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I haven't been on here much lately and really can't figure out why.
For some crazy reason I seem to be burned out on the whole BMX thing. I used to log on and my head head would almost explode looking at all the coolness posted (especially SE stuff.) Now its just sort of "meh..." (even with SE stuff.)
Anybody else have this happen? Cripes, I have even considered selling the Quad frame and LG fork I have had since '81 just to get it out of my face.
Weird...
Anybody Else Lose It/ Burn Out?
24 April 2012 - 10:36 PM
Post #1
MultiQuote
24 April 2012 - 10:55 PM
Post #3
You spend more time talking about selling that Quad frame. Listen to me. ONCE ITS GONE, ITS GONE!!!!!!! Just put it away. We ALL burn out. We have ALL gone through what you are feeling. I sold off $40,000 worth of stuff the first time I burned out ands will NEVER be able to afford any of it again and regret it OFTEN. Turn off the computer, put the Quad away and walk away. If you feel the same in a year then sell it but Im willing to bet you will feel differently.
24 April 2012 - 10:59 PM
Post #4
24 April 2012 - 11:14 PM
Post #5
24 April 2012 - 11:30 PM
Post #6
24 April 2012 - 11:52 PM
Post #7
I haven't burned out, but probably put together enough bikes to be happy with it.
Had a great time doing some selling for a worthy cause, and had a great opportunity to get some of the right parts headed to the right people.
Kind of like that tv show, "My name is Earl".
Its like I finally made peace with the BMX angst, and my Karma is good now.
"Burned out" reminds of that scene in Highlandler where the Kurgan quotes Def Lepard.
Had a great time doing some selling for a worthy cause, and had a great opportunity to get some of the right parts headed to the right people.
Kind of like that tv show, "My name is Earl".
Its like I finally made peace with the BMX angst, and my Karma is good now.
"Burned out" reminds of that scene in Highlandler where the Kurgan quotes Def Lepard.
25 April 2012 - 12:04 AM
Post #8
Feelin' ya...I've been going through this a bit myself. Been on the fence about selling everything to build a car. Life has been crazy busy for me this past year though, so I'm thinking maybe I'm not really, truly burned out...just hibernating a bit to keep from feeling sorry for myself for not having the time to play with my bikes... 
25 April 2012 - 12:15 AM
Post #9
nzpantha, on 24 April 2012 - 04:30 PM, said:
Im looking for an early 80s quad f@f to pimp like the day-glo orange one I had back in the day. PM me if you want to sell 
I don't remember you having a Quad... Really?
25 April 2012 - 12:21 AM
Post #10
CharleyGnarlyP290, on 24 April 2012 - 03:36 PM, said:
I haven't been on here much lately and really can't figure out why.
For some crazy reason I seem to be burned out on the whole BMX thing. I used to log on and my head head would almost explode looking at all the coolness posted (especially SE stuff.) Now its just sort of "meh..." (even with SE stuff.)
Anybody else have this happen? Cripes, I have even considered selling the Quad frame and LG fork I have had since '81 just to get it out of my face.
Weird...
For some crazy reason I seem to be burned out on the whole BMX thing. I used to log on and my head head would almost explode looking at all the coolness posted (especially SE stuff.) Now its just sort of "meh..." (even with SE stuff.)
Anybody else have this happen? Cripes, I have even considered selling the Quad frame and LG fork I have had since '81 just to get it out of my face.
Weird...
Yes, I'm going through the same thing at the moment. I feel kind of burned out, and swore that my RRS was the last cruiser I would build. I sold off everything spare I had, and I found myself eyeing up my cruisers, trying to work out which one I was going to part out first.
But, the few people I spoke to said "whatever you do, don't sell", and I haven't yet. I'm still going through the "garage gaze phase" where I stand out in the garage, and gaze at the bikes, taking me back to the 80's. Sometimes I take them down, and take them for a brief spin.
But, I know I wont keep all of them forever. I may keep one or two, but there are other things I want to do, and it seems a shame to have them sitting there doing nothing for so much of the time.
Maybe everyone goes through this thing some time, and I guess everyone would go through it differently.
