MOTORBIKES and Mental Health

Рет қаралды 2,267

7 ай бұрын

The response to this channel has been a bit of a surprise. The subscribers is one thing, growing by the day, but even more so the responses I have been getting from people all over the globe. It's been mainly guys, but some girls too, wanting to connect around things to do with mental health.
The whole subject of mental health seems to be more prominent now than ever before. Me touching on the subject a few times has prompted some really interesting connections over the last few months and has given the channel a bit of a direction (at least in my mind anyway).
I know we are all at very different places with our mental health, some experiencing daily struggles and others because of life's pressures and strains. I would love this channel to be a place where guys and girls can connect a bit and perhaps find some help with this stuff. I know I am actively thinking about how this could be a help and a blessing for those who need just that. Of course I want to just do a load of bike related stuff too - but I would love to think this might be a place to connect for people and find some sense of community. I know the motorbike world is a fantastic place for just that already, so I don't need to re-create the wheel, I just want to add something positive to the biker community too.
Anyway, feel free to comment and suggest things that have perhaps helped you, you never know it might be just the medicine someone else needs right now.
A huge thank you to you all for liking, subscribing and commenting, I've really enjoyed it.
Matt
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Пікірлер: 101

@davidhooke5989 7 ай бұрын

Hi. Thanks for your thoughts. I bought a 900 Thunderbird a few months back looking for that old school ride but i need some help with the old girl. The reason I messaged is i lost my younger Brother in 2018 on Christmas day, he was only 42 so this time of year is a difficult time for me and i appreciate your words for mental health. I'm 49 and living in Chippenham so not to far away and would like to be apart of your Thunderbird community if possible. I'm David and would like to say hi to you all. Wishing everyone a happy new year. Thanks👍

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

Hi David. Thanks so much for the comment. I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. Me an d my brother are only a couple of years apart, much like you and your brother. Not sure how I would cope with losing him, can't imagine what that must have been like for you. Thanks for connecting mate, and really appreciate your openness. You're just up the road from Bristol, hope to meet you at some point and talk bikes and life. Be good to see your Thunderbird too. Hope the problems with her aren't too complicated!

@mrdee1986 7 ай бұрын

Just found your channel. I'm 66 comfortable and solvent but sadly divorced, I've chosen to work on a bit longer as my job is relatively stress free. My bikes have been my life saver. I've just subscribed. Many thanks

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for the comment. A stress free job is worth holding onto! Thanks too for the subscription, means a lot.

@simonryder4857 7 ай бұрын

I’m 68 and through everything that you have and more. I still run 3 small companies but finally I don’t have to work. The financial stress has gone. The kids have their own lives. I can afford holidays and at last I can indulge. They didn’t call it mental health in my day. Just stress ! I only survived Covid because of my bike. I would gone crazy without KZfaq videos of bike tours. Keep up the great channel 😎

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for the comment. Sounds like you have been successful with your enterprises, extremely busy too at times I guess! Bikes are an amazing de-stressing tool, nothing quite like them really. Would be great to hear about your businesses - maybe we'll meet at some bike gathering or something. Are you in the UK?

@simonryder4857 7 ай бұрын

@@thebristolthunderbird Yes, would love to meet up. I’m not far from you and live in Exmouth . I’m very much into Mens mental health as I too feel it’s not talked about being un-macho and “soft”! Would be interesting to chat further on the subject and maybe get involved. Cheers Simon

7 ай бұрын

You are such a blessing. Can’t stress this enough. What a privilege to follow your KZfaq adventure. Keep them coming.

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

You're very kind mate. So good to see you all the other week. Speak soon brother.

@conorhayes4213 7 ай бұрын

Hi Matt, My brother and I are planning a trip from the West of Ireland to Crete in June. I'm watching motovlogs for years and they've all gone the same way. Marketing marketing marketing. I love your content. Its refreshing. I understand there has to be sponsorship for it to grow but please please do it discreetly. Wear a shirt with the logo, not this drawn out drivel some motovloggers do. Your channel WILL explode cos your layout is perfectly simple. Love it .. Hopefully I might see you at a ride out sometime. Be a pleasure.

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

I agree mate. Not sure exactly how I'm going to deal with all that if it comes along, but I am hearing you, drives me ruddy mad too! Good luck with your trip mate. Sounds like an epic one.

