The Time has Come

[solo1]

This morning it was a beautiful day. I had a few things to do in the morning and finished them.

After lunch I backed the Vstrom out of the garage...................................and pushed it back in.

I drove over to my favorite dealer and showed him a picture of the Vstrom.  He's quite familiar with it.  I asked him if he wanted to buy it.  He made an offer and I thought about it tonight.

I'm going to take him up on it tomorrow. I told my sons what i was going to do. I called my friend, Six2Go and let him know.   

For the first time in MANY years i will be without a motorcycle and i won't be buying another one.

I've seen this coming for awhile.  There were more and more days where "it just didn't feel right" and other days where I didn't have the ambition to 'suit up with various other excuses thrown in.  It all came together today.

I'm still in reasonable health, I still have the skills to keep me out of trouble (i think) but a combination of many little things and the equation has become lopsided (the only way that i know how to describe it.).  I'll miss it tho.

I'll no longer be a rider but I hope that I'm still welcomed here.  Retiring from riding at 87 years and six days has given me satisfaction, especially because of meeting all the nice folk here.

No, I'll keep the all the gear for riding for riding as I have the pick of four motorcycles in my family if I choose to ride occasionally.

I'm once again chewing over the idea of another Miata which is the closest thing to riding on four wheels, we'll see.

wayne, solo1

[Bighead]

Not a bad choice Mr. Wayne but please suit up and ride it to him one last Hoorah ya know
A man has got to know his limitations ( quote from Clint himself)

I am sure you have logged many a mile. And smiled during them all

[Valkorado]

Knowing when to say when is a true sign of wisdom, something you've acquired much.  Please keep sharing it with us, and your many great stories.

And thank you for your service.  Much respect.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I sure hope you stick around. Always look forward to your posts. Whether they be old or new stories. Miatas do look fun  

[BF]

Wayne, I just hope that I get to live as long as you....although, battling kidney cancer, I doubt it. 

You're more than welcome here....I love reading your stories even if I don't comment on some of them. 

[old2soon]

No M/C do NOT mean you have to leave. I believe you have reached Elder Statesman status and I enjoy your stories from a time I can only read about. I hope when my time arrives to give up riding I'm able to realize it and NOT paint the highway with body parts and that red liquid inside me. Wayne-I have like ZERO idea how tough this decision of yours was. BUT knowing you made yours-well I'll just wait Til its my time!  Stay well my friend and if/when you do ride again-RIDE SAFE.

[Daniel Meyer]

Rock on Wayne. When it's time, it's time. You're always welcome! I can only hope I can ride as long as you have.

[Pappy!]

Please...........grace us with the stories you have in your head. You have a feel for writing that few have.
I have enjoyed the stories you have told to date and I know there are more lurking around in your head that we would love to hear!
You rode a year or two longer than(my) Uncle Dusty did. He was a Honda guy through and through although in his younger years he would ride anything he could afford....and alot of times that wasn't much.

[PAVALKER]

Wayne,   WOW.   I am truely impressed and amazed.  I know this must have been a long and difficult decision process for you.  I can only think that, had I been you, I would have made the decision 7-17 years ago.....or it would have been made for me.  I wish you the best regardless which convertible you choose.  Please stick around, contribute and entertain us when the urge strikes you.

[signart]

Wise man. Making this move on your terms. We will all have to do the same thing, some on our own terms, some will have the decision made for us. Wish you the best.

[art]

Probably is the time,only you know. I gave up riding due to an accident and not wanting to have it happen again with my wife aboard. 20 years and 300000 miles is enough for me. A Miata  is the way I want to go. When I'm ready to buy a car I may get one. Missing my Valk.

[Black Dog]

Wayne,

As others have said, you are more than welcome here...  You bring so much more than your awesome stories gathered over the years.

For the past week or so, I've been visiting my 87 year old father, in the hospital...  He went home today, but I seriously doubt he will ever fully recover to the way he was just two weeks ago.  His goal is to be able to go fishing with me one more time...

The ability to make the choice you have made is a testament to staying healthy, and knowing when 'the time' has come.

You are an inspiration to us all 

Black Dog

[sandy]

Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive parked next to a Miata. That's my post Valk plan.

[RainMaker]

Not only are you smart, you are wise.  Wise enough to know when to say when. Very few people recognize that point.  Most impressive.

Please keep posting - yours are the posts that I always open, knowing I will find something that will make me think.

Bring your new Miata to Spearfish.

RainMaker

[Jersey mike]

Solo,

even the Indians and cowboys knew when it was their time to stop riding horseback.

now it's time to ride in a buggy, enjoy a Miata.

Best wishes

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

A difficult decision that I respect you for. I too hope you stay around sharing your stories. 

[woofred1832]

                                   I AM SAD TO HEAR YOU WONT BE RIDING ANYMORE.......
                              But we all know that time will come to all of us..... Better to say OK im good,and will hang it up before I end up in a ditch hurt or worse,,, good luck and hope you stay on the site for your advise............................woofred

[RDAbull]

Wayne,
It is much better to make the decision and move on than to have one of the kids tell us of something happening.  A mark of a truly wise man.
I have a good friend here who switched for his GW to a Miata last year.  He and his wife are going to drive it to the West Coast this summer.  Wind is wind my friend.

[..]

Zoom, zoom 

[Karen]

Wayne, it's not the physical condition, it's what you know in your head, and you're simply listening to yourself. Please keep the thoughts and stories coming, you are an amazing gift to have for a friend.

[eric in md]

wayne your one cool dude, i look up to, as many said i hope im riding at your age.. dont leave us,, get you a  convertible and smile.  take care   keep your storys coming  

[MAD6Gun]

 Well in a little while I will be riding my dads bike to Ehlerdings Cycle for the LAST time. Dad came over last night. I called Chris over and he told us what his plans were. It was not a big surprise, I knew this day would come eventually. My dad is the reason myself and both of my brothers got into riding. I got my First bike at the age of 24 a 82 Honda CB900F. Dad would not let me get near it until I took the riding course. Chris fallowed me and then out older brother Wayne not long after. All four of us have been on a few trips together over the years. A few times to Southern Indiana and a real nice trip to Pigeon Forge TN. The last few years we have not had many chances to ride together for some reason. life got in the way and timing. But the many times we rode together I will never forget. Thanks Dad...AKA Solo1..........

[specialdose]

    Wayne, been a member here 2 1/2 yrs. Always enjoy your post. You are a inspiration to me at 68. All of us if blessed with as many years as you will come to this decision one day. May God continue blessing you and we keep hearing from you here. Looks like you are blessed with 3 fine sons.

                                                                                                                Larry, fellow vet, Atlanta

                                                                                                                                   

[solo1]

I'm back from the dealer minus a Vstrom.  I let Mark ride it over there.  i didn't want to.

Now i can say that in all my riding I've never had an accident of any kind. I like to believe that I outsmarted (or out lucked) them all.  i've had my share of droppage due to dumbness and one skipping along on my right foot when the suicide clutch on my '35 Harley started engaging and I couldn't reach it, all in fun tho.

Now to contemplate the empty spot in my garage. There is some sadness but no regrets.  I'll still be hanging out with motorcycles and the good folk connected with them, although my stories might get a little stale.  I'll have to come up with new ones (hopefully Miata related).

Wayne, solo1

[f6gal]

Hey Wayne, you are always welcome here!  No wrecks ever?  That is impressive!
The Miata is a decent choice; however, if I were to give up two wheels, I think I would consider this:
http://www.polaris.com/en-us/slingshot

[The emperor has