Taking the Open Road: Life Lessons from a Lifetime on Two Wheels
By Steve Larsen
There’s a moment every rider knows: the world narrows to the sweep of the next curve, the hum of the engine, and the wind’s insistent tug. But for me, motorcycles have always been more than machines—they’ve been teachers, mirrors, and sometimes, therapists. The open road is where I’ve learned the most about myself, business, and life itself. This is not just a story about motorcycles; it’s about the personal growth, resilience, and perspective that come from living life at full throttle.
Beyond the Ride: Why Motorcycling is Life School
Motorcycling is often portrayed as an escape, a way to break free from the daily grind. But for those of us who ride, it’s much more. The saddle of a motorcycle offers a unique vantage point, not just on landscapes, but on life’s challenges and opportunities. It’s where I’ve found clarity in chaos, humility in triumph, and connection in solitude.
My journey on two wheels has spanned continents and decades, but the real adventure has been internal. Every ride, whether across the deserts of Arizona or the winding passes of the Andes, has been a lesson in risk, reward, and the fleeting nature of control. The road, like life, is unpredictable. And that’s exactly where the growth happens.
Adventure as a Catalyst for Change
Some of my most formative experiences have come from pushing my limits on a motorcycle. Once I joined a group of riders in New Zealand. The landscape was breathtaking, but halfway up a hiking trail, I found myself gasping for air, unable to keep pace. That moment wasn’t just about physical limitation, it was a wake-up call about my heart condition and the importance of listening to my body. It led to open-heart surgeries that would test my resilience and redefine my relationship with risk and reward.
Consider the camaraderie forged on a cross-country ride with friends. The shared adversity of bad weather, mechanical breakdowns, and long days in the saddle created bonds stronger than most business partnerships. These adventures taught me the value of trust, preparation, and adaptability, skills that have served me just as well in the boardroom as on the backroads.
Risk, Resilience, and the Art of Letting Go
Every rider knows the dance with danger. Motorcycling is inherently risky, and that risk demands respect. After surviving three open-heart surgeries, I’ve learned that life’s fragility is not something to fear, but to embrace. The scars on my chest are reminders of close calls and second chances, of the importance of making every moment count.
Riding has taught me to accept what I can’t control—the weather, traffic, unexpected detours—and focus on what I can: my preparation, my attitude, my response. This mindset shift has been invaluable in business, where uncertainty is the only constant. The willingness to adapt, to pivot when necessary, has kept me alive on the road and successful in my career.
Perspective from the Saddle: Seeing the World Differently
There’s a clarity that comes from riding a motorcycle. The world feels bigger, more immediate. You’re exposed to the elements, hyper-aware of your surroundings, and acutely present in the moment. This heightened awareness has shaped my worldview, making me more empathetic, curious, and open to new experiences.
From the seat of a motorcycle, I’ve witnessed the kindness of strangers, the beauty of remote places, and the interconnectedness of people and landscapes. These experiences have reminded me that, despite our differences, we share a common humanity. This perspective has influenced my approach to leadership, encouraging me to value diversity, foster collaboration, and lead with humility.
Business Lessons from the Open Road
Motorcycling and business may seem worlds apart, but the lessons I’ve learned on two wheels have directly influenced my professional life. Here are a few key takeaways:
- Preparation is everything. Just as a successful ride depends on checking your bike, gear, and route, business success requires thorough planning and risk assessment.
- Embrace uncertainty. The road is unpredictable, and so is the marketplace. Flexibility and adaptability are essential.
- Trust your team. Riding in a group demands trust and clear communication. The same is true for building effective business teams.
- Celebrate the journey, not just the destination. Some of the best moments in business, as on the road, come from unexpected detours and challenges overcome together.
Relationships Forged in the Crucible of Adventure
Some of my closest friendships have been forged on motorcycle trips. There’s something about shared adversity—navigating a rainstorm, fixing a flat in the middle of nowhere, or simply enduring a long day’s ride—that breaks down barriers and builds lasting bonds. These relationships have enriched my life far beyond the confines of riding, providing support, laughter, and perspective through life’s ups and downs.
Motorcycling has also influenced my family life. My wife, Maggie, has been my partner in adventure, supporting my passion and sometimes joining me on the road. Our shared experiences, whether on two wheels or four, have strengthened our partnership and deepened our appreciation for life’s unpredictability.
Humility at Speed: The Limits of Mastery
No matter how skilled you become, there’s always more to learn. I’ve been humbled time and again by the realization that, even after decades of riding, I’m only scratching the surface of what’s possible. Watching a professional rider handle a machine with grace and precision is a reminder that mastery is a journey, not a destination.
This humility has carried over into my business life. I’ve learned to seek out mentors, listen to feedback, and never stop learning. The willingness to admit what you don’t know, and to keep pushing your limits, is the key to growth, both on the road and in life.
The Healing Power of the Open Road
After each of my heart surgeries, getting back on the bike was both a goal and a form of therapy. The rhythm of the ride, the focus required, and the sense of freedom were instrumental in my recovery. Laughter, too, played a crucial role; comedy albums and the support of loved ones helped me heal faster than any medication.
Motorcycling has taught me to find joy in the journey, to appreciate the small victories, and to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles. It’s a lesson I hope others can take to heart, whether they ride or not.
What Others Can Learn from Life on Two Wheels
You don’t have to be a motorcyclist to benefit from the lessons the open road can teach. Here are a few principles anyone can apply:
- Live with intention. Life is unpredictable. Make the most of every moment.
- Embrace vulnerability. Taking risks, whether on the road or in relationships, is how we grow.
- Value connection. Shared experiences, especially in adversity, create the strongest bonds.
- Stay curious. The world is full of surprises. Approach each day with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
- Find your passion. Whether it’s motorcycling, music, or something else, pursue what makes your heart race.
The Road Ahead
As I reflect on a lifetime spent chasing horizons, I’m grateful for the lessons learned, the friendships made, and the adventures shared. Motorcycling has been my teacher, my refuge, and my guide. It’s shaped my worldview, influenced my business decisions, and enriched my relationships.
The open road is more than a metaphor; it’s an invitation to push your limits, embrace uncertainty, connect deeply with others and with yourself, and most of all, to live life with your heart fully in it from the start.
So, whether you ride or not, I encourage you to take the open road, whatever that means for you. There are lessons waiting around every bend, and the journey is the reward.
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Steve Larsen is a man of many dimensions. A serial entrepreneur who helped shape the digital age, his companies created technologies that would later power Facebook, Google and Amazon.com. Through three open-heart surgeries and the devastating loss of a son, he’s demonstrated the same fierce resilience in his personal life that propelled his entrepreneurial success. A natural explorer, Steve has carved his way through 18 countries and 43 states on two wheels, chronicling his motorcycle odysseys in top-tier riding magazines for more than two decades. His new book, My Heart Has Been in it from the Start, recounts his personal journey and highlights the power of the human spirit. Learn more at SteveLarsen.