@dbharrold 7 ай бұрын

Matt, you are a star. A natural at doing this. You may be aware that there is charity ‘mental health motorbikes’. I did an interview on my channel with one of the reps at an open day in Llandovery. I think 90% of blokes have been through that struggle at one time or another. Bikes are, as you say a great way to communicate with other blokes as well as clearing your head when riding.

@thebristolthunderbird 6 ай бұрын

Yes I know about that organisation, only just met them the other day at a bike meet. I'll take a look aft that interview. Thanks!

@kelvinmarkturnerdossor5964 7 ай бұрын

Happy you got home okay Matt . Motorcycles really are a big bonus if dealing with mental health issues,thoughts while riding suddenly disappear concentrating on the ride becoming first priority. I'm 63 years young,my lovely wife past away three years ago this month. Went for a 100 mile ride yesterday bit chilly but sunny enjoying every mile with a smile my twenty seven year old thunderbird 900 never missing a beat exhaust note sounding wonderful bubbling notes as I shut of for corners or junctions,cold fingers on my return home but still smiling my little french bulldog and two cats watching at the window with excitement knowing I've returned home safely . Your so humble Matt love all your videos hoping you continue with this wonderful channel.happy new year to you and your family . Kelvin.

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

Hi Kelvin. Thanks so much for the comment. Firstly, I'm so sorry to hear about your wife passing so recently, that must be very hard. Life does seem to present us with many things we are not really capable of dealing with, like loss. I really hope you have family and friends around to do life with now. Glad to hear your Thunderbird brings you a lot of joy. It's a special bike for sure.

@davidlewis2601 7 ай бұрын

You've put into words how many of us feel, at the age of 65 it's taken me a little longer to realise it than you, there's much more to life than worrying about work. Just get out on our bikes and have some fun.

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

So true mate. Much more to life than just work. Bikes are such a great way to decompress. Happy new year mate. Hope you have a good one.

@richardgiles2484 7 ай бұрын

Hi Matt. I've been watching and listening closely to your videos and think a lot of us blokes can relate to what you are saying. I'm 66 next year and really don't know how I'll manage when I can't ride. The problem is few of us have someone we can offload to but riding really helps

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

That's so true mate. We do need to talk more don't we? Like you say though it's not always easy finding someone to talk to and offload. Hopefully some good community stuff will come out of this.

@user-gn7cm6db2d 7 ай бұрын

Well spoken,mens mental issues should be addressed in this day and age.

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

I agree, too much suffering in silence. Thanks for the comment.

@ianfutcher1518 7 ай бұрын

Motorcycles certainly break down boundaries

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

One of my arguments to having a motorcycle is how much money I save not having to deal with stress in other ways... The argument is working so far! lol. You are right though mate, there is something about the biking community that makes it easier to open up a bit.

@sundarmg6532 7 ай бұрын

26, based out of bristol and enjoy your content very much. I ride a nonja 650r and cannot state the joy it gives me. Consider me a new member of your community !

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

Thanks mate, that's really cool. Hopefully meet at a bike meet sometime.

@paulmorris3022 7 ай бұрын

Hi Matt, brilliant vlog. the one thing i love about this is i can relate to it. i am 57 and when i got back into motorbikes in 2019 my weekends changed i was out on the bike meeting like minded people. This last year has been a struggle for me at work with issues and problems and too much to deal with on times and feeling i just don't want to do anything when i get home. i bought a brand new bike in 2022 and i have only just done over 1000 miles in 12 months where in the past i would ride 7000 miles in a year. Watching your videos and listening to what you have to say on men's mental health in particular has struck a cord. The thought of getting all the gear on with a can't be asked attitude needs to change because once i am out on the bike the world changes and i am smiling from cheek to cheek. i have treated myself to heated jacket and gloves for Christmas and along with my heated grips and heated seat there should be no excuse not to be warm in the winter months and to be fair the temperatures here in the UK have not been freezing. just the wind and rain has been the issue. i don't do new year resolutions, but i want to plan many trips next year and in particular one or two across to Europe. your vids have helped, so hopefully i will get back to the 7000 mile mark. Happy New year to you Matt.

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

Paul, I totally get where you are coming from. Sometimes the issue is just getting your jacket on and finding your gloves! It's good for us and that's why we should do it. The UK weather is sometimes the worst, and I don't like riding in the rain at all - sounds like most of it would evaporate on your bike though with all the heating elements you have! haha. Get planning that trip mate, it's not even expensive really, especially if you camp. I'm not a one for NYR's either, but riding more is always a good thing! I look forward to hearing your plans. Happy new year to you too!

