The Zone

[askmrjesus]

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

[CrazyKell]

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.

[tached1000rr]

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

[smileyman]

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

[smileyman]

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

[Fleck750]

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.

[dReWpY]

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

[Riceaholic]

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...

[tommymac]

usualy after about my 5th beer

tom

[smileyman]

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.