Good on ya mate. I’m an American 🇺🇸 I served in the U. S. NAVY for 20 years, U S ARMY now for 11 years. I remember during my sea deployments so many of the sailors, as soon as we hit a port, all they wanted to do was go to the local bars hang out and drink. I chose to go out and meet the local people to immerse myself in the local culture .experience. All there was to see in the various countries, I was blessed to visit and I’ll never forget so many of the sailors as it approach the end of our cruise. They would complain that they didn’t see anything that They didn’t have any cool experiences. And I thought to myself it is because instead of immersing themselves in the opportunities of the various countries that we visited they immersed themselves in alcohol. I’ve been alcohol free since June 2003 and will forever be thankful for it. Love your channel. I wish Australia wasn’t so far away. I’ve been riding since I was 5 but I’ve never experienced adventure riding. Would love to get some experience from you. Who knows maybe one day I’ll be fortunate enough to have the opportunity to meet you in person. Until then, I’ll just enjoy your content here on UA-cam. I wish you a good life and always a good ride. George🦎
great story cheers for sharing. I am about to start a heap of tutorial vids online, next best thing, all on youtube, all free, thanks for being on board!
Hey Mal, It was so good chatting with your partner. You guys were so generous with your time . So great that you have the courage to share your story, it absolutely makes a difference.
Hey gday Tim mate there was no generosity of time we absolutely enjoyed it and had time to kill! Di has heard all my stories so it's good to get the chance to talk to other riders! Cheers for coming and saying hi, it really does mean a lot to me and it was our pleasure to sit and chat, couldn't let your eggs get cold! Cheers mate.
Thanks so much Mal My wife has got into watching your videos with me, so if you could make a video on ten reasons your husband needs a pan america that would be great. 😊
Thanks for sharing. I was actually looking at your Big Red vid but came across this one. Good on you. I stopped drinking about 3 years ago - because of a 4 month work contract that was extremely demanding + a family member who had been abusing alcohol & was experiencing everything that it entails. After the work contract finished, I realized what a waste it was $ + opportunity cost, never looked back. Thanks again, cheers!
That's so awesome mate well done and welcome to the club! Truly is destructive I didn't go into it in the video but I have seen it do some severe damage very close to me. Well done and thanks for sharing your story.
My grandfather was a big influence in my life. I wasn't everything you said just about and everything worked out fine. You've said to me don't ever trust anybody that don't drink?, I asked him why ? you know what he told me ? After fifteen Bears I couldn't remember the answer , And did not care at all.. as long As long as I remember What my grandfather told me is.Don't trust people that don't drink.That's what counts ! After all he's the first man I ever drank with that could drink A case. Of beer and a bottle of scotch every day for a start. I STILL LOVE HIM FOR TEACHING me how to DRINK . Thank you Grandpa.
Good on you Mal. You are sharing without fear doing a great job inspiring others and offering confidence to those who may need a bit of a kick along. A1 mate.
That’s great Mal, good to listen to a different perspective. Whilst I no longer drink to excess, I do still enjoy a drink or two each week,, and I mean literally 1 or 2. My early years were a wright off. I think it is just mature to know when enough is enough.
Exactly Peter, my problem is poor control so I have to give it the yes or no option. I've been asked many times about why don't I have 1 drink a week, I just can't open that door! It's awesome you can execute the control. Well done.
Thanks for sharing Mal - I was the victim of alcohol-abusive adults as a toddler and young boy - Physical and mental abuse between 3 and 14 - It had a positive effect on me though - I vowed never to drink like the adults around me or physically and mentally abuse loved ones - We all have a choice at the end of the day 💙
Smart move mate for so many reasons👏. Never been a big drinker myself but gave it away a few years ago and certainly don't regret it. I may have a light beer if I've been sweating my backside off but I'd be lucky to have half a dozen a year. Similar age to yourself and the benefits to the body and mind certainly help to keep us riding for as long as possible. Power to you mate👊
Cheers mate great effort kicking it yourself! Yep such a standard part of our lives driving is. I'm surprised how many have got back to me saying they don't drink. It's a great conversation! Thanks for being a part of it.
