When do you know when to hang up your spurs?

[GRR]

This weekend I took the rare opportunity to take a ride through some local farm land. I enjoyed getting out on the farm roads, seeing the fields, crops and appearances of simpler life. On my way home I encountered traffic backed up on every major road leading back. I took some secret secondary roads and got to with about fifteen miles of home.

From there is was major highway, all backed up with bumper-to-bumper cages. The temps were in the 90's and everyone was anxious to be somewhere else, including me. The only way to escape this was to split lanes most of the way home. Hauling my fat bagger thru this mess left me physically and spiritually exhausted.

Why am I doing this?

When I was younger, more aggressive, more skilled with better reactions, and mounted on a 140 hp sport bike, these conditions were merely a moving obstacle game.

But I'm now asking myself - am I'm being selfish, continuing to ride, putting not only myself at risk, but my family who depends on me.

I knew a wonderful little gent who at age 75 was still riding around his GJ1200. OTOH, my bro-in-law says that when he reaches 60 he's going to quit. I'm 10 years older and and haven't figgu red it out.

I've been fortunate (or careful enough) to ride many years and miles without an accident. But you know what they say, ("there are only two kinds of bikers ...). Should I quit and go out on top, or keep riding because I love it?

I go out an look at my bike nearly every day, enjoying the artistic beauty of the beast. I fantasize about buying other bikes if I had the room (ST1300, VT 1300, (2, 4, 6 get it?). VT750 (wonderful little bike), XL1200 (wonderful nasty bike)) and so on.

But I think, maybe now's the time to set this madness aside and accept that I'm no longer the man I once was, but am the man my family deserves now?

How are you handling this?

[scooperhsd]

We have had people decide they were not capable of safely riding anymore. Nobody that I know of thinks any less of them. IMO, the decision to stop should be based on many factors - physically capable, mentally capable, attitude, and so on. ONLY YOU can decide if it is time to give up riding, or maybe downsize to a smaller bike first.

Personally - I'm going to ride until I am no longer capable of it. I'm not yet at that stage to consider giving it up .

I know this might sound like a cop-out, but I truly believe what I have said - ONLY YOU can decide your circumstances. Consider that you may also have to face that it is time to give up driving  cars at sometime in the future as well. To me, it sounds like you still have the bug, and would seriously miss it if you gave it up at this point.

[John Schmidt]

You understand it's a personal decision based on your own situation and confidence in your abilities. I'm 81 and still ride every chance I get. I live in the Orlando area and the traffic is atrocious but don't let that stop me. Also, I don't let mileage to/from a destination be the deciding factor. Although I live in Florida, I'm currently visiting my daughter in the Green Bay area. Having undergone a recent life changing event I decided to trailer the bike rather than ride it 1500 miles, based mostly on the fact I don't feel I'm back to "normal" just yet. If it were this time next year, no problem....I would load it up and ride off. In fact, that's what I plan to do next year, God willing and I still have my health. In my case I no longer have anyone that depends on me so it's easier for me to make decisions re. travel and riding in general. Good luck on your decision, whatever it may be.

[Rams]

You understand it's a personal decision based on your own situation and confidence in your abilities.

SNIP

 Good luck on your decision, whatever it may be.

Agreed.
I've been riding a little over 50 years.   Eventually, something is going to happen to all of us.
I'm one of those two kind of riders previously mentioned.   Went down last September, was run off the road into a concrete barrier at 60+ mph.   Almost killed me.   Totaled my fat lady.   Jan 2nd, I tagged my new Valkyrie even though, I was not able to ride it yet.   Several surgeries and a lot of Physical Therapy have allowed me to get back into the saddle.

Yes, I could live without riding but, would I enjoy life as much?   For me, I needed to get back onto two wheels.   They won't let me fly helicopters any longer as this is as close as I can get to the freedom I felt doing that.   Everything in life folks like us enjoy has some risk to it.   This you have to decide for yourself.  Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

Rams  

[Jess from VA]

GRR, it sounds to me like you are still able to safely ride.

