Still kickin'

[solo1]

A discourse on getting older.


                              The Wonderful(?)  Challenges of Getting Older

I've been reading the posts on the VTCC and I see all the unexpected drastic physical conditions that are cropping up with our members and I wonder that I'm still here while I take the next step to the age of 83 on Easter Sunday.  I'm honored that this is the first time in my memory  that my birthday has fallen on this Great Eventful Day of celebration.

I never gave it much thought as to how I would manage if I made it to this age.  I never even thought that I would be still struggling to find the means of riding at this point in time. After all, I've always maintained that the warranty runs out between the ages of 65 and 75. I'm 'way over the warranty period and it shows.

What also shows is the ability of the body to get even with us as we age.  Everything that we've done to our bodies will come back to remind us.   My right wrist was sprained or damaged when I was younger and now it doesn't much like to be twisted as in throttle twisting.  However, I'm lucky, so far, in that the only bones that I've broken over time were two ribs and, evidently, they aren't on the "get even" list.

As I age I notice that I've been sleeping more. Now I know why.  During sleep my body is thinking up new and ingenious ways to aggravate me.  Unexplained ear clicking,  aches and pains in my knees, itching due to whatever,  tinnitus, hearing loss, cataracts starting.  Life is becoming very interesting with all this variety.  They say "Variety is the Spice of Life"  They might be right.  I most certainly am trying a variety of things to make the bike more comfortable for me.

Things like buying a soft riding bike like the Vstrom.  Putting spacers under the handlebars to raise them, lowering the bike's suspension and lowering the footpegs, installing a centerstand to make it easier to oil the chain, and saddlebags to carry meds, both for me, and the bike,  Granted, all these things aren't conducive to dragging the pegs but here in NE Indiana the only way to drag the pegs is to make u turns in the street.

I would like to replace all the parts that are wearing out on my body but that'll be a little bit harder and it's not a do –it-yourself  project. 

UPDATE, November 2014

Evidently some of my replacement parts are working,  The cataracts are gone, replaced by the ability to see without glasses.  Cherry juice seems to be getting me extra mileage before my knees start hurting.  Hearing aids are finally working good enough to cut down on the "Huh's? and the frozen face that I needed to appear like I was picking up all conversations.   I've not needed my knees or any joint replaced yet so I can't be named something like "Spare Parts Simpson" a name that anyone who read Joseph Wambaugh's
"The Black Marble" knows all about.

I've raised the Vstrom back to its original height, the centerstand doesn't want to work with me and my knees very well but the saddlebags are still big enough to house my meds, a plus!

However, I must use the term"Quality Ride" now when I report on my motorcycling escapades.  My Vstrom is willing but this 86 year old body doesn't like too much time in the saddle anymore.  I'll take anything that I can get but only 900 miles this season seems a little low, even for me. ................BUT I'll take it.

Advice to all.  Hang in there this Winter and keep the PMS to a minimum.

Wayne, Solo1


There might be mistakes in this post but I can't preview. The board isn't 'fetching the preview' whatever.

[art]

Good for you . After reading your posts and how you can still ride I feel better about coming up on 72. I gave up riding but not because I can't but because I don't want to go down again an go through the pain an also don't want my wife to have it happen to her. I do miss riding but have other things to keep me busy. Hang in there and enjoy yourself but do keep safe.

[Spirited-6]

Wayne, I think I love you !!!  I`m only 79 at this date but I feel the same as you in many ways.. I wish I could have the out look that you do. Maybe later in life ! 
Great thoughts from you !

[The emperor has no clothes]

  Didn't see one mistake by the way(but I can barely speak much less write).

[specialdose]

             
                          Wayne, I am about to hit 68. Your post is truly inspiring.

                                        Keep on keeping on brother

[Misfit]

Ride on Wayne. 

[BobB]

Nice introspective Wayne.  I didn't realize that cherry juice was good for the knees.  My 70 year old knees need all the help they can get. 

[solo1]

BobB,

The Montmorency concentrated cherry juice is definitely working for me.  Before i started it three months ago, I had to straighten out my knees on the highway pegs after only 5 miles. Now it takes about 50 miles and, even then, sometimes i don't need to do it then.  It also has helped my balance (knees are stronger) and makes me more confident on the bike when I stop.

Look up Brownwood cherry juice and NO, i don't get a discount for saying .