ABOUT

Hello and welcome.  My name is Rey and I started the Zen Motorcycle Riders in the spring of 2023 for motorcyclists who enjoy the freedom and spirit of riding on the road. Riding a motorcycle can make all of your worries and stresses of life seem to disappear in those moments.  In a sense this is zen a feeling of freedom and heightened awareness.

The Zen Motorcycle Riders is a group of motorcyclists who enjoy the freedom and spirit of riding together in harmony with the road and elements of nature.  If you appreciate the philosophy of zen then you know riding a motorcycle is an enjoyable practice of mindfulness.  What better way to practice mindfulness than riding a motorcycle.  If this resonates with you I have created this group so you can ride with like minded zen riders.  I have been a member of the Awakened Meditation Centre group for over 15 years and practice daily meditation. Riding a motorcycle is part of my zen practice.

If you practice the art of being mindful, can appreciate the philosophy of zen,  love motorcycles and want to be part of a unique group.  Sign up to become a member.  I plan to have ZMR patches made for those who are serious about this group and would like to wear the patch. 

I ‘am based in Mississauga so the plan is that most of the riding will be in the west end enjoying the back roads and B-roads. But if we plan accordingly we can ride in other locales too. If this kind of group interests you consider becoming a member its completely free.  

PHILOSOPHY

“When walking, walk. When eating, eat.”

~ Zen proverb

There is a zen proverb that goes “When walking, walk. When eating, eat.”  That is another way of saying be mindful in the present moment. Our default headspace is that we are either stuck in the past or caught in the future.  We miss the present moment and unable able to enjoy with what is happening right now. You can take that mindset when riding your motorcycle. When you ride, you just ride.  You allow all of the cares in the world to disappear in that moment and you just enjoy the ride. Perhaps that is why people enjoy riding motorcycles so much. Because whether you are aware of it or not in an unconscious level you are in a zen state of mind when you feel that freedom of riding a motorcycle. You have forgotten yourself in those moments. 

If you are practicing mindfulness while riding you are aware that all your 5 physical senses are in a heightened state.  This can be likened to zen being fully aware in the present moment.  You are probably already doing this without knowing. The only difference is that you fully immersed in that awareness. To take this to a deeper level of practice. You can continue being mindful when your off your motorcycle and doing your day to day activities. Even when things are not going your way mindfulness can help you cope with the ups and downs of life. 

You can take what Im saying with a grain of salt. In simple terms zen is a practice of being mindful in the present moment.  If you feel so inclined check out this video. It’s an excellent interpretation of zen by a modern day zen master. 

Life is like a riding a motorcycle we traverse through the twists and turns on the road of life. Somedays are sunny somedays are cloudy and sometimes we get caught in the rain. We have no control over the elements of nature nor the thoughts of the mind. But we ride regardless our mind present on the road ahead and stay the course.

– Zen Motorcycle Rider

RIDES

Most of the riding will take place in the west end. Locations such as Lakeshore, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Georgetown, Erin, and Caledon area. There are a lot of cool roads where you can enjoy the scenery and cruise leisurely.  Bike events, meet ups and coffee spots along the way are just some of the things I would like to do as a group. The road to Hockley Valley, Niagara on the lake and the forks of the credit are also ideal destinations. If you have other suggestions for places to visit just let me know!

The bike I ride is a Suzuki TU 250. Its not a fast bike by any means but its super fun, lightweight and puts a smile on my face. I don’t enjoy going fast and prefer to enjoy the scenery mindfully on the back roads. For that reason I would like to avoid highways and take the more scenic safer routes.  

Become a Member

Join our group by clicking on the Meetup logo below.

Contact

rey@zenmotorcycleriders.xyz

☯ 2023