But it also sounds like you need to chose your when and where with enough care to not get in that heavy traffic urban crap riding (or minimize it as much as possible).  Which would mean less riding overall probably, but still riding.  (like early morning weekend launches for the countryside)

This sums up my riding for the last two years (urban NoVA/DC).  My miles are way down below my usual average.  I still love to ride, but I'm avoiding all the high traffic times and places more than ever.  I'm not so worried about getting hit (or falling off), I just do not enjoy the ride if I have to sit in or deal with heavy traffic.  It pisses me off, and I don't have a good day.  (I'm doing the same thing in my truck too)

I'm also avoiding real cold and hot (especially hot) more than ever too.  This is more based on my age and physical condition.  For heat, I leave and return early.  I'm not a fan of night riding because of drunks, deer, my night vision, and bugs.  The grey of dawn is good.  

It'll be high 90s to over a hundred for the next 4-6 days.  I ain't riding (except maybe a short morning ride).  I may not get my mail either.    

[Oss]

Splitting lanes in not legal in ny
That said on the Grand Concourse (Limit is 25)on Monday as I split a lane coming to a red light at a construction area that was going 2 lanes to one  then flagmen I got a "whoop" from an unmarked cop car (black Camry) and gave the thumb up and let her ahead of me   No problem that day

Some officers are just more understanding of riders than others. Being on the bmw police bike may have helped but probably not

Splitting lanes is high adrenaline with trucks and people on the phones but when traffic is stopped and temp is 90 it is a way to save half an hour or more on a 10 mile ride.

Listen to your gut, I suspect that like me there will be days you get on the bike and decide it is not for you that day  That doesnt mean you are quitting just not doing it that day

A little fear is good, you can't have courage without a little fear

YMMV

[cookiedough]

my guess is lane splitting in WI is not legal for I have never really seen it, although I do at times ride my cycle along the shoulder of the road to the right if traffic is stopped earlier than a wider car can to make a right hand turn ahead, if safe to do so meaning the cars are over to the left far enough for me to squeeze thru having one foot between me and the cars ahead and enough shoulder to the right even if gravel to go past them.  Sitting in traffic 5 more minutes to make a right hand turn I can see ahead say 100 yards is not fun so have done that to the right side of traffic dozens of times.  Going between 2 vehicles though is asking for trouble I can see a lot of car road ragers in WI opening their car door and hitting their car doors with the cycle.  I wonder if that is an illegal offense to purposely open their car door just to knock you off your cycle?  It should be.... if can prove it....

Way too much road construction going on westside of Madison right now finally opened up after 1 week of minor construction my back way to avoid the main roads all full of construction for over 2 years now.  Saves me near 10 minutes of sitting to get 3 miles down the road construction roads and waiting for traffic in the mornings and at nights.  Somehow I do not think making 2 lanes each direction vs. only 1 will make much difference?  Will see suppose to be done before this winter, or so they say been going on forever.

[hubcapsc]

I took some secret secondary roads and got to with about fifteen miles of home.
From there is was major highway, all backed up with bumper-to-bumper cages.

I imagine I'd move or quit riding if I had to deal with that. But that sounds like
what Wimp has to deal with... I go over to his house through The Dragon, and
when you finally get to where 129 runs into I40 at Knoxville, ten or fifteen miles
from his house, it is generally a parking lot...

When I leave my house, this is what I face  :



-Mike

[Serk]

We've all got to make that decision on our own, I know I'm young by VRCC stanards, but with 4 kids (3 still in elementary school) I made peace with my decision to keep riding by loading up on enough life insurance that if the worst happens, they'll be taken care of at least.

(And seeing as my wife gave up motorcycling to pursue skydiving as her main hobby, her life insurance is maxed out as well... )

[0leman]

timing of your rides are important.  Figure out when there will be moving parking lots and stay away.  sounds simple doesn't.  But sounds like you are retired, so you should be able to plan your rides so heavy traffic has not started.

