Cardo, the moto comms giant, recently surveyed over 18,000 motorcyclists in 114 countries and found that 56 percent of riders throw a leg over their bikes to “improve their mental well-being.” I have certainly found in my short time as a motorcyclist that hopping on the bike for a ride, whether it’s long or short, resets my mind in helpful ways. Cardo is reminding riders of all stripes to recharge their “internal batteries”, and to get the message out the company is helping veterans and first responders on their own mental health journeys.
Cardo’s Chief Marketing Officer, Dan Emodi, explains: “We all know how important it is to keep our Cardos charged and not let them run empty to help prolong the battery lifetime, but many of us forget to do the same for ourselves. We hope this campaign encourages riders to take the time out to check their internal battery level and give it a ‘dopamine boost’ with rides, conversations, and speak to someone if they feel like they need support.”
As someone who has gone through quite a few ups and downs in my own mental health, I can attest to Cardo’s findings, and I am a little surprised the number isn’t even higher. Riding requires a kind of engagement unlike any other activity, both physically and mentally, and the rewards are nearly limitless. I always derive a huge sense of satisfaction from mastering a tough off-road obstacle, or at the end of a group ride when the unspoken sense of close comradeship overwhelms negative thoughts. Honing riding skills requires focus and determination, a practice that builds healthy pathways in the brain.
To spread the word about the mental health benefits of riding, Cardo is making a donation of $10,000 and providing 10 communication units to enhance Moto Relief Project’s Relief Rides, where veterans and first responders find healing through adventure motorcycling. Based in Fountain, Colorado, MRP helps veterans and first responders recover from trauma through motorcycle-based outdoor therapy. Their mission is to “honor and encourage veterans and first responders who are experiencing mental and emotional struggles by providing them with opportunities to decompress, get unstuck, connect with like-minded peers, and gain new perspectives and skills for dealing with their challenges.”
The Moto Relief Project hosts a number of different kinds of Relief Rides, including ones specifically for women.
For more information about Cardo’s mental health campaign, follow them on Instagram, and to learn more about the Moto Relief Project and ways to support their veterans’ rides, check out their Instagram page or visit their website.
Images: Cardo, Moto Relief Project, Stephan Edwards
Read more: SCOTUS Rejects Utah’s Bid to Seize Federal Lands
Our No Compromise Clause: We do not accept advertorial content or allow advertising to influence our coverage, and our contributors are guaranteed editorial independence. Overland International may earn a small commission from affiliate links included in this article. We appreciate your support.