Great stuff Mal I was the same as you but I spiraled out of control and spent some 18 months in a hotel you weren’t allowed to leave, it’s funny that we both started riding and racing motorbikes. I still now have the odd can of whiskey and coke but it is only ever one as I remember the person who I once was with too much alcohol And it has been about 45 years since then and I appreciate the openness of your story with the struggle Thank you for being an inspiration 👍🇦🇺
Thanks for sharing your story Bruce, it's crazy how our culture steers us into drinking. Well done on the past 45 years, I say you deserve that 1 drink. Cheers.
Thanks heaps for that mate i think i was the first one to watch it , i was the first to comment on it , i was at my desk when i got that notification so i put it on the girls in the office couldn't believe i got mentioned
@@Biggiesbikes your welcome mate! Your out there creating content so that is bloody awesome, keep it up, time to get ya big head in front of the camera mate, Mike and I can give you plenty of tips buddy! Cheers!
That shows really strength of character good on you to change things that don’t work for you. I rarely drink maybe a glass in the very odd occasion. My dad was an alcoholic and saw what it did to him and my mum. My relationship with my dad. So happy for you. George. BTW Not a fan of the PanAm But he’ll we are all different.
I grew up in a typical Australian household and family. All my family drank, my father was an alcoholic and violent, as I grew up, I became my father, wasn't as violent to my family but my job at the time gave me an outlet for violence...I've now been sober 18 years, unfortunately I lost everything as a result, family, businesses, all relationships. It's been a journey to rebuild "me". Could write pages of where I came from, where I've been, what I've seen and where I hope to be and more importantly who I hope to be.
Mate what a story holy shit! Bummed on the destruction but congratulations on the sobriety! It's crazy ay in Australia what is considered normal. Thanks for sharing, and again this is why I love doing these different vids. Thankyou.
Alcohol the great remover. Removes stains, relationships, careers, confidence, finances, liver, brain cells, and gives depression and resentment, jealousy, anger, discontent. Sober 14 years could'nt imagine getting on it out moto camping being a larikin then having to keep riding the next morning, jittery and discontent feeling like an idiot from the crap i talked. Ethanol designed for combustion engines.
Yes 14 years how awesome! I read once that one of the guys from Metallica started surfing, he stopped drinking because he wanted to be clear headed each morning to catch waves! Yeah I'm the same, do not miss the headaches or feeling like shit the next day! Oh and my banter doesn't need alcohol to flow continuously! All the best well done on your sobriety!
Well said we are the same age and I might have 2 or 3 beers a month, I don’t really care about drinking and my 32 year old daughter said to me last night that she has never seen me drunk which made me feel pretty proud.
Great decision not to drink When someone asks me when I am on the bike to drink I just tell them that Bottle and Throttle don't mix and they usually respect that. I also use that excuse when I am riding or not. I just don't drink full stop. I tried it once and it didn't work for me so I never persisted in trying it again. I respect those who do, but I also don't judge. In my line of work I work with addicts and have lost clients to alcohol. I am near 70 and ride a K1600GTL, I just finished a trip from Phoenix to Beartooth in Montana. I admire those who ride adventure bikes well and truly above my level of skill. I broke my shoulder and collarbone when i was 45 and it took a while to heal. So I keep within my skill level, which is sitting on a motorized couch in the twisties. Enjoy you videos mate take care.
Gday Ron all the best to you mate I hope you can continue riding for many years! I like your saying! Thanks for watching my videos and sharing your story, appreciated!
Very well presented. Likewise, took the decision some time ago to really curtail my alcohol intake to zero. Again, likewise, I don't preach to people about lifestyle decisions. My drink of choice was good Cab-Sav reds. Never a beer or spirit drinker. One day I totalled the number of standard drinks I was consuming per month. Pretty shocked by the number. That was the decision point.
Thanks for joining the conversation Keith, that's an interesting story how you had to reflect on the volume to identify to yourself it might be a good reason to stop. Well done and I like the similar attitude in non judgement. Thanks again for the comment.
I was an alcohol abuser in my early Navy days. Came to be a impact on my career and personal life. Been sober since 89. The BMW comment made me laugh. You get that starter fixed?
