcycle was my teacher, my shelter and my guide. It shaped my worldview, influenced my business decisions, and enriched my relationships.
Open roads are more than the average. It is an invitation that pushes your limits, embraces uncertainty, and connects deeply with you to live fully from the beginning with others, yourself and, above all, your heart.
So, whether you ride or not, I would recommend you go to the open road, whatever it means to you. There are lessons waiting around every corner, and the journey is a reward.
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Steve Larsen He’s a man of many dimensions. A serial entrepreneur who helped shape the digital age, his company later created technology that powered Facebook, Google and Amazon.com. Three open heart tactics and the devastating loss of his son have demonstrated the same intense resilience in his personal life, driving his entrepreneurial success. A natural explorer, Steve has carved 18 countries and 43 states into two wheels, recording motorcycle odysseys in Top Tear Riding Magazine for over 20 years. His new book, My heart was there from the beginningtells of his personal journey and emphasizes the power of the human spirit. See more details at Stevelersen.
Source: Spiritual Media Blog – www.spiritualmediablog.com
