Search the Community

Riding a motorcycle is like taking your nose on a wild adventure. You're cruising down the road, expecting to smell nothing except exhaust fumes and perhaps rubbish, when suddenly - bam! - you're hit with the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling char kway teow from a nearby coffeeshop. Heck, you might even catch a whiff of someone's fancy perfume as you zip by. It's like your bike has magical powers, transforming an ordinary ride into a sensory rollercoaster. It's these unexpected olfactory delights that make motorcycling an even more engaging experience than you thought possible. Seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, and yes, even tasting things (yikes) are possible on a motorcycle. (Image: Stephen Kidd, Unsplash) The unexpected scents As you cruise along, you'll encounter an array of unexpected scents that car drivers often miss. I've caught the tantalising smell of roasting coffee, freshly cut grass, and even 'that smell' you get after it rains. These make your journey more engaging and memorable. It's not just about the thrill of the ride - it's about immersing yourself in the world around you, one unexpected whiff at a time. Don't ride while you're hungry – the scent of wok hei will make you feel weak! (Image: Advocator SY, Unsplash) Once, I was riding along an arterial road, on my way home for dinner, when the smell of fast food (McDonald's fries, in particular) hit me. Was there a delivery rider somewhere in front? Did someone have fries in their car and have their windows open? It was a mystery. Surprisingly, you'll also often catch unexpected whiffs of perfume in the wind. These random scents add another layer to the sensory experience of riding. This writer still wonders where the scent of Macs wafted from. (Image: Brett Jordan, Unsplash) Earthy encounters: Navigating the 'fragrance' of manure Of course, not everything smells good. The open-air nature of riding allows you to experience a symphony of scents, including the earthy aroma of manure. While you might wrinkle your nose at first, this pungent smell serves as a reminder that the greenery/landscaping we enjoy requires upkeep in the form of err, plant food. Indeed, it's a stark contrast to the sterile environment of a car, where you'd likely miss these authentic, albeit sometimes unpleasant, fragrances. – Jeremy Main image: Gijs Coolen, Unsplash

Car enthusiasts are an emotional bunch. So, I naturally develop feelings for things on wheels, be it four wheels or two. However, I was surprised to discover that I had become attached to my old pair of sneakers, whose soles are so worn that it hurts to wear them. That is the unequivocal signal to retire them. But I must say "Thank you" before bidding them goodbye. The laceless design is convenient, saving time when you need to rush off in the morning Through thick and thin These Adidas Ultraboost sneakers were purchased during a holiday in Taipei over six years ago. Back then, I saw them as shoes to wear on Thursdays and Fridays. The fact that they didn't have laces added to their appeal. Indeed, this was their purpose for the next two years. I wore them sparingly - no more than once a week and not when it was raining when I was about to leave the house. Then COVID came. It put an end to work trips and twice-yearly holidays - these shoes accompanied me on such occasions. But the pandemic was also a blessing, for it allowed me to reset and chase after better health. These sneakers became my workout companion. As my other pair of running shoes wore out, this pair accompanied me on numerous walks, jogs and runs. Kilometre after kilometre, they plodded along with me as I strived to improve my fitness. I went from being haggard after walking two kilometres to being able to easily walk 10 kilometres - with plenty of 'petrol' left in the tank. Walking for two hours straight is now easy. This newfound fitness continues to pay off during holidays. Of course, all this pavement pounding took its toll. Wear patterns emerged as the once-fresh soles became flatter. I washed them whenever they began to smell. They began to lose their 'bounce' as well, with the springiness lessening each month. At the same time, these sneakers continued their service as part of my casual Friday ensemble. Or, if I had to go somewhere where a lot of walking was involved, I would slip them on. When I began pursuing my 2B licence last May, these sneakers were once again called to action. They were my de facto choice of footwear for practical lessons. (I wear proper riding boots now with protective D30 inserts.) I really put these sneakers through hell. Many of my practical lessons occurred during heavy downpours, leaving them and my feet soaking wet. Still, they soldiered on. The 'tread' is worn and flat, and the soles have actually cracked Age sets in Midway through my nine-month journey (which included a two-month wait for the TP test availability, during which I kept spamming circuit reviews), I began to worry that my shoes wouldn't last till the end. I had ceased wearing them on Fridays and had bought another pair for workouts. But they still performed exercise duty from time to time. My concern then was that I did not want to alter my riding footwear. When you're a newbie, you're scared of having to get used to something else. What if your other shoes are slippery, causing you to miss a shift and even fail the test? Well, these sneakers held, and I passed my 2B licence in them. Calling them my 'lucky shoes', I promised I would throw them away right after earning my 2A licence this year. That deadline has long passed. Goodbye and thank you Now that I've written this sole-ful tribute, I am ready to bid these sneakers adieu. My rational side knows that there's no point in keeping shoes I can no longer wear, and that throwing them away frees up space for a replacement pair. But rather than parting with them with a heavy heart, I wish to send them off with a grateful and happy one. To my long-serving sneakers: Thank you for being there for me each time I needed you. Thank you for standing up to the rigours of my lifestyle. Your worn soles are a testament to how far we have travelled. Thank you for being my initial riding companion and getting me through the first riding licence. And for always being there for all other casual occasions. If shoes could tell a story, you would be a diary that chronicled my journey over the last six years. I have worn you till you wore out; it is only fair for you to retire. Life is about choices, and it's also about learning to let go to make room in your life for new experiences. Should Adidas make another pair like this one in a colour I like, I would probably buy it. It won't be the same as my old pair of sneakers, but I'd still be excited to see where they take me over the next few years.