@garethjenkins2879 7 ай бұрын

Matt. Thank you.

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

You are welcome mate. Thanks!

@rokhnroll 7 ай бұрын

Mind, Body and Soul all need attention to stay happy and healthy, the mind has always been the toughest part to keep healthy, I think maybe due to the body and soul which can be maintained by physical actions like exercise and good deeds, but the mind needs a friend to lend an ear.

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

Very true. We've got to be holistic with out approach for sure - and yes, we need each other! Thanks for the comment.

@AmbrosiasRideOuts 7 ай бұрын

You are so right on this subject. Getting back to motorcycles is doing me no end of good. Sooo looking forward to the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in May to raise more awareness and money for this cause. Let’s keep talking to each other chaps and chapettes 😁👍

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

For sure. Which DG ride will you be doing, they are all over the country aren't they? Would be good to meet a bunch of you.

@AmbrosiasRideOuts 7 ай бұрын

@@thebristolthunderbird I did the Poole-Bournemouth one, almost 1000 bikes, what a sight, I was grinning ear to ear all day, loved it. Will probably do this one again 😎

@nickwilkinson2501 7 ай бұрын

Hi Matt. I found you vids whilst I was searching for motorbike touring in Europe. I started watching to see where you went and how you did it etc. I kept coming back to watch the human, the man, the person part of it. Enjoyed your vids and the honest and real chat you just naturally give into it. The mental health part was a key to my inside feelings. I was 48 once and had issues with stress caused through workload - I am through that now and I have found a great new outlet for life via motorbike/scooter touring in Europe, just love it. Thanks

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

So pleased you have enjoyed the channel. It has been a bit of a surprise for me, kind of growing out of nowhere in a way. Workload is a mad one isn't it!? We just keep going even though it might be negative for us. Glad you found a way through it all and are living your best life with scooter and moto touring, that's a dream! I hope you have some footage on youtube, if so I'll be checking that out for sure.

@TheLeevtr 7 ай бұрын

I'm exactly what you describe, even when my body's not at work, my head is ! The only thing that makes it go away is putting on my lid and getting out on the bike.

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

Isn't it mad!? What is the deal with that? The riding is as close to switching completely off as I can get. What a blessing bikes are!

@antonyheadford6538 7 ай бұрын

Good video Matt , acceptance is half way to contentment 😎😎😎

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

Very true. Thanks mate.

@ballardsgroup 7 ай бұрын

Hi Matt, great videos, total resonate with me, I am the guy that turned to bikes after work life balance wiped out my marriage and all that went with it, just had a year juggling 10 holidays on my bike and work, me and a pal took off riding, kept leaving our bikes at airports fly home for a few weeks than go back and carry on to escape the struggles of life but now in a great place, everyone said we should have documented our year but now planning next year to do the same and will record what we do, look forward to your next videos, have a great 2024!

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for the comment mate. Sorry to hear things went that way for you, that must have been a rough time for everyone. 10 holidays on your bike though, flip that does sound a bit awesome. Leaving you bike at airports and flying home. Did you need anykind of permission to do that? I know I needed all kinds of paperwork to leave the Thunderbird in Turkey.

@ballardsgroup 7 ай бұрын

@@thebristolthunderbird we left them in Lisbon and Barcelona with a company called IMT Bikes who were super helpful and cleaned the bikes, also a light service and tyre change, we then realised that we could store closer to the airports so when we were at Malaga we found a company called Blue Cat Parking which was just a secure basic parking space, all times they cost approx €70 per month, no planning what to do 2024, possibly not so many trips but head out Croatia way or more on the TETS, so far no papers although been pulled 3 times for paperwork checks, German police held us for an hour whilst checking bikes but always really helpful and polite so all been good!

@leebarnes8999 7 ай бұрын

Hello Matt, thanks so much for your time and effort putting out your content and also touching on this important subject. I've struggled myself with mental health, the stresses of a full time job, bills and a young family it can be hard to find time to decompress. I get out for a ride very early on a Sunday morning before everyone else gets up and that clears my head no end. Your road trip videos are very relaxing and help to chil me out at the end of a day. Could you do a review of the wing man of the road? I'm keen just want to be sure as it's quite dear compared to a tent. All the best and keep up the good work. Lee

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

Hi Lee. Thanks so much for the comment mate. Yeah, these pressures can be a lot for us, not the easiest to navigate at times, especially when you are tired and burning out! Good to hear you get out for a ride when you can. That's important. My plan is to do a full wingman review soon. Planning on doing an overnighter this winter to try it out in the colder weather - I know what it's like in the hot weather. Take care mate.