Mate, I just turned 42, don’t drink anymore as I used to binge drink like you. Made a dick out of myself lots of times. It also used to bring on depression. Once my daughter came along 7 years ago I cut out drinking. I’ve probably had a drink a handful of times in 7 years. My problem is smoking. Quit years ago and got super fit then stupidly started again but my New Year’s resolution is to pack it in as it just gets in the way of riding, fitness plus the money it costs and as i get older I’m more aware that I want to be healthy for my daughter. Have a good 2024.
thats awesome mate, hey I stopped the year I was turning 40, so there is some motivation for ya! Also I found most guys that reached out all say they wish they quit earlier. Yes its a mind battle you need to win, I just like the analogy of a line in the sand, yes or no, black or white, you cant live in the grey, or the maybe. I am sure if you want to flick the darts you will. Focus on your health, focus on your girl, build that mental strength and feel like king of the world! I am not radical in any of my thoughts, but I do just commit to a decision. Once made, thats it. I get great mental strength from holding that committment. All the best thanks for the comments!
I did it before with that mindset , and I’m ready to do it again. I like the analogy and also mentally just decide I’m a non smoker. Anyway have a great 2024 and keep the vids coming. I really liked that 1on 1 coaching vid . Really useful for a street rider like me who is crap off-road but wants to get better.
Raw = humble = insightful = inspiring! Respect @Mal!!
Thanks mate this little video has certainly resonated with a lot of people, thanks for jumping on board the comments.
3 years sober, great to hear others.
How good is it Dougie! Read some of the comments coming through I love creating conversation. Well done on the 3 years!
Good on ya. One of the best quotes I have heard was something like "Drinking is just borrowing happiness from tomorrow."
Yeah that's awesome! Cheers for the comment!
Great quote 👍
Good on ya mate. I’m an American 🇺🇸 I served in the U. S. NAVY for 20 years, U S ARMY now for 11 years. I remember during my sea deployments so many of the sailors, as soon as we hit a port, all they wanted to do was go to the local bars hang out and drink. I chose to go out and meet the local people to immerse myself in the local culture .experience. All there was to see in the various countries, I was blessed to visit and I’ll never forget so many of the sailors as it approach the end of our cruise. They would complain that they didn’t see anything that They didn’t have any cool experiences. And I thought to myself it is because instead of immersing themselves in the opportunities of the various countries that we visited they immersed themselves in alcohol. I’ve been alcohol free since June 2003 and will forever be thankful for it. Love your channel. I wish Australia wasn’t so far away. I’ve been riding since I was 5 but I’ve never experienced adventure riding. Would love to get some experience from you. Who knows maybe one day I’ll be fortunate enough to have the opportunity to meet you in person. Until then, I’ll just enjoy your content here on UA-cam. I wish you a good life and always a good ride. George🦎
great story cheers for sharing.
I am about to start a heap of tutorial vids online, next best thing, all on youtube, all free, thanks for being on board!
thanks for sharing Mal, been dry myself for about 12 years for health reasons
that's awesome, such a better way to navigate life! all the best!
Hey Mal, It was so good chatting with your partner. You guys were so generous with your time .
So great that you have the courage to share your story, it absolutely makes a difference.
Hey gday Tim mate there was no generosity of time we absolutely enjoyed it and had time to kill! Di has heard all my stories so it's good to get the chance to talk to other riders! Cheers for coming and saying hi, it really does mean a lot to me and it was our pleasure to sit and chat, couldn't let your eggs get cold! Cheers mate.
Thanks so much Mal
My wife has got into watching your videos with me, so if you could make a video on ten reasons your husband needs a pan america that would be great. 😊
@@timvassella9732 haha not a problem!!!
Thanks for sharing. I was actually looking at your Big Red vid but came across this one. Good on you. I stopped drinking about 3 years ago - because of a 4 month work contract that was extremely demanding + a family member who had been abusing alcohol & was experiencing everything that it entails. After the work contract finished, I realized what a waste it was $ + opportunity cost, never looked back. Thanks again, cheers!
That's so awesome mate well done and welcome to the club! Truly is destructive I didn't go into it in the video but I have seen it do some severe damage very close to me. Well done and thanks for sharing your story.
My grandfather was a big influence in my life. I wasn't everything you said just about and everything worked out fine. You've said to me don't ever trust anybody that don't drink?, I asked him why ? you know what he told me ?
After fifteen Bears I couldn't remember the answer , And did not care at all.. as long As long as I remember What my grandfather told me is.Don't trust people that don't drink.That's what counts ! After all he's the first man I ever drank with that could drink A case.
