The Zone
 

I blame racedoll for this thread, as I believe "The Zone" is the Achilles heel for many of us.

I know what you're thinking. What is this "Zone" you're talking about, and how do I get there?

The answer is, you don't. At least, not on purpose.

The Zone can not be forced. You can't buy in stores, or learn it's location from books or maps. You're in either there, or you're not. There is no in between.

We all have problems. Relationships, money, guilt, pride- I'll stop here, because it's a long fucking list. None of these things exist in the Zone.

The Zone is the perfect place, where confidence reigns supreme. It's not the place where you don't make mistakes, it's the place where you compensate for them, and keep going.

I'd like to hear about your personal zone, and how you think you got there.

JC

I know it's hard to get there. It comes when you least expect it. And when you're there....it's fucking amazing.

I used to think I hit the zone on the street every now and then. That was nothing compared to the zone I hit on the track.

Hmmn, initially I wanted to say that familiarity allows me to be in the zone, such as some of my favorite roads I ride where confidence does reign supreme, but I've also been in the zone on roads I've ridden for the first time and would have to say that situation is actually more of a in the zone type situation. One's mentality, perceptions and thoughts at that time plays a huge factor as well. I can't help but think of time sort of slowing down like the scenes from the matrix when you are in the zone, it's natural feeling, flows right, and seemingly effortless

i've been there. It is Jedi cool and ultra sweet. You cant get there trying. Only way i have found it was intense concentration in a period of physical exertion. In 5 years racing i have only seen it 4 or 5 times.

Suddenly you, your bike, and the track are one. Your mind is connected to it all at once, you anticipate and feel with incredible perception, you

you are detached but alive in the experience. Almost transcendental. Makes me real emotional afterwards but in a happy way.

Smileyman has said it best.

Almost floating, everything is razor sharp, it all comes together in an almost religious event.

Don't really know how I get there, it just all falls into place. May last 30 mins. or just a few moments.

And it IS better than sex.

i can say that riding today with ftbstrd i almost hit that place, 70-80 through the tight turns of TN with another buell rider who is fast as shit, it was an awesome time... so close the rocks from his tires were bouncing off of my bike mid apex.... religous experience on two wheels

I've been there alone and riding with others. It's funny because the few times it's happened with someone else's influence, it was easier to get back...

usualy after about my 5th beer :lol:

tom

Another cool phenomenon in the 'zone' is all the stuff you notice and experience that you dont need at the time or just casually correct and dismiss, that all comes back to you later.

Like once while racing I ducked to avoid 2 dragonflies humping. In a race, downshifting and braking downhill for a tight right hander. I saw it vividly, ducked it and forgot about it till later while sitting in the pits when it all comes back real clear.

Smiley nailed it. I've only hit it twice on the street, but every time I get on the track I can reach it. It is very zen. For me, its like tunnel vision. I am aware of everything else around me, but the only thing that is "real" is that which is in my path. I can see the turns in my head, almost like out of body and am prepping ahead of time while still physically seeing what is in front of me.

I think that made sense.

Why do I get blamed? :didntdo:

I started to quote various people, then realized I was quoting about everyone. :lol:

tached, it isn't just on familiar roads but also unfamiliar.

smiley, being one with the bike. This is why I bought the bike I did. I could just feel that I could be "one" with it.

I think Chi explained it like I would, very zen-like. You know what is going on around you yet you are so focused on your path. I get this when I run races too, which generally results in a very good race... just like a very good ride on the bike.

I often have these moments when I least feel like it too. Generally when I don't think I'm going to ride or run very well... turn out to the best ones ever.

Because life isn't fair, and neither am I.

Plus, you're kinda cute when you get all pouty.

JC

When I'm in the zone, I can predict what's happening ahead. Last month I was on a two-lane twisty road with a turnout off of my lane. Of course it was on a blind corner. I had railed on it many times, but this time I thought a car could turn from the other lane into the turnout. So I slowed down and sure enough, a car cut across from the blind corner into my lane for the turnout.

Ok then. I guess I have to just accept it as it is. :lol

Um, dear, reread my post I did not say it was just on familiar roads, actually I was saying being on unfamiliar roads and riding like that is being MORE in the zone. Loves ya:lol

Just to start shit.

Do only sportbike riders experience this, or do cruiser people reach this zone?

When I had my Shadow 600, I rode it like a sportbike, going up and down the same set of twisties just to better my skills. I reached nirvana several times.

I don't notice until after the ride is over. I remember things like being able to hear myself breathing in my helmet and individual leaves on trees and stuff. It's weird.

There are some cruiser riding who look to push it as well and some who are pretty fast so I would say yes there is a zone for those guys. My buddy can ride his custom Yamaha Warrior in the twisties at a pace that sportbikers can appreciate and many can't keep up with him at that pace.

Um, dear, I guess I wasn't clear enough in the way I was trying to quote you (and smiley). I was agreeing with you in that if I'm in "the zone", it doesn't matter what road or track I'm on. I'm just "on". :lol:

When someone tries to bother me when I'm on my bike I'm all like...

"Not now, Chief... I'm in the fuckin zone!"

The zone is awesome but I think athletes experience it to. Runners high for example. I have experienced myself in basketball. Greater consciousness. Wish i could tune into it at will, regardless of what it is i am doing...

Yeah we can. On my way to the rally this spring I was wondering how much trouble I'd have keeping up with everyone on their sportbikes. But when we started riding I was totally relaxed within the first mile or two, not feeling like I was pushing my limits, but I was dragging everything on the bike the whole 5 days, knowing I was at it's limit but comfortable with it. I think I held my own for being on a 750lb cruiser, but I was zoned with the bike for sure.

So that explains why you were up in my rearview mirror untill I waved you past :lol:

Tom

:lol: Yeah, I guess so Tommy, wasn't trying to push you, I was just feelin it that whole weekend for some reason :D

I'm totally in the zone when I'm sitting on the toilet. Completely concentrated on the task at hand and nothing else. Your senses are heightened and you dont think, just react. By the time it's over, you're reaching for the TP and thinking, "Was that even real? Was it a dream?"

ETA: Now that I think of it...

<---He is totally in the Zone!

I would define "the zone" as operating at your true maximum potential. A "good" ride may be 90%, a "great" ride might be 95%, but reaching 100% is almost unattainable in my mind. I almost always feel something was left on the table. I can point to 2 instances where I felt I was at true maximum. One was at the gap, and one at a track. During those instances, control of the bike was telepathic, and reading the feedback was as clear as reading words on a page. The gap run was a mild afternoon years ago when I happened to have the road to myself for several hours. A totally mistake free gap run is almost impossible by my criteria, and that afternoon was one of the very few times I was totally satisfied with my execution on all levels.

The track experience was during a practice day on a race weekend at Nashville. I was on very worn tires, and I was able to turn lap times that I would have been satisfied with under race conditions. During that period, I felt connected enough with the machine to consistently slide both ends of the bike exactly as I wanted lap after lap, with complete confidence and control. The times remained consistent even as the tires continued to decline. I simply would compensate and continue. Again, execution was there in all phases.

If someone could find some reliable directions to "the zone" they could make a fortune.