Use it or lose it

Warm weather over the weekend gave us the opportunity to break out our two wheeled-vehicles after a long winter. Six months of sitting brings out the worst in batteries and carburetors, making spring a season of tinkering, cleaning, and charging. That long period of hibernation makes everything a challenge to start.

With a few hours of labour, I was able to get a scooter and a couple of motorcycles operational, and watching Olive and Hazel zooming around the farm made the effort well worthwhile. 

By Monday after school, Hazel was already begging to ride again, so I went to the shop to begin the process once more. Much to my delight, two of the bikes fired up on the first crank, and we were riding within minutes. 

This is why I insist on flying my plane, rolling Jiu-Jitsu, and going for a long run at least once per week - and it’s why daily fitness, movement, and learning, are non-negotiable.

Idle time destroys machines, both biological and mechanical. Frequent use keeps the battery charged, the systems lubricated, and corrosion at bay. 

Whether it’s a machine that won’t start, or a person that can’t move, underuse is often the culprit.

Get to the gym, dive into your studies, and hit the skies or the open road. 

“Use it or lose it” is a simple protocol that will keep your machine running for miles.

• Now that’s a peak ethos