I do live in a small city/town, only 20k or so and maybe another 10K outside city limits.  I can be out of town traffic in 8-10 minutes and on open two lane roads.   Nearest Interstate roads are 80 plus mile away.  Only problem in riding this time of year is a pest called midges and afternoon thunder showers (got caught on Sunday in wet conditions-hate getting wet).  AND of course the occasional Deer.

[old2soon]

           Living in Southern Missouri The Ozarks Has advantages. Also-I was in my cage-just came back from almost 3 weeks with my Brother and S I L in Northern illnois.  Let's just say I do NOT miss ridin my scooter up there. At 74 years and 5 months I tend to pick my time and temperature. I also had an unload in August of 16. THAT gave me pause BUT I am back to riding enjoying riding I just Don't ride near as much as I used to. I STILL get THAT Thrill when I mash the starter button and Phatt Ghurl awakens from her nap. When I pull in the clutch snick her into gear and ease out the clutch-well All of us here KNOW that feeling. BUT on the other hand I for one Am getting closer to that time when
I'll be forced by things beyond my control to give up 2 wheels.  BUT at the same time IT IS My decision and my decision alone. Already told my family if i die in a M/C accident just Know i went out doing something i truly enjoy. I'm too cursed old for carrier cat shots and arrested landings anymore. RIDING comes Real Close!  With respect-Only YOU can make that decision and Only you Alone. RIDE SAFE.

[3fan4life]

If it were me, I'd move to a much more rural area and ride the snot out of it.


I'm 55 yrs old, There are several here that are much older than me and ride daily.

I  hope to be just like them when I  grow up. 

[Jess from VA]

Yeah Mark, you're not the only one who has suggested I move.

I should move.  I just don't want to go through the major hassle.

After living here longer than anywhere else in my life, and getting my old house all fixed up just for me alone, it's just the devil I know rather than the new one I don't know. 

[3fan4life]

Yeah Mark, you're not the only one who has suggested I move.

I should move.  I just don't want to go through the major hassle.

After living here longer than anywhere else in my life, and getting my old house all fixed up just for me alone, it's just the devil I know rather than the new one I don't know. 

I didn't intentionally direct that at you.

But, it sounds like the Dawg got hit with the rock and is barking about it.   



The Roanoke area isn't a bad place to live.

[Jess from VA]

I know you weren't. 

But you're right about the Dawg.   

I'd love to live in the Roanoke area (just not in town).

[fudgie]

Take a break. Your prob burnt out. Go do a few hobbies and come back to in in a week or do. You will prob change how you feel at this moment.

[..]

Rush hour at 8.15 a.m.

[mbramley]

 I would agree with what many have said. ONLY you can know what is best. Everyone is their own person.  I am 58 turning 59 in a couple of months and do not see myself quiting anytime in the near future. For me it will probably either be the heart or the arthritis that stops me from riding. All I know for sure is it's not today(at least to this moment). I will decide tomorrows fate tomorrow. With that being said I was on a benefit ride over the weekend. There was a lady there on her Honda 400, she was 74. That was all the bike she could handle- I think she stood 5 foot and about 100 lbs. She told me that she believes when she's to old to ride shes to old. She also had some pretty cool stories of riding for many many years. Just a note you take for whatever you wish. OH by the way, she's still riding her horses too. My sister is 74, her and her husband had to quit riding in their 60's because of his health, she tells me when you stop you will miss it. When your heart, mind and soul agree you will have your answer.

[carolinarider09]

This same thought has crossed my mind over the last several months.  I will be 73 soon.  I retired in February of last year.

I live in a rural area and built the house I now live in.  There is lots to do to keep up the 8 acres the house sits on, but its not a drudgery and it does not have to be done today.

I use to ride to work most days, about 25 miles through some very rural areas.  That kept my annual mileage on two wheels at about 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year, somtimes more.

I have taken three multi day trips this year so far. 

But right now I miss just riding every day.  The problem is, unlike when you have to go some where (work) specific, just riding down the road is not that much fun.  I have been down that road many many times I say to myself. 

The problem, for me, is how to find a new road for a day trip.   I did a day trip to a couple of covered bridges in GA.  Not bad.  Next week I am going to do an overnight trip to Woodstock, GA to visit the Traxxon place.  Thats about 440 miles.

