Even more serious that the mania to count in chocolate, is the
growing epidemic of MA, or Motorcycling syndrome. Don't laugh because
you might be it's next victim. Just to give you a possible heads up
in case it's creeping up on you, here are a few question to quietly
answer for yourself.
How many of these apply to you?
1. I have gone riding when I was depressed, or to cheer myself up.
2. I have gone on riding binges of several tanks of gas or more in a
day.
3. I ride rapidly, often 'gulping' roads.
4. I have sometimes ridden early in the morning or before work.
5. I have hidden bikes in different places to sneak a ride in without
being seen.
6. Sometimes I avoid friends or family obligations in order to ride
motorcycles.
7. Sometimes I find myself analyzing sections of roads as if I was
riding even while in cars.
8. I am unable to enjoy myself with others unless there is a bike
nearby.
9. At a boring party, I will often slip off unnoticed to go riding.
10. Riding has made me seek haunts and companions which I would
otherwise avoid.
11. I have neglected personal hygiene or household chores until I
have finished a ride.
12. I have spent money meant for necessities on accessories instead.
13. I have attempted to complete an Iron Butt ride.
14. Most of my friends are heavy motorcycle riders.
15. I have sometimes passed out from a night of heavy riding.
16. I have suffered 'blackouts' or memory loss from a bout of riding.
17. I have wept, become angry or irrational because of a road I have
ridden.
18. I have sometimes wished I did not ride so much.
19. Sometimes I think my riding is out of control.
If you answered 'yes' to three or more of these questions, you may be
a motorcycle addict. Affirmative responses to five or more indicates
a serious problem.
Once a relatively rare disorder, Motorcycle Addiction, or MA, has
risen to new levels due to the accessibility of higher quality
motorcycles at a relatively low expense since the end of the Second
World War. The number of motorcycle addicts and abusers is currently
at record levels.
SOCIAL COSTS OF MOTORCYCLE ABUSE
Abusers become withdrawn, uninterested in society or normal
relationships. They fantasize, creating alternative worlds to occupy,
to the neglect of friends and family. In severe cases they develop
bad posture from riding in awkward positions or carrying heavy tool
bags. In the worst instances, they become cranky bike mechanics in
small towns.
Excessive riding during pregnancy is perhaps the number one cause of
moral deformity among the children of Road Racers, Tourists and
Posers alike. Known as Fetal Motard Syndrome, this disease also
leaves its victims prone to a lifetime of vertigo, daydreaming and
emotional instability.
HEREDITY
Recent Harvard studies have established that heredity plays a
considerable role in determining whether a person will become an
abuser of motorcycles. Most abusers have at least one parent who
abused motorcycles, often beginning at an early age and progressing
into adulthood. Many spouses of an addict become addicts themselves.
OTHER PREDISPOSING FACTORS
Fathers or mothers who are road race fans, collectors, or heavy
leather wearers; parents who do not encourage children to play games,
participate in healthy sports, or watch television (other than
Speedvision) in the evening.
PREVENTION
Pre-marital screening and counseling, referral to adoption agencies
in order to break the chain of abuse. One percenters in particular
should seek partners active in other fields. Children should be
encouraged to seek physical activity and to avoid isolation and
morbid introspection.
Links:
Our free email list
isp
| spam ebook