I know that you mean though. I used to be on here constantly, and I was always in overload looking at all different kinds of cool posts. But maybe I've just kind of gotten used to it, because it feels (to me) like there isn't a whole lot happening in the scene nowadays.
This post has been edited by mcam: 25 April 2012 - 12:22 AM
25 April 2012 - 12:29 AM
Post #11
I don't have time to burn out. I suppose my life is forcing me to pace myself. And all of the other stuff I have to do/like to do keeps me hungry and BMX fresh. I would have to agree with most everyone here. Check out for a bit. My hunch is you'll come back. And as far as moving your bikes, I say don't do it unless you need the scratch or you are sure you've found a better focus for your time and coin.
Go eyeball your SE. I bet you won't be able to deny its coolness.
Whenever I look at my red 78 Redline MXII, I can't stop imagining where that bikes has been and what kind of heroics were attempted by previous owners. It's like an historical text or a tapestry. And then I get to ride it.
These bikes are rich. I always come back to that.
Go eyeball your SE. I bet you won't be able to deny its coolness.
Whenever I look at my red 78 Redline MXII, I can't stop imagining where that bikes has been and what kind of heroics were attempted by previous owners. It's like an historical text or a tapestry. And then I get to ride it.
These bikes are rich. I always come back to that.
25 April 2012 - 01:05 AM
Post #12
25 April 2012 - 01:19 AM
Post #13
COASTY, on 24 April 2012 - 06:05 PM, said:
I can't imagine anyone wanting to sell their bike from the 80's. I never could. It's a part of me and I will be buried with mine.
Chill out for a bit and it'll come back to you.
Chill out for a bit and it'll come back to you.
I guess the difference there is, that I dont own my bike from the 80's. If I still had that, I definitely wouldn't sell it
25 April 2012 - 02:22 AM
Post #14
25 April 2012 - 04:01 AM
Post #15
Yes. It happens to me frequently. Usually when I realize how much time I waste online looking at and talking about bikes. Most recently I've actually considered selling my only remaining old school bmx bike, my JMC 24 that I waited 2 years to acquire and about 2 more to get it the way I wanted. I don't ride it very often and there is a nice expensive guitar that I really want and would play a much more than I ride that bike. Tonight I pulled the bike out to decide if I wanted to put it up on the block. Looking it over I decided that I can't sell it. I could never replace it and I feel that I could never buy another os bmx bike if I did, as I could never top it. Wouldn't want to even try. It was too much work.
I'm a painter. I usually paint every night after work and for long hours on the weekend. I'm on a little hiatus right now. It's been over a month since I've worked on any art. Speaking as a creative person who knows a lot about getting burned out and inspiration, or lack thereof, I suggest you simply take a break if your feeling burnt out. Put it aside, put the bike in the attic and stay off the sites. Never force it. Go off, do some other things you enjoy and what you love will be waiting for you when you're ready to return to it. When you do return, you'll be re-energized and have a fresh enthusiasm again.
I'm a painter. I usually paint every night after work and for long hours on the weekend. I'm on a little hiatus right now. It's been over a month since I've worked on any art. Speaking as a creative person who knows a lot about getting burned out and inspiration, or lack thereof, I suggest you simply take a break if your feeling burnt out. Put it aside, put the bike in the attic and stay off the sites. Never force it. Go off, do some other things you enjoy and what you love will be waiting for you when you're ready to return to it. When you do return, you'll be re-energized and have a fresh enthusiasm again.
25 April 2012 - 01:13 PM
Post #16
All very good replies here.
Funny you mention the art thing, MelvinsArmy. I was an art freak from the time I was a kid. Took every art class I could in high school. Majored in art in college when I started in '82. I was way into it. In '85 I was accepted to Otis Art Institute of Parson's School of Design in LA. Between the time I got accepted to the time I was supposed to go, something suddenly snapped. I called it off and totally, 100% dropped completely out of the art scene. The very thought of creating something made me want to puke. Since that time I have done maybe three things total. The last one was about two years ago. Thought I would be all stoked about it, dived in, couldn't wait to get it finished, and again have no desire to do anything else.
