When should we stop riding? -- perspectives of an older rider

[bikewanker]

Approaching 62 I still have a massive itch.

However I choose to ride mostly in places that are not urban per say.
Get out to the Mountains, the coast etc. The social aspect of joining friends doing that makes it even better than before where I did not appreciate that as much.

My advice Mel is to choose some easy destinations that get you away from the rat race so you can minimize the voice in your head about the danger and just enjoy the flow.

If that is still setting off alarms and your not enjoying it.. then just post more. :teeth

All the best

Good advice from one of the kids on here.:afm199
I often ride to Reno from SFO and spend some time riding through Sacramento. Going through Quincy I’m only on 80 to 5 then 99 and 70 to the good stuff. Seems as though I’m more likely to take 49 home and I usually cut over to 80 and come out near Colfax then slog on down to Freeport and the delta. I try to avoid westbound 80 on a Sunday afternoon - evening. The delta is relatively quiet. I once went south from Auburn and wandered on goaty stuff to Wentworth Springs and Georgetown.
Melissa I don’t know if Sacramento has any “ parkways” with fewer lights and cross streets that are less threatening or that lead away from the urban sprawl to feel comfortable. I can’t imagine learning to ride in area traffic. Maybe find one other person to ride to rural roads with. I’m fortunate in that the “good roads” give me enough positive energy that the traffic is an acceptable inconvenience.
I think a good bit of my mental well-being is motorcycle related and while it is reinforced by riding of greater importance are the friends that I’m able to share that with.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

[Biga]

After my last crash during practice in the opening race season in 2018, I got run over by the racer behind and I haven't been on the bike yet ever since.
I don't think going around the block counts...
After 4 surgeries and 8 months on leave, my boss made me promise him that I would not race again until he retire.
I really don't have the desire to ride streets because of my lack of maturity... I tell myself that I'm going to take it easy and 20 minutes later, I'm popping wheelies and scrapping the knee pucks on the public roads and that's not cool...
I want so bad going back ridding again and coaching on the local track days but honestly afraid if something happens I could potentially lose my job, and that's not an option right now...
I really can't stay away from the track/racing friends so now I'm the official pit bitch and the team manager/ mechanic/ logistics/ cook and so on...
Boy I miss riding but I don't ever think about quitting
I'm 47...

 

[Melissa]

all great advice! Appreciations..

I am mainly thinking about having my MC as my main means of transportation. In my small mind I'm like-I did the moto only many years ago for a little over 2 years and it was a fun kind of challenge.

I want to do that again but the drivers now make me very hesitant.




but I want to do it!

 

[brichter]

Shit's so crazy here in the South Bay, I haven't been riding on the street for a couple years, now I need to clean the carbs on my F4.

Still all over the dirt whenever I get a chance, but more calm now after 2 separated shoulders (different occasions) that had me riding 10+ miles back to camp in pain. Both happened about 7-10 years ago. I guess I had to grow up a little at some point... :laughing

 

[fumblerooskie]

I'm 63 and new to this forum. I rode while I was in high school, and then not again for decades. Around 10 years ago I took one of those CHP-approved motorcycle courses, which was one of the best (and most fun!) things I have ever done for myself, and got my license. With encouragement from my girl friend, I bought a bike (an old V Star 650) and started riding more or less regularly. I'm not looking back. It's in my blood like holy wine.

While I'm in fairly good shape, not overweight, and look after myself, my balance is definitely not as good as it once was, but I find it's not an issue as long as I practice good riding techniques, which I consciously work on every time I ride. I study riding a lot, and I can tell you, I really appreciate this forum. I'll definitely be taking a rider upgrade course at some point.

This past weekend I completed a 100 mile solo ride (on my new Kawasaki Vulcan 900), and it was exhilarating, especially given that it was on a challenging winding road (Vasco), and through cold and heavy fog. I was so exciting the night before I could barely sleep, but I'm incredibly proud of myself and stoked for the next one. My only regret is that I didn't do this when I was younger.

My commute through San Leandro streets is very short, and I'm glad I don't have to do a long highway ride in heavy traffic, since I have a few friends (one of whom is now permanently paralyzed) who have had some pretty heinous accidents.

 

[budman]

Glad you are out enjoying two wheels!!

Sunshine ahead..! :ride

 

[Wadab]

Fumblerooskie:

My feelings exactly. Just turned 60 and started riding almost 5 years ago.. should have started way earlier...

 

[afm199]

Well, I'm done. At age 74, my moto career is over, as far as riding goes. I've recovered pretty well from my crash, strength wise, still have some neurological problems, but not bad.

My Doctor basically told me I'd be an idiot to keep riding. I'm probably getting spine surgery in a couple months. He also said: "Falling down hard could paralyze you."

My neck is pretty messed up, C4,5,6 have self fused and weight bearing on C4 is messed up because 4,5,6 are now cocked at an angle and the weight of my head is compressing my spinal cord between C3 and C4. So fuck. Seven hour operation coming up.

I had 55 good years of riding though, and was able to navigate Thunderhill under two minutes last year, so I'm happy with that part.

I've certainly met the best people of my life in the moto world. No doubt of that.

 

[bikewanker]

Damn Ernie I was hoping to ride with or see you at the track someday.
It would appear that it wasn't your age but the "too much fun". A very personal decision that was no doubt hastened by the physical complications.
Please keep us posted on your surgeries.
Be Well Post More :afm199

 

[tzrider]

Ernie, have you gotten more than one opinion? When I was trying to figure out how to have my neck issues addressed I saw two surgeons, each with very different approaches. The guy I chose is a rider and understands the range of motion we want as well as the impacts we might sustain. His approach was also much more invasive. I’ve been happy with the result.

