This weekend I went to a motorcycle expo — MC-messen in Lillestrøm, just outside Oslo. It turned out to be one of those days that fills your tank in more ways than one.
I went with a good friend and some of his buddies. We started out doing exactly what you’re supposed to do at a bike show:
We looked at everything. Sat on bikes we absolutely don’t need. Had very serious discussions about details we may or may not fully understand. You know… important things.
But the real highlight for me was meeting fellow creators I’ve followed for a long time.
It was such a pleasure to finally meet Runa Grydeland (Off She Goes), Thomas Hansen (TSHansen), and Kenneth (Ride the Bean). And Robert Baldinger, of course — but Robert and I are practically neighbours, living in the same little town in Sweden.
Going full fangirl, I was euphoric to finally talk to people who love doing the same thing I do: ride, film, and put it all together into a video for others to watch. It was both interesting and inspiring to learn which editing programs they use and how they think about views and audiences. I absolutely loved it and was riding an adrenaline high for the rest of the day.
I also attended Runa’s talk, and it was striking how much I could relate to it. Learning to ride. Going on that first trip. Dropping the bike. All the things that look so effortless when Itchy Boots and others do them — but that actually require a lot of skill and experience.
Her journey, the challenges, the growth… it resonated with me on so many levels. I’ve been on my own journey for a few years now — learning to understand myself and what’s right for me. Learning to let go of control and just do it, even when I’m afraid. And it resonated with me for another reason too: I’m currently working on a new video about exactly that — doing it afraid.
The whole experience felt kind of big for me.
And of course — surrounded by all those tempting booths and shiny gear — I didn’t go home empty-handed.
I finally bought myself a tank bag from SW-Motech. I’ve been looking at it for so long, wondering if it’s as practical as I think it is. Well, now I’ll finally find out.
All in all, it was a day full of inspiration, motorcycles, laughter, and a reminder of why I love this community so much. This really is my tribe.
And being this inspired, I made a little comic about meeting everyone. Some moments simply deserve to be drawn. Thanks to my little sister for giving me the challenge.
— Verene