I seem to be getting to a phase in which if I am not using it, why keep it around. I pass by the Quad and look at it at think, "yeah, cool, but really? Why is it hanging there?" It's taking up space. I don't get thrill when I look at it. I really enjoyed my time racing and being involved with BMX, but the stoke just ain't there like it used to be.
In a way I guess its good because I haven't become one of those blokes trying to recapture my youth. I don't feel the need to get out on the track to regain what I once had. I had my time, it was great, but its done. Next phase, coming up.
I don't know what I am going to do as yet. Not that it matters much to everyone else in the grand scheme of things. But, I do feel a sense of camaraderie here that isn't available anywhere else in the virtual world. Spouting off stuff like this a form of therapy I guess.
Funny you mention the art thing, MelvinsArmy. I was an art freak from the time I was a kid. Took every art class I could in high school. Majored in art in college when I started in '82. I was way into it. In '85 I was accepted to Otis Art Institute of Parson's School of Design in LA. Between the time I got accepted to the time I was supposed to go, something suddenly snapped. I called it off and totally, 100% dropped completely out of the art scene. The very thought of creating something made me want to puke. Since that time I have done maybe three things total. The last one was about two years ago. Thought I would be all stoked about it, dived in, couldn't wait to get it finished, and again have no desire to do anything else.
I seem to be getting to a phase in which if I am not using it, why keep it around. I pass by the Quad and look at it at think, "yeah, cool, but really? Why is it hanging there?" It's taking up space. I don't get thrill when I look at it. I really enjoyed my time racing and being involved with BMX, but the stoke just ain't there like it used to be.
In a way I guess its good because I haven't become one of those blokes trying to recapture my youth. I don't feel the need to get out on the track to regain what I once had. I had my time, it was great, but its done. Next phase, coming up.
I don't know what I am going to do as yet. Not that it matters much to everyone else in the grand scheme of things. But, I do feel a sense of camaraderie here that isn't available anywhere else in the virtual world. Spouting off stuff like this a form of therapy I guess.
This post has been edited by CharleyGnarlyP290: 25 April 2012 - 01:14 PM
25 April 2012 - 01:15 PM
Post #17
Like everyone says, it happens. It happened to me last year. I had a few discussions with others that felt the same around the same time. I think it's natural. You can only go full bore so long until you need a rest. I guess if you sprint, you wear out. Pace yourself for the marathon, and maybe you stick around longer.
I had some big life events happen that I guess made BMX kind of fall to the background. And even after that kind of settled in a bit, my focus shifted from bikes to music. I'm still wanting to work on my bikes and have a project in the very early stages, but it'll probably take me a long time to finish it. I'm still not full bore into it like I once was, but there's a small fire there for sure.
I could drop everything else and focus back on BMX and get that project done in a few months probably... but then I don't want to burn myself out again. I just want to be able to enjoy it when I want to enjoy it. It's more of a novel thrill if you step back more often and then go to it after you start feeling that spark again.
Just step back. See how you feel a few more months. Don't sell the Quad. If you have other stuff that isn't that important to you, sell that. But that Quad holds a special place... hang on to it.
I had some big life events happen that I guess made BMX kind of fall to the background. And even after that kind of settled in a bit, my focus shifted from bikes to music. I'm still wanting to work on my bikes and have a project in the very early stages, but it'll probably take me a long time to finish it. I'm still not full bore into it like I once was, but there's a small fire there for sure.
I could drop everything else and focus back on BMX and get that project done in a few months probably... but then I don't want to burn myself out again. I just want to be able to enjoy it when I want to enjoy it. It's more of a novel thrill if you step back more often and then go to it after you start feeling that spark again.
Just step back. See how you feel a few more months. Don't sell the Quad. If you have other stuff that isn't that important to you, sell that. But that Quad holds a special place... hang on to it.
25 April 2012 - 02:26 PM
Post #18
I find I don't get burned out on BMX per se, but certain aspects of it.
I get tired of the message board crap, so log off and join the real world for awhile.