@stuartmoles843 7 ай бұрын

Very important subject, I’ve got a high pressure job and have always found my bikes as my decompression zone. I commute on the bike for that very reason, as soon as I pull on my helmet I zone out, it’s difficult to ride a bike and think of too many things apart from staying upright. I arrive at work alert and ready and I arrive home relaxed for the family. Stay well everyone

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

That's so true. I found when I had my helmet on for the long hours I rode I could completely zone out like you experience. My mate Ed, the guy I stayed with in Florence after my 12 hour ride through Italy said it must have been like a monastic experience. I liked that explanation. Thanks for the comment!

@Bighitter786 7 ай бұрын

Great vlog Matt, very thought-provoking, I think lots of people can relate to it.

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

Appreciate that. We are kind of in the same boat aren't we? In some ways it's good to know - we can all be a bit of help to each other. Thanks for the follow and comment mate, really valued.

@Bighitter786 7 ай бұрын

It's comforting to know there are other people in the same situation. You are doing great service by bringing it into the wider biking community.@@thebristolthunderbird

@TheTigerman62 7 ай бұрын

I have a ‘98 Thunderbird since 2004 and you motivated me to start riding it again since I haven’t for the last 4 years or so due to life circumstances. I Enjoyed watching your videos. Thanks so much for the entertainment and motivation. Looking forward for more.

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

They are great bikes mate. There's a time for everything. Hopefully you'll get that Thunderbird fired up again soon!

@migzvieira 7 ай бұрын

I've really enjoyed working through your content and hope that you keep on producing more. You seem like a very "genuine" & "no nonsense" kind of guy. Very relatable. Thank you for that and thank you for speaking up on topics like men's mental health. I look forward to watching your story unfold. Wishing all the very best mate!

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

That very kind mate, thank you. I do have lots of ideas for content which I am starting to put together. It is a bit of a commitment but I am really enjoying it and all the interactions I have been having. All the best to you too mate!

@This-crazy 7 ай бұрын

Work life balance is difficult with a young family. Motorcycling has always been my rebalance, it requires 110% input no time for life’s worries. I’m 68 still connecting with my passion but in a more subdued kind of way no more sleeping rough 😊

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

Haha. Yea the rough sleeping (wild camping) is not for everyone. To be honest I wasn't so sure about it every night either!

@FlowCharge 7 ай бұрын

wise words, thanks for sharing

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

You're welcome. Thanks for the comment and follow!

@markgordon6126 7 ай бұрын

Thanks Matt for the video. Really good video. Not enough biking videos on mental health so appreciated the video. Happy to have subscribed. Cheers.

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for the Subscription mate, much appreciated. Let's stay in touch.

@adamking6419 7 ай бұрын

Nice introduction Matt. Some true words spoken. It's a great adventure your sharing with us. I wish I had gone on more adventures when i was younger before the responsibility's you talk about occupied space on our shoulders.

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

Thanks mate. Yea, there is a time and place for everything for sure. There are ways of doing some smaller adventures though. I think back to when my kids were small, it was all consuming, but I did manage a few over-nighters and room for a bit of a de-compress. We all need it, just needs a bit more planning when you've got responsibilities. Thanks for the comment, much appreciated.

@vrocuk2099 7 ай бұрын

Hi Matt thanks for taking the time to make the video, well done keep upi the good work :)

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

You're welcome. I've really enjoyed it. Starting to get into a bit of a routine with it which is nice, taking a little less time to edit everything now!

@robertboomsema4422 7 ай бұрын

Great video Matt, well you know my thoughts on the mental health issues and I think it’s important to keep the topic going and we are there for each other in times of need, let’s make this a community that does matter 😊👍

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

Indeed Robert, it's really needed and I think needs to be a subject this channel addresses often. Thanks mate!

@Swedenbonnie 7 ай бұрын

Matt, I’m so happy to watch this video where an important topic is mentioned… mental health! So important to speak out loud and break down the tabu about mental health issues. Been there, done that, had several depressed periods in life myself, but with care, love listening ears and a shoulder to cry on it made me stronger. My other half suffered from a burn out a few years back and had a huge impact on our relationship, but with understanding and love we came through it stronger. Very interesting to read and learn about the human brain, it can do scary things, but also lightening things. But talking about this topic is the solution for many people, I’m sure about that! Take care Matt, love for the family and can’t wait for the next episode! Happy New Year! 🌹🥂

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

Thanks my friend. You are so right, it's often just a community that's needed, doesn't need to be big or intense, just listening ears and people that care. Glad you guys are stronger for it. Stay connected. Thanks!

