interest . “ I ’ ll be honest ,” he continues . “ I was extremely nervous and had pretty bad anxiety about stepping on a motorbike and getting my license but thankfully I managed to successfully complete the course and I was sent on my way . “ I have never looked back since .” That anxiety is something that has , and still does , affect Craig in his day-to-day life . Motorcycling has provided a relief , it ’ s something that many riders can associate with , and for Craig it has been a saviour .
“ I find that stepping on the bike is my release and my escape from all the stressors and anxieties that life sometimes throws your way ,” Craig is honest with his struggles as he explains that for him there is no other feeling to that of riding a bike , the moment he rides away a smile like a Cheshire Cat splits his face .
“ For me the cocoon that is my helmet is my inner escape ,” yes , we can all associate with Craig ’ s experience . “ It ’ s my equilibrium from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and once I put that helmet on and hit the road it all washes away .”
It ’ s a world that all motorcyclists step into , one where we feel at peace , where we find ourselves travelling within an environment rather than through .
“ I am able to get completely lost in our stunning landscape and absorb myself in the wonders of nature ,”
Craig wanders to a place where we ’ ve all been . “ It ’ s the smells of the wood fires burning in winter and the smell of cut grass in summer .”
Craig continues that he is taken to new worlds , places were untravelled roads exist , new towns , far horizons . The motorcycle takes him to places that he wouldn ’ t otherwise go , encounter situations often avoided , chat with strangers who quickly become friends . A motorcycle is a form of connection .
A new Yamaha Tenere , a new outlook on the world , is Craig ’ s ‘ happy place ’ and combined with his love of photography has provided a view to see the beauty in his world .
“ It is my reconnection with nature and has allowed me to find the beauty in the small things . As they say you need to stop and smell the roses .”
Craig ’ s smelling a lot of roses since getting his license , and suggests we should all do the same , especially during these challenging times . Slip on a helmet , throw a leg over and smell some roses . TRAVERSE
Craig and the Baldwin family ' s adventures involve two and four wheels , it ' s a story worth following , they ' re on Facebook at @ thislifesadventure or their website thislifesadventure . com
TRAVERSE 38