I've gotten burned out of racing, so then I just ride around town with the family.
I have other interests, so sometimes I concentrate on that for awhile.
If you are feeling burned out, then it's because you are WAY too focused on the one thing.
Find other hobbies. Spend time with friends and family. Go to the movies or see a concert.
This whole BMX thing is supposed to be the distraction, not the obsession.
I love BMX too much to ever let it get to the point where it isn't fun anymore. Take a step back and think about why you got into it in the first place.
I get tired of the message board crap, so log off and join the real world for awhile.
I've gotten burned out of racing, so then I just ride around town with the family.
I have other interests, so sometimes I concentrate on that for awhile.
If you are feeling burned out, then it's because you are WAY too focused on the one thing.
Find other hobbies. Spend time with friends and family. Go to the movies or see a concert.
This whole BMX thing is supposed to be the distraction, not the obsession.
I love BMX too much to ever let it get to the point where it isn't fun anymore. Take a step back and think about why you got into it in the first place.
25 April 2012 - 02:32 PM
Post #19
nycet3, on 24 April 2012 - 08:29 PM, said:
I don't have time to burn out. I suppose my life is forcing me to pace myself. And all of the other stuff I have to do/like to do keeps me hungry and BMX fresh. I would have to agree with most everyone here. Check out for a bit. My hunch is you'll come back. And as far as moving your bikes, I say don't do it unless you need the scratch or you are sure you've found a better focus for your time and coin.
Go eyeball your SE. I bet you won't be able to deny its coolness.
Whenever I look at my red 78 Redline MXII, I can't stop imagining where that bikes has been and what kind of heroics were attempted by previous owners. It's like an historical text or a tapestry. And then I get to ride it.
These bikes are rich. I always come back to that.
Go eyeball your SE. I bet you won't be able to deny its coolness.
Whenever I look at my red 78 Redline MXII, I can't stop imagining where that bikes has been and what kind of heroics were attempted by previous owners. It's like an historical text or a tapestry. And then I get to ride it.
These bikes are rich. I always come back to that.
I'm pretty much on the same page Joe.
Charley, Like most everyone else, I go in and out of focus with BMX. But you have to do that with everything in your life. I try not to let any of my interests Totally consume me. But Life is busy over here, so the BMX interest and it's many positive aspects still hold strong for me - when I can get to it. Not just about the bikes, but great connections, the history it has with me, and still tons of aspects to learn about other areas I wasn't into at a young age - and mainly the art and creativity it allows you to dive into, whether building a bike , matching parts together or even planning a hangout / ride / gathering. etc. Its probably a good thing too that I have other interests that keep me from truly completing any of my BMX goals.... That way - I'm always in progress... and that's sort of what keeps it going at times.
I can definitely say it took more precedence in my life at times, and I needed to balance things out a bit over the past year. Scale back my physical projects... etc. But Just take a small step back and realize you don't need to completely bail out just to get some perspective on your involvement with the BMX genre - and especially this site. i always enjoy your contributions. There would surely be a void without your posts Mr. Gnarly.
25 April 2012 - 02:37 PM
Post #20
I kind of get what you are saying, Brett. Maybe you just don't care (that would be the definition of burnt out) but if you feel like getting the spark back try this...
Get 2 BMX action magazines. READ them cover to cover. I emphasize "read"... don't just flip through mostly looking at pics. Read cover to cover.
Reflect on what an amazing little facet of reality it is.
Next... go to the interview section. Read the Jeff Utterback one. The next day, read "the big wheel chronicles". Then set an alarm on your phone and 5 days later read the Chris Moeller one. Keep revisiting that section until you get through a couple more at least.
Come to the BMX Society gathering at Whittier Narrows, June 2. It helps if your passion is shared face to face with others. This is key. I think a big part of the attraction to the hobby is the interaction with other like minded people. Remember when you "discovered" the whole scene? It just seemed amazing to find others that had that same BMX interest embedded in their marrow. When we get segregated from direct contact with our BMX community by life or whatever comes up, it takes away a big part of what appeals to us in this. That's my opinion anyway.