@Durbanmikey 7 ай бұрын

Hi Matt Great video - I’m Local to you - Keynsham- your words ring so true and I’ve struggled with MH after 30 yrs in emergency services - I retire in few months and am doing a European tour on my own for couple months - I’ve struggled lots and my time on my bike has been the best therapy for me - it’s the one thing that helps me get “in the moment” Keep up the great channel

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

Nice, just down the road! Not sure if you were at, or know about the Bolts n Brews event. It's in Keynsham basically, just down past the Waitrose and KFC on the by pass. Would be great to meet up at their next event.

@Durbanmikey 7 ай бұрын

No wasn’t aware of it - I’ll look it up hopefully see you there cheers

@brygoduk 7 ай бұрын

Back during the days of cavemen. Your only train of thought was to eat and survive each day. Fast forward to modern day. We still have this, but now with a million times more added stress and pressure. The brain hasn’t evolved since those times just the body. For the majority of us we spend time making a family or focus on our careers to better ourselves. To do this you need to sacrifice a lot! In the end it’s usually worth it but it comes at a cost. It’s OK to feel lost and fall off the tracks at times because we all do. It’s how we grow. Having fun again on a bike seems weird due to (for most) pouring you money and life into those around you on the basis that once you have carried out your duty as a father, boss or whatever, you can then turn to yourself and pick up where you left off all those years ago. You then find yourself in your own head questioning what you have accomplished. For me most of the time I’m fine, other times not so much. This is OK. I did my best and those around me would agree. Mental health issues for me become more understandable as I get older. Feeling lost at times is part of life’s journeys. Everyday is different and 99% of the time I’m fine. The only times I slightly derailed is when I have my own time to think and usually riding my bike on long rides. Bit of a rant but I feel it’s appropriate given the topic. Cheers and keep up the good work.

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

Thanks mate. Yes, in some ways we are pretty complex, in other ways our needs are pretty simple and straight forward. I think a lot of guys (myself included) wonder about the cost it all has on us. If we had just one or two things to think about it would be so simple, but it seems we have hundreds! As you mentioned, often our hardest times are when we are forced to be alone in our own company, it's almost like we have forgotten who we really are. We relate to a role we have, or a task that needs doing, or a responsibility we simply can't shy away from. It's almost like we have to reconstruct things a bit and get back to who we are. Thanks for the comment mate, thought provoking for sure - totally resonate with that.

@manchesterphotos 7 ай бұрын

Brilliant well done pal. Great video.

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for the comment, so pleased you're liking the content. Much appreciated,

@TheDervMan 7 ай бұрын

You should get in touch with Bristol Mental Health Motorbikes, I’m confident they’d love to have someone like you involved who has a biking story to tell.

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

I did have a brief meeting with them the other day at an event. Going to get in touch to see how we can collaborate for sure. Thanks mate.

@TheDervMan 7 ай бұрын

That’s great news. You most likely met Heidi & Geoff, both are wonderful people doing their bit 😎👍🏻

@roblock2630 7 ай бұрын

I’ve really enjoyed watching your previous videos. Everything you have said has resonated with me. I’ve got so much I want to add/share that I’d be here all day typing a million word reply. What I love the most is just how simple you made traveling with your favourite shirt, old bike and basic kit. What way will you go next time?

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

Thanks Rob. I did keep it really simple. I'll do a complete break down of kit in an episode soon, lots of people have been asking me about that. Next trip is not totally decided, but I wouldn't mind going down to Northern Africa.