If you want the guy’s info, let me know.

 

[bikeama]

Ernie, I am sad to read this. You do have to do what you feel is best for you. I hit 70 this year and hope to ride for 10 more years, but that estimate is just being hopeful.

Stay around I enjoy reading your posts.

 

[Butch]

Damn Ernie... you have to start a serious bench racing career now.

The wifey has had back surgery; some tech thing with Jeffrey Coe. Kyphoplasti, or something. Coe is an engineer as well as an MD. He’s in Los Gatos.

Yeah, this time thing is pretty annoying. Living well is the best revenge.

 

[kxmike]

Ernie, I was told the same thing from a neurosurgeon 10 yrs. ago. he said if I took one more hit to my spine I'd be paralyzed. I sold my bikes and quit riding for 2 yrs. But then I got a 2nd opinion and that doctor told me I could still ride and do the same things I had been doing all my life. I've been riding ever since...and I've taken some nasty spills on my dirt bike even fracturing a vertabrae...I'm 63 and still walking:thumbup. Sometimes these doctors don't know as much as they think they do!

 

[budman]

Ernie.

Saddened to hear of this. I know you love to ride. I am sure there will be ways to share the love of moto if you choose too do that.

I know for some it is easier to shut the door on it.
I did not go watch racing for a few years after I quit because it just bit my soul. I was not really ready to quit, but life demanded it.

Wish you the best my friend.

 

[brichter]

If you do stop, it'll be the end of a legend... but a second opinion couldn't hurt.

 

[GAJ]

We all stop at one point or another.

Sounds like Ernie is making a very wise decision.

At 63 the idea of somehow ending up bed ridden is one of my biggest fears.

Have almost completely stopped riding, (just gave away my DRZ to a friend), not because of a crash but because after 45 years of riding, despite good skills, simply don't get the "buzz" I used to.

Turning my attention to my '94 MX5 and investing what it's worth in a Stage 2 "Fat Cat Motors" suspension setup in April.

Still bicycle regularly though.

There is indeed more to life than motos.

Lots of joy from them over the decades, for sure.

 

[afm199]

By 73, I had stopped riding on the street almost totally, considering it too dangerous for the return.

On the track, at 73, I turned my fastest Thill lap ever. I was super happy with my development. I also was riding 30-40 days a years ( which helps tremendously) and working out constantly to maintain a level of fitness needed. It was fucking exhausting from about 65 on. After three days at the track I was wasted for six days. Last year was the year I began to see that my career was going to be another year or three, up to then I had no idea. So it turned out to be no more years. I super happy and satisfied with my achievements and honestly glad that I retired, despite the emotional turmoil. Showing up thirty year olds at 73 is exhausting. :laughing

So all in all, I'm pleased that I lasted as long as I did. As to riding more, it would only be on the track, and I consider it unlikely that I'd ever get back to last years peak. And I don't really have the driving desire. Plus I'll have $15k a year to spend on bicycles and cars now, instead of motos and the track.

I first threw my leg over a moto in 63 and what a joy it has been. From watching early 1960's Moto races in Europe to riding an E bike in an internationally televised event, all so much fun. And I still love my moto friends. Just won't be riding anymore. I quit running for essentially the same reasons.

 

[89fj]

dang, sorry to hear about you, Ernie. I was hoping to someday be out on the track with you at least once. Maybe

 

[afmotorsports]

Well, I'm done. At age 74, my moto career is over, as far as riding goes. I've recovered pretty well from my crash, strength wise, still have some neurological problems, but not bad.

My Doctor basically told me I'd be an idiot to keep riding. I'm probably getting spine surgery in a couple months. He also said: "Falling down hard could paralyze you."

My neck is pretty messed up, C4,5,6 have self fused and weight bearing on C4 is messed up because 4,5,6 are now cocked at an angle and the weight of my head is compressing my spinal cord between C3 and C4. So fuck. Seven hour operation coming up.

I had 55 good years of riding though, and was able to navigate Thunderhill under two minutes last year, so I'm happy with that part.

I've certainly met the best people of my life in the moto world. No doubt of that.

Atta boy, ya f'n F! :laughing Nothing wrong with retiring, plenty of other stuff to do, and I've had a blast since I retired from roadracing at the end of 2010. The back stuff screws with your mind pretty good, you know I got some good experience with that three years ago, but it pissed me off good enough that the following year I got an Aprilia RSV4 and did some trackdays, just out of spite. Now that I made my statement, the RSV4 will be for sale in a couple of months and I picked up a new R1250GSA because I'll be 50 in May and all the old, retired racers buy these ugly f'n things! :laughing (actually a ton of fun to ride, 2nd gear power wheelies for days!)

Here's my prediction though: this year is going to suck balls for you because back surgery and recovery is total crap (ask me how I know), but by next year, you'll be on a small dual sport on fire roads, riding around with a camera and taking in all the beauty that most people never see. You gotta enjoy life one way or another. My surgeon and my mom both told me I'd be an idiot to keep riding after surgery, to which I replied "How in the F do you think I broke my back in the first place?!":laughing Until I feel that I can't physically control a bike anymore, I'll probably keep riding because every year I have one less lap left around the sun, no matter what I do.

Let's grab beers one day and talk smack about all the 30-year olds, with their stupid traction control and auto-blippers... although the ugly Beemer has all that stuff too.:thumbup

 

[budman]

Count me in for beers!!

Alex.

Get to a rally with the new steed.
Love to hang with ya and ride and party.