In mid September I will be doing a 12 day trip up to Lake Superior and through Minnesota to visit my wife's family.  Still I want to do more.  But I don't. 

Its not that I don't feel safe on the road.  Like others have stated, I no longer plan trips that require night time riding.  I try and avoid interstates where at all possible, especially near bit cities. 

So,  I don't know.  Its my problem.  I am working on it.   Ride more, take a trip to Waffle House for Breakfast.  Go to somewhere for BBQ. 

[Jess from VA]

My experience in retirement is much like yours.  I've day-ridden all over creation in my riding area for 30 years.  A lot of it is real nice riding even though I've been there many times before.  And I have to put in 45-60 minutes of traffic hell both going out and coming home, most days.  So I'm riding less.  But I go whenever I want, so there's that.   

[Savago]

Splitting lanes with a big cruiser at 90's temperatures would drain physically pretty much any rider.
 

You can try to mitigate the effects of aging by exercising and loosing weight. Investing in an air-bag jacket also improves the prospects of surviving in case of a crash.

Downsizing is another option (i.e. getting a lighter and cheaper bike, like a suzuki vstrom).

Keeping riding is a decision that only you can make.

[cookiedough]

I say keep riding but take other routes since sounds like you still enjoy it and still physically/mentally capable. 

consider selling the big bike and even buying a scooter if need be?

2 months ago I found a very good deal on a suzuki burgman 650 (scooter) and even riding 2-up, that thing has plenty of pep and room and comfy zipping around all over anywhere I want to go.  It is 600lbs, but feels like 350lbs. very manageable.  Only thing I do not like about it is the front suspension over rougher roads on hwys. sort of sucks to choppy and jolty, but otherwise is pretty darn fast have not lost yet taken on a Porsche and BMW convertible at stop lights and smoked both of them, no joke, Porsche was neck and neck while beamer I smoked up to 60 mph in a 35 mph zone before I backed off did not want to get a ticket.  It has a POWER button to push which revs the rpms up another 1000 rpms making take offs from a stop much funner, for a scooter anyways....   

[TTG53#1717]

Aside from my parents, no single thing has had more influence on my life than street bikes. As I approach retirement and SS, I feel lucky that I’m a school trained MC Wrench and Machinist with a full shop in my back yard. I haven’t worked as a Wrench since the ‘70s or in a Tool Room since ‘04. My job these past 15years in a refinery knocks the livin’ crap out of me on a regular basis .
My shop is what I hope will keep me busy and sane after I retire with a bunch of motorcycle and VW bug related projects in the que.

And yet an artificial knee, quadruple bypass and arthritis have me wondering sometimes about how much longer I may have on 2 wheels. I think and hope my physical health will improve after I get away from 12 hr swing shifts and 135 degree, 130 decibel furnace decks.

I’m really a Sportster guy from day one. I still have my 1st bike, a KHK Flathead that I bought ‘49 years ago and chopped when I was 17. That’s retirement project #1. The Valk is the largest bike I’ve ever ridden. I’ve never had even the slightest inclination to sit on a Wing or a big twin tour bike.

The Valk is so well balanced for its size and weight I can still heft it with minimal effort. I’ve been out on it just commuting to work and back since the heart surgery. No real distance rides yet.
I keep tearing open my chest turning big valves at work and have to be that much more careful with the bigger bike.

I really got nostalgic when I was finally able to get out on my 1200 Sporty last week and appreciated the lighter bike and easychair riding position. We went to see the “Easyrider” 50th Anniversary 4K restoration in a nice theater. It was well done and I really enjoyed it and 50 miles on the Sporty.

So for me the real question is do I need multiple bikes and/or do I trim the herd a little in favor of smaller ones that are easier on my cut up chest and the loose cartilage and wires rattling around in it.
I had no pain during my heart attack but the aftermath of surgery at 7 months is at times still very painful and sometimes bloody.

I guess only time will tell.

So, thanks for starting this thread and giving us old guys a place to vent a little about life’s insecurities.