I know my life has changed in ways the past couple years that have greatly diminished my time to focus on BMX and interact on the web site. I was more a part of the scene when I lived in Nepal ironically. So, in that sense... I get the burn out vibe to a degree. I still have a lot of interest in it all, but I don't have much extra time and no extra money now days and that makes collecting and the joy of picking up BMX parts, etc. go to the back burner.
I don't know. Like I say at the outset here... I get the "burn out factor". I feel it about some things... like organizing the event, if truth be known. For me personally a lot of it comes down to the diminished free time I have. For others... for whom that hasn't changed, it all might be different.
I still love it though. I love reading posts where people drop obscure facts about companies, and point out subtle details about parts - stuff I hadn't noticed before. I love it when a new collector spotlight comes out. Or one of you gets a research project together and sends it over. Or better yet... we get together and lay it out together as was the case with Sodbuster and I on that Ashtabula White Paper. Great excuse to spend a few hours hanging out talking BMX. I still get a lot out of reading all that. It refreshes me and stokes my sense of amazement. Speaking of great excuses to hang out... our monthly get together at the Bicycle Source is a nice opportunity to come up on some parts or liquidate some parts... but let's call it like it is - it's about the hang out time. That's why we all like to go.
I don't know... our relationship to this hobby is probably not so different than other relationships. They take work and effort. You have to cultivate them. In the early days, it's all effortless and new. After a while, familiarity breeds a degree of contempt maybe. You might have to work at it a bit and put some effort into it. Like exercising if you choose to be fit... or reading up on a topic of interest to stay on top of it, or eating right, or staying married, or anything else in life.
Get 2 BMX action magazines. READ them cover to cover. I emphasize "read"... don't just flip through mostly looking at pics. Read cover to cover.
Reflect on what an amazing little facet of reality it is.
Next... go to the interview section. Read the Jeff Utterback one. The next day, read "the big wheel chronicles". Then set an alarm on your phone and 5 days later read the Chris Moeller one. Keep revisiting that section until you get through a couple more at least.
Come to the BMX Society gathering at Whittier Narrows, June 2. It helps if your passion is shared face to face with others. This is key. I think a big part of the attraction to the hobby is the interaction with other like minded people. Remember when you "discovered" the whole scene? It just seemed amazing to find others that had that same BMX interest embedded in their marrow. When we get segregated from direct contact with our BMX community by life or whatever comes up, it takes away a big part of what appeals to us in this. That's my opinion anyway.
I know my life has changed in ways the past couple years that have greatly diminished my time to focus on BMX and interact on the web site. I was more a part of the scene when I lived in Nepal ironically. So, in that sense... I get the burn out vibe to a degree. I still have a lot of interest in it all, but I don't have much extra time and no extra money now days and that makes collecting and the joy of picking up BMX parts, etc. go to the back burner.
I don't know. Like I say at the outset here... I get the "burn out factor". I feel it about some things... like organizing the event, if truth be known. For me personally a lot of it comes down to the diminished free time I have. For others... for whom that hasn't changed, it all might be different.
I still love it though. I love reading posts where people drop obscure facts about companies, and point out subtle details about parts - stuff I hadn't noticed before. I love it when a new collector spotlight comes out. Or one of you gets a research project together and sends it over. Or better yet... we get together and lay it out together as was the case with Sodbuster and I on that Ashtabula White Paper. Great excuse to spend a few hours hanging out talking BMX. I still get a lot out of reading all that. It refreshes me and stokes my sense of amazement. Speaking of great excuses to hang out... our monthly get together at the Bicycle Source is a nice opportunity to come up on some parts or liquidate some parts... but let's call it like it is - it's about the hang out time. That's why we all like to go.
I don't know... our relationship to this hobby is probably not so different than other relationships. They take work and effort. You have to cultivate them. In the early days, it's all effortless and new. After a while, familiarity breeds a degree of contempt maybe. You might have to work at it a bit and put some effort into it. Like exercising if you choose to be fit... or reading up on a topic of interest to stay on top of it, or eating right, or staying married, or anything else in life.
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