So Begins Chapter 3

Obligatory Coronavirus post.

It’s not obligatory. I could write about anything.

Its my name on the door, after all.

I’m only really obligated to entertain you with the most genuine thoughts that come flowing out of my mind like a fresh hole in the bottom of a boat.

My mind has been running smoothly along a path that seemed ever so clear to me: I admitted what was best wasn’t me, and rehomed my dog, Raiden, to an amazing family that gave him more love than I had the capacity to give. I sold my first full sized dirt bike, in a matter of hours. Full asking price. I replaced it with the bike I SHOULD have bought. My Tiger is Toast. I’m leaving my oversized overpriced empty house to move closer to work in a more budget friendly situation.

All of these things seemed to attach me to a chapter in my life that seemed as though it was ending: Chapter 2 of Living in Nevada. Chapter 1 was moving here, getting this job, exploring the west coast in all its vast beauty. Planning my wedding. My wife moving out here with me.

This chapter ended when I bought the tiger.

Okay…. that’s not what ended it. Pretty obvious to those that knew me pre-blogging career the catastrophic event that ended that chapter.

Chapter 1 ended with a new truck, a new adventure bike, a dirt bike, and a Metric. Fuck. Ton. Of Riding.

I rode a whole lot during chapter 2. I got good at it. Really. I’m not bad. I learned quickly. My current race season confirms my own abilities as comfortably in the middle. I’m not mad. Few years on the street, 2 years playing in the dirt with both big and little bikes, and I walk unprepared into a upper novice, mid Amateur level race career? I’ll take it. Mighty proud, actually.

Anyways.

The drawback was I was skipping meals and letting bills get behind just to make it to the next weekend of Adventures. Borrowing money when I made more money than everyone else in my family combined. Beat it to fit, Paint it to match, let it all hang out cause we got a run to make.

I volunteered for every work trip. Spent extra time at work because the overtime was oh so sweet.

Except I wasn’t getting ahead. I was keeping my head barely above water.

Not sustainable.

So after all the above, I realized the universe was trying to tell me this was a chance to reset everything, and start again: I decided it was better to stop going balls out while I still had the option to slow down instead of stop. Abruptly.

I’ve decided chapter 3 is going to be about doing Healthy Actions, making Healthy Choices, and establishing Healthy Habits.

The reason behind it is simple. I like riding. I like going on adventures and exploring and seeing new and different stuff around the world. You can’t do that if you’re worried about making payments. You can’t do that if you’re starving to death. You have to adventure in a sustainable way.

So there you have it. Chapter 3. I’ve got a dirtbike. I’ve got my sportbike. I have a truck for camping, and a place to sleep. I’m currently making more than I’m spending.

NO

NEW

BIKE

UNTIL

SEPTEMBER.

I’ve spent nearly what I paid for the Beta making it street legal, as well as race ready. Repairing damage that was band aided by the previous owner, improving it for my use, etc. Considering I got a 2016 race edition with 29 hours on the bike for what I paid for it… I don’t mind the repair costs one bit. Its an amazing bike and perfect for everything I want a dirtbike for.

The z1000 is next. New clutch, custom (comfier) seat, new sprockets and chain for drag racing. This 12 year old, 60,000 mile bike is going to get cared for and ridden until the truck is paid off. And then it will be replaced with something similar: drag raceable, chill ride day commuter bike. Feel free to comment suggestions!

All the while, maximizing all free time brought on by canceled events and coronavirus.

My job is not only essential, we were told we were “critical.” Which i don’t necessarily agree with, but when your friends are all stuck at home fighting over unemployment benefits, and you’re told to go to work, you make like Barney Stinson and suit up!

I won’t lie. A month of being stuck at home would have been NICE. but ultimately I’m grateful for still having a job and a paycheck.

I managed to write, shoot, edit, and post my first youtube video. If you haven’t seen it, its here.

Okay, a quick watch will tell you I didn’t write shiiit 😂 I just went out into the desert  and started talking to myself.

I cut, clipped, and covered up enough shit footage to make myself sound somewhat coherent.

Enough for a start. I’m going to try to make a go at both writing and Youtubing. Writing is easy. My thumbs just take over when I have a few minutes to spare.

Youtube is going to be harder, because I have to create an idea, write it (say again: WRITE. IT.) then film, edit, and poof: LiNk In BiO.

So yea. Thats whats new in Matt’s World.

I wish I had more to share with people affected by the worldwide pandemic. This is hard, and affecting everyone, but me much less, since I’m still working. So I won’t claim to understand what some of you are going through. All I can offer is my support, and an ear to listen if you need someone. I can only imagine what its like for people who have loved ones that have contracted the virus, my heart goes out to you and yours.

Those of you who are simply stuck at home, and the only thing you have to worry about is ALOT more free time, I highly recommend what I’m doing, which is buy local, support your favorite local businesses (I personally made a pledge to avoid chain stores; I’ve been mostly successful), avoid populated places, and take advantage. This is an interesting opportunity if you’re capable of grasping it. Do things you’ve been putting off, learn new things, keep your skills sharp, and reach out to people. It could save someone’s life!