Of beer and a bottle of scotch every day for a start. I STILL LOVE HIM FOR TEACHING me how to DRINK . Thank you Grandpa.
Whatever works for you. It doesn't work for me. No judgement.
Good on you Mal. You are sharing without fear doing a great job inspiring others and offering confidence to those who may need a bit of a kick along. A1 mate.
Thanks Matt! Yes good topic to have an open forum on thats for sure, cheers for jumping in the comments!
That’s great Mal, good to listen to a different perspective. Whilst I no longer drink to excess, I do still enjoy a drink or two each week,, and I mean literally 1 or 2. My early years were a wright off. I think it is just mature to know when enough is enough.
Exactly Peter, my problem is poor control so I have to give it the yes or no option.
I've been asked many times about why don't I have 1 drink a week, I just can't open that door! It's awesome you can execute the control. Well done.
Yes totally agree, it’s what works for you and as you say are healthier for it.
@oldmanspeedadventures 1 is too many, 100 isn't enough. Well, that's me.
Thanks for sharing Mal - I was the victim of alcohol-abusive adults as a toddler and young boy - Physical and mental abuse between 3 and 14 - It had a positive effect on me though - I vowed never to drink like the adults around me or physically and mentally abuse loved ones - We all have a choice at the end of the day 💙
Yes it's a good story to share and start conversation with. I feel pleased for anyone that feels they can live without it. Cheers mate.
Smart move mate for so many reasons👏. Never been a big drinker myself but gave it away a few years ago and certainly don't regret it. I may have a light beer if I've been sweating my backside off but I'd be lucky to have half a dozen a year. Similar age to yourself and the benefits to the body and mind certainly help to keep us riding for as long as possible. Power to you mate👊
Cheers mate great effort kicking it yourself! Yep such a standard part of our lives driving is. I'm surprised how many have got back to me saying they don't drink. It's a great conversation! Thanks for being a part of it.
Great stuff Mal
I was the same as you but I spiraled out of control and spent some 18 months in a hotel you weren’t allowed to leave, it’s funny that we both started riding and racing motorbikes. I still now have the odd can of whiskey and coke but it is only ever one as I remember the person who I once was with too much alcohol And it has been about 45 years since then and I appreciate the openness of your story with the struggle Thank you for being an inspiration 👍🇦🇺
Thanks for sharing your story Bruce, it's crazy how our culture steers us into drinking. Well done on the past 45 years, I say you deserve that 1 drink. Cheers.
Great job mate
Cheers my friend, hey check out yesterdays vid I might have name dropped you!
Thanks heaps for that mate i think i was the first one to watch it , i was the first to comment on it , i was at my desk when i got that notification so i put it on the girls in the office couldn't believe i got mentioned
@@Biggiesbikes your welcome mate! Your out there creating content so that is bloody awesome, keep it up, time to get ya big head in front of the camera mate, Mike and I can give you plenty of tips buddy! Cheers!
Great video. With the Australian culture everyone drank heaps. I don't drink for health reasons as well. Ps not offened by the BMW comment. 😅
Haha thank goodness I didn't offend! Yep not drinking has so many benefits!
That shows really strength of character good on you to change things that don’t work for you.
I rarely drink maybe a glass in the very odd occasion.
My dad was an alcoholic and saw what it did to him and my mum. My relationship with my dad.
So happy for you.
George.
BTW
Not a fan of the PanAm
But he’ll we are all different.
Cheers mate, yes its just my new normal, oh and its fine mate the Harley is an aqiured taste, I don't like ginger beer lol
I grew up in a typical Australian household and family. All my family drank, my father was an alcoholic and violent, as I grew up, I became my father, wasn't as violent to my family but my job at the time gave me an outlet for violence...I've now been sober 18 years, unfortunately I lost everything as a result, family, businesses, all relationships. It's been a journey to rebuild "me". Could write pages of where I came from, where I've been, what I've seen and where I hope to be and more importantly who I hope to be.
Mate what a story holy shit! Bummed on the destruction but congratulations on the sobriety! It's crazy ay in Australia what is considered normal. Thanks for sharing, and again this is why I love doing these different vids. Thankyou.
