The Last Pure Hobby

Motorcycles are one of the last pure hobbies.

In the last decade or so, many of the hobbies we enjoyed for the sake of enjoyment have become highly monetized -- to the point that grown men are getting into fights over Pokemon cards at the store.

The brain chemistry associated with these types of hobbies is also having a negative effect. Money based hobbies definitely trigger dopamine — but in sharp bursts. You get a hit if you pull something rare or flip something fast. But when you don’t? You get the crash. Sounds kind of like gambling to me.

Motorcycle riding is on another level and has largely avoided monetization to the same extent. I go into motorcycles knowing I will lose money over the long term, but it doesn't matter because I enjoy it so much.

With riding you definitely get the dopamine, but you’re also getting serotonin, endorphins, even some oxytocin if you’re riding with others. There’s movement, sensory engagement, risk, mindfulness, flow. All of which lead to sustained satisfaction, not just a spike and crash.

So leave the Pokemon cards for the kids and hop on a bike to feel something real.

#hobbies #pokemoncards #topps #sneakerheads #motolifestyle #ducati