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

[budman]

A conversation with yourself yes.
A conversation with the wife.... Is optional :laughing

My wife has already said.. "Hey your getting a bit old to do this you should consider quitting"

I was "WHAT??.. this is the best activity for keeping me young. When I feel I cannot do it I will quit"

She did not like that much, but accepted it after pointing to the door

 

[afm199]

I'm signed up for 30+ trackdays this year and celebrating with fresh paint and bodywork, motor, and suspension refresh.

It's a struggle every year. I work out all winter to keep in shape, and all the rest of the year to stay there.

 

[Cyclesuzy]

I find myself doing other things rather than riding and expect to sell my bike as soon as practical. I bought it in 2015 and have put very little miles on it. It's bittersweet but if things change again, I can always get another little bike.

 

[oldapeman]

OP here, coming up on my 70th BD in 82 days, and still riding, latest time this morning. IT IS THE BEST MOOD ENHANCING EXPERIENCE EVER, except maybe for sex with the right partner, which is a little better.

 

[brichter]

I'm in awe. My stepdad's about ready to turn 83, he got rid of his Yamaha about a year ago because he won a Harley in a raffle. Still riding several times a week. :thumbup

 

[Pushrod]

OP here, coming up on my 70th BD in 82 days, and still riding, latest time this morning. IT IS THE BEST MOOD ENHANCING EXPERIENCE EVER, except maybe for sex with the right partner, which is a little better.

Hitting 70 and still "hitting it" ? Hot damn, 70 is the new thirty and I am so going to follow the trend.

 

[carboncanyon]

I've been thinking about the same thing for a while now.

Part of it depends on where you live. I just moved back from Japan, and over there motorcycles are a way of life for many people. I saw housewives in their aprons hustlin' around on their scooters, *very* senior riders putting down the street, and kids rolling with their friends. Bikes aren't quite as ubiquitous as in other markets like India, but they're much more widespread than the States. Drivers definitely expect bikes zipping around them and drive accordingly; they seem to have a critical mass of bikes on the road.

In the US, most riders seem to one demographic: 30-60 year old males. I see fewer and fewer here. I think drivers here are less aware of bikes because of the falling numbers. Also, the quality of the road surface in the States leaves much to be desired.

I frankly feel much more comfortable riding in Japan even with their cramped roads than I do here. The only place I feel comfortable out here is sport touring away from the city or riding on the track. I'll still ride locally, but I have a foggy feeling that those days are numbered.

 

[Coastal Coyote]

Unfortunately I believe my days are done. I had a spine fusion surgery about 5 years ago, and healed up well. After three years away from riding, I got another bike and started riding again. Sadly, each and every ride aggravates my back pain, and each time it takes longer to heal.

My most recent issue flared up after a long business trip - it's been 3 weeks of pain and spasms, slowly improving.

The setbacks aren't worth it anymore. I'm going to sell my K1200RS and gear. Feeling down about it, hopefully will feel better once my back improves and I can get back in the gym.

 

[EastBayDave]

Unfortunately I believe my days are done. I had a spine fusion surgery about 5 years ago, and healed up well. After three years away from riding, I got another bike and started riding again. Sadly, each and every ride aggravates my back pain, and each time it takes longer to heal.

My most recent issue flared up after a long business trip - it's been 3 weeks of pain and spasms, slowly improving.

The setbacks aren't worth it anymore. I'm going to sell my K1200RS and gear. Feeling down about it, hopefully will feel better once my back improves and I can get back in the gym.

there's always the Aleve or Oxycodone club? :wtf

 

[LittleBigGirl]

OP here, coming up on my 70th BD in 82 days, and still riding, latest time this morning. IT IS THE BEST MOOD ENHANCING EXPERIENCE EVER, except maybe for sex with the right partner, which is a little better.

That's badass! I agree that it's a mood-altering experience. I think about not riding and I instantly feel claustrophobic.

On the other hand, I think (like Coastal Coyote) - what if something happened to me? My dad just had three series of invasive back surgery (he doesn't ride, I got the bug on my own - I am the only one in my family who rides...) and I wonder what I would - regarding riding - do if something happened to me someday.

But riding teaches us about life. You just keep moving on in a brave way.

 

[bergmen]

Just turned 69, been riding since I was 11. I have started riding less over the last year or so (typically average 10,000 miles/year). I don't ride if I am not looking forward to it, and I find I am not looking forward to it more and more.

I'm just getting a little creaky at my age and not quite as sharp as I think I need to be to ride at the drop of a hat. I do live in motorcycling nirvana (Ukiah) since most all roads north and west (and some east) are two lane country roads.

I have a 2014 Yamaha FJR 1300A that is my pride and joy (it has 42,000 miles on it) and will probably keep it forever. I have a small group of riding friends that started riding with me in the late 60s that I will ride with to the end (we plan 1-2 rides into the Sierras per year). I still pop out for day rides in my area once in a while, just not as often as I used to.

I'm okay with all that. I gave up sport parachuting 12 years ago after jumping since 1971. I don't miss it and did everything I wanted to do (except jump El Capitan). I will get to that point with motorcycling some day, but this will be in the future.

Dan

 

[afm199]

Yesterday. 72 years old. I love this shit. It never gets old. I get tired though.

 

[tzrider]

You're raising the bar for everybody, Ernie.

 

[bradjenkins]

Time To Stop Riding

I can absolutely relate to so many of the posts here. I've had a number of accidents on my bike and the truth is I've literally a month ago stopped riding.

I'm 53 and the last accident put me in hospital for 2 weeks.

I'm now more obsessed with just washing my bike than ever riding it.

Plus my wife said she'd kill me if I rode again.

 

[Pushrod]

I can absolutely relate to so many of the posts here. I've had a number of accidents on my bike and the truth is I've literally a month ago stopped riding.

I'm 53 and the last accident put me in hospital for 2 weeks.

I'm now more obsessed with just washing my bike than ever riding it.

Plus my wife said she'd kill me if I rode again.

Joker in the deck is always the S/O. . .even though I'd rather die doing something I'm passionate about my wife demands that I live long enough to get into assisted living and have an aid change the Depends for me.

 

[EastBayDave]

Yesterday. 72 years old. I love this shit. It never gets old. I get tired though.

You one of the reasons I keep on trying Ernie. Motivation to some day ride again despite all the "issues." :thumbup

 

[afm199]

You're raising the bar for everybody, Ernie.

Thank you very much, Andy.

Part of what I love is pointing out to younger folks that it's ok to keep pushing and enjoying yourself. You never know what you can do until you do it.

 

[Map8]

Yesterday. 72 years old. I love this shit. It never gets old. I get tired though.

The awesome kind of awesome. :thumbup

 

[budman]

The awesome kind of awesome. :thumbup

Hell yeah it is. :thumbup
Some are just not as fortunate. I stopped riding the track because of my knee but still ride the roads. If I can lose another 15lbs I will fit in my track leathers and will consider taking my multi to the west short course at THILL. Just not willing to invest in another (yes I am fatter than my 225lb set) suit.

My SO has tried to get me to stop and she hit the BudRICK wall.
"Are you nuts? It is the only thing giving the motivation to keep working hard and not want to move out of the area". :x

She stopped.. as I creep closer to my 70's I am sure she will try again.
The big hope is no crashes causing further injuries that would change my status.

 

[bikeama]

Yesterday. 72 years old. I love this shit. It never gets old. I get tired though.

+3. I am 4 years behind you, keep riding