Book excerpt: Why would anyone want to do something as dangerous as motorcycling? For those who love to ride, no explanation is necessary. For everyone else, there’s Why We Ride. Designed as both an explanation for outsiders and an anthem for those within the fold, this new book presents the insights of Mark Barnes, PhD, a motorcycling clinical psychologist. As a popular columnist at Motorcycle Consumer News for more than 20 years, Dr. Barnes articulates the elusive physical, emotional, and interpersonal elements that make the world of the motorcyclist such a rich and exciting place. His wide-ranging text covers both sports psychology and the psychoanalysis of common riding experiences, including the results of Dr. Barnes’ own empirical research. Heartfelt and thought provoking, here is a straightforward account of what makes real motorcyclists tick. Inside Why We Ride: What makes all the hazards and hardships of riding a motorcycle worthwhile to perfectly sane, intelligent, and responsible individuals Insights from clinical psychologist and moto-journalist Dr. Mark Barnes Examination of the complex gratifications, relentlessly compelling passions, and deeply personal experiences that motivate motorcyclists Sports psychology, psychoanalysis of common riding experiences, and reflections on the author’s personal journey as a rider Results of the author’s own empirical research on the motives of motorcyclists Thought-provoking exploration of the human dimension of motorcycling Special section on how riders achieve the quasi-mystical state of “Flow,” a concept currently at the center of modern sports psychology