If you see a rider wearing a shirt backwards this October, they didn’t get dressed in the dark. We’re doing it on purpose, and I’m hoping you’ll join us.
Starting October 10, which is World Mental Health Day, Remix Recovery is kicking off the 14-Day Brave Space Challenge.
The idea is simple: motorcycle riders, and anyone who supports us, wear a shirt backwards for at least one day. The slogan is, “Stigma silences truth. Turn it around.”
Fast Facts
6,228 motorcyclists were killed in U.S. traffic crashes in 2024. That’s 16% of all traffic deaths.
5 million American adults had a mental illness in 2024. That’s close to one in four.
4 million people age 12 or older struggled with drug and alcohol addiction in 2024.
48,824 Americans died by suicide in 2024, and 79,384 died from drug overdoses.
Riders We’ve Lost
Motorcyclists are pretty good about managing the risks we can see. We argue about who makes the best helmet, we take training, watch for bad pavement, and stay alert for distracted drivers. Most of us know not to ride after a few beers. When somebody goes down, we’re the first to stop and check on them.
Depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and suicide are a different story. You can’t see them coming the same way, and they’re a lot harder to talk about. The national numbers don’t say how many of the people we lost to suicide or overdose were motorcyclists. But some of them certainly were: fellow riders, racers, crew, fans, friends, and our families.
Ironically, riding is where a lot of us feel most alive.
Why We Ride
Ask anybody why they ride, and you’ll get all sorts of different answers. Freedom, the challenge, or just plain fun. Many will tell you everything else goes quiet for a while. I think that’s because riding a motorcycle doesn’t leave you much room for anything else. You’re working the throttle and the brakes, picking your line, feeling for traction, watching the road come at you. You have no space left to replay what went wrong yesterday or worry about tomorrow.
That’s not just a feeling, either. A 2021 study in the journal Brain Research found that riding boosts sensory processing and visual attention, and it changes some of the body’s stress markers. Of course, riders have known this for years. It’s good to see science back it up.
I’m not saying that riding can entirely replace mental health or addiction treatment. However, it can be extremely therapeutic. Riding gives you a routine, something to get better at, and a reason to keep going.
Perhaps the best part is the people in our motorcycling community. Riding connects you with folks who will notice when something’s off with you.
What is Brave Space?
Our communities are built in garages, on group rides, in the pits, and at gas stations in the middle of nowhere. We feel that same connection whenever another rider gives us a wave on the highway. Riders loan one another tools and parts, give advice, and buy each other lunch. Often, it’s another rider who gets us through the hardest miles of our lives.
That’s what the Brave Space concept is built on. Brave Space doesn’t mean every conversation will be comfortable. It means you show up anyway and you’re honest. You ask questions and own what you say, especially on tough subjects.
Wear It Backwards
That’s where the backwards shirt comes in. It’s a symbol, and also a metaphor. Just like the tough conversations we have in a Brave Space, it’s going to feel weird at first. People may judge you. You’ll feel awkward explaining it. Still, the more of us who do it, and the longer we keep it up, the more normal and comfortable it gets.
The point is to make talking about mental health, addiction, trauma, suicide, and recovery part of everyday life, so when someone needs help, they feel like they can speak up.
The challenge runs 14 days, October 10 through October 23. Pick at least one day and wear your shirt backwards. When somebody asks you why, tell them:
“Stigma has steered the conversation in the wrong direction. We are turning it around.”
Then, actually talk to them. Bring up the hard stuff and help make it something people can talk about without it being a big deal. You only have to share as much of your own story as you’re comfortable with. Ask a friend how they’re really doing, and then listen without judging. Post a photo or your story, and tag us if you do: @RemixRecovery. Get your riding buddies, club, race team, dealership, family, and work in on it.
Speak your truth loudly so others don’t have to suffer in silence. That reminds people that it’s okay to not be okay, and asking for help is an act of bravery.
Where the Money Goes
The Brave Space Challenge is raising money for the Remix Recovery Treatment Access Fund. The fund helps pay for mental health and addiction treatment for people who can’t afford it. Beating the stigma is only half of it. When someone is finally ready to get help, they still need a way to pay.
Riders already know how much a small gesture can say. A wave on the highway says, “I see you.”
A backwards shirt can say a little more:
“You can talk to me. You are not alone. Help is worth seeking. Recovery is possible.”
So, turn your shirt around and start talking. If you can, chip in so somebody can get treatment.
Our bike review this episode is the Yamaha MT-03. Do not underestimate this bike; you get a lot of motorcycle for your money! Associate Editor Kelly Callan rode the smallest MT for several weeks, and that included commuting on it. One of the things that impressed her, was how the MT-03 acted like a larger motorcycle. Kelly also spent some time chasing Editor Don Williams through the canyons when he was on the Yamaha MT-07—obviously a much larger machine. She tells us about how it all went.
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We’re closing in fast on the 34th annual Biketoberfest, October 15–18, when all roads will lead to Teddy Morse’s Destination Daytona—the more than 100-acre motorcycle playground in Ormond Beach Florida. This week we get to hear all about it from Teddy Morse himself. With his trademark high energy and enthusiasm, he tells us all about his recently established Triketoberfest that happens the week before, and how the Destination Daytona complex turns into a full-throttle hub of demo rides, vendors, custom builds, live music, food trucks, shops, and nonstop pavilion energy. So, whether you’re on two wheels or three, whether you’re hunting parts or lining up a test ride; grab a cold one and soak up the energy and gorgeous Florida fall weather. This is one of the many Daytona Beach places where Biketoberfest feels like home. So don’t forget: make sure you download the Biketoberfest mobile App from Apple or Google Play or visit www.biketoberfest.org and we’ll see you there!
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Our guest this episode is Greg Arnold, Mecum’s motorcycle auction director. He bought his first bike at eleven, joined the company in 2011, and has spent more than a decade helping turn this incredible event into the place collectors, consignors, and dreamers all show up. Next February 3rd through 6th, Mecum will—for the 36th time, bring the world’s largest vintage motorcycle auction back to South Point, Las Vegas. That’s over two thousand bikes over four days. Board-track racers, barn finds, customs, race iron, and especially, those incredible machines that make the room go quiet. Greg gives us insight into what it takes to make this event work so incredibly well, and if you’re interested in selling your pride and joy, what steps you have to take to make it happen.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
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