@TheQ427 6 ай бұрын

Matt, maybe you should the concept of your channel put into the discription here on youtube - maybe this attracts even more people to become part of this little gem you´re developing here. Besides, like you I can claim "been there, done that" (wife, kids, troubles, losses etc.) and managed them all by myself. Until this one thing happened I quickly figured that w/o external support I will not get over it. So, talking about men´s health - men out there, if you get confronted with this one event you feel you can´t handle yourself get yourself external help. Don´t consider yourself week or unmanly - in contrary - it takes A LOT(!) to admit that there is this one situation you can´t handle yourself. Going external allows you to have a dump for everything on your mind and you return home reliefed from that stuff. That keeps your home a safe haven and unaffected whilst you still deal with what is on your mind. Maybe you even got something to think about how to deal with whatever bothers you in a much better way. Besides - alcohol or drugs just worsen any problem and are by no means a fix to anything. Riding a motorcycle instead can help with mental issues a lot! Stay safe Q

@thebristolthunderbird 6 ай бұрын

Thanks for the comment Q, much appreciated. I think in some ways this channel has pointed in a direction of it's own accord. The mental health aspect was almost a throw away section on one of the videos. I have been quite surprised by the response - it has made me think perhaps this channel needs to have some focus on just that. I will put it in the description for sure. It probably needs to be there. Many thanks mate.

@TheQ427 6 ай бұрын

@@thebristolthunderbird the focus on motorcycling and men's health is already here and a very welcomed USP in my books at least (and was the reason to subscribe). Stay safe Q

@matskarlsson8259 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing this, i think many of oss feel the same. (now i subscribe to your channel 🙂)

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

Yea, it seems to be striking a chord with people. Thanks so much for the subscription and comment.

@iankirton368 7 ай бұрын

Hi Matt, thanks for all the videos, especially today’s, reading through some of the guys messaging you there are a few of us now enjoying the content 👍 So keep up the great work and hope, one day to meet up with some of you on the road / in a cafe ☕️ 🍰

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

Thanks mate. I'm so pleased (and surprised) the content seems to be getting some traction - lots of ideas so we'll see where it leads. Yea, I really think a meet up would be good, in the spring or something.

@iankirton368 7 ай бұрын

@@thebristolthunderbird definitely, a meet up would be good, I am in Essex but VERY happy to head your way 👍 Take care, wishing you, yours and all on the channel a Very Happy 2024

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

Nice. My brother lives in Chelmsford so I am down that way a few times a year. I'll let you know about any meet ups though mate. Would be fun to get a bunch of bikers from around the country together at a convenient location. @@iankirton368

@Chris-mn7yy 7 ай бұрын

Totally agree, i've been off since 18th December on Annual Leave and I've spent the whole time on F*ckin Teams and checking emails because of responsibilities, I hate it. I need to leave ot move on but it's so hard to do. The pressures are horrific, we burden ourselves and feel like we exist to pay the bills and provide. This is the real cause of high suicide for men of our age, i'm so sure of it. A switch flips. I'm 48 too bro.

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

I'm hearing you mate, it can be a bit of a tough thing to think about, let alone have to do on a daily basis. I do agree the male mortality rate as a result of suicide is shocking, something is out of whack for sure. There can be many reasons, one is definitely the pressures of life building up too much to be able to cope with. Hope you're ok brother and have some time to decompress before you're back to work. We're at our best when we have time to think and enjoy something that's just for us - that is not a selfish thing. I'm a rubbish husband, dad and friend when I'm not taking care of myself. I'm not a bath bomb and candles kind of guy, more a pint and a good laugh - but however you do it mate, find some time to do that - I'm rooting for ya!

@christertrasti 7 ай бұрын

I really liked this video. I started following your videos about a month ago, and I really love your content. I've been struggling with different things like anxiety and (light bouts) of depression my whole life. I got my license this summer, and bought my first bike. A Honda Rebel 500. I absolutely loved it. The effect that riding has on my mental health and state of mind is REAL. The focus needed to ride safely really helps take my mind off of what is weighing me down. About a month ago I traded it in for a Trident 660. I've just ridden it a couple of miles due to the snow. I really can't wait for spring. I eagerly await more of your videos. And let me know if you plan on visiting Norway. I'd be honored to ride with you.

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for the message mate and the follow, much appreciated! This mental health stuff is very real for us guys, something we need to take seriously. Thanks for your honesty mate. A trip to Norway would be awesome, what part of the country are you in? My wife is from Sandnes and we lived in a little town called Egersund for a number of years, as well as Bergen early in the 2000's. The Trident is an awesome bike!

@christertrasti 7 ай бұрын

@@thebristolthunderbird That is amazing! I bought my Triumph in Sandnes! I live on the west coast. Right smack in the middle between Bergen and Stavanger. So, if you've lived here, you already know there are some amazing twisties here! Do let me know if you're bringing the Thunderbird this way!! Have a good one mate! 🙂

@thebristolthunderbird 7 ай бұрын

@@christertrasti that's cool. I'm sure we'll have a ride out at some point. All the best mate. Snakkes i Norge!