Well done mate, with the loses will come a stronger foundation to build from , Best wishes to you and keep building one brick at a time 👍🇦🇺
Good one mal, 4.5yrs for me.
Well done mate!
Alcohol the great remover. Removes stains, relationships, careers, confidence, finances, liver, brain cells, and gives depression and resentment, jealousy, anger, discontent. Sober 14 years could'nt imagine getting on it out moto camping being a larikin then having to keep riding the next morning, jittery and discontent feeling like an idiot from the crap i talked. Ethanol designed for combustion engines.
Yes 14 years how awesome!
I read once that one of the guys from Metallica started surfing, he stopped drinking because he wanted to be clear headed each morning to catch waves!
Yeah I'm the same, do not miss the headaches or feeling like shit the next day! Oh and my banter doesn't need alcohol to flow continuously! All the best well done on your sobriety!
Thank you Mal!
My pleasure!
Well said we are the same age and I might have 2 or 3 beers a month, I don’t really care about drinking and my 32 year old daughter said to me last night that she has never seen me drunk which made me feel pretty proud.
Yes my girls were 10 and 13 when I stopped, now they see how it has changed everyone lives, thats very grounding from your daughter, good girl!
Great decision not to drink When someone asks me when I am on the bike to drink I just tell them that Bottle and Throttle don't mix and they usually respect that. I also use that excuse when I am riding or not. I just don't drink full stop. I tried it once and it didn't work for me so I never persisted in trying it again. I respect those who do, but I also don't judge. In my line of work I work with addicts and have lost clients to alcohol. I am near 70 and ride a K1600GTL, I just finished a trip from Phoenix to Beartooth in Montana. I admire those who ride adventure bikes well and truly above my level of skill. I broke my shoulder and collarbone when i was 45 and it took a while to heal. So I keep within my skill level, which is sitting on a motorized couch in the twisties. Enjoy you videos mate take care.
Gday Ron all the best to you mate I hope you can continue riding for many years!
I like your saying! Thanks for watching my videos and sharing your story, appreciated!
Very well presented. Likewise, took the decision some time ago to really curtail my alcohol intake to zero.
Again, likewise, I don't preach to people about lifestyle decisions.
My drink of choice was good Cab-Sav reds. Never a beer or spirit drinker.
One day I totalled the number of standard drinks I was consuming per month. Pretty shocked by the number.
That was the decision point.
Thanks for joining the conversation Keith, that's an interesting story how you had to reflect on the volume to identify to yourself it might be a good reason to stop. Well done and I like the similar attitude in non judgement. Thanks again for the comment.
I was an alcohol abuser in my early Navy days. Came to be a impact on my career and personal life. Been sober since 89. The BMW comment made me laugh. You get that starter fixed?
Yep all sorted! Yes the alcohol is a big thing in people's lives and a lot of them don't see it. Since 89 mate that's a great effort. Well done!
BTW “The Dog” is good. He’s a funny bugger.
great bloke met him up the Cape last year
Mate, I just turned 42, don’t drink anymore as I used to binge drink like you. Made a dick out of myself lots of times. It also used to bring on depression. Once my daughter came along 7 years ago I cut out drinking. I’ve probably had a drink a handful of times in 7 years.
My problem is smoking. Quit years ago and got super fit then stupidly started again but my New Year’s resolution is to pack it in as it just gets in the way of riding, fitness plus the money it costs and as i get older I’m more aware that I want to be healthy for my daughter.
Have a good 2024.
thats awesome mate, hey I stopped the year I was turning 40, so there is some motivation for ya! Also I found most guys that reached out all say they wish they quit earlier. Yes its a mind battle you need to win, I just like the analogy of a line in the sand, yes or no, black or white, you cant live in the grey, or the maybe. I am sure if you want to flick the darts you will. Focus on your health, focus on your girl, build that mental strength and feel like king of the world! I am not radical in any of my thoughts, but I do just commit to a decision. Once made, thats it. I get great mental strength from holding that committment. All the best thanks for the comments!
I did it before with that mindset , and I’m ready to do it again. I like the analogy and also mentally just decide I’m a non smoker.
Anyway have a great 2024 and keep the vids coming. I really liked that 1on 1 coaching vid . Really useful for a street rider like me who is crap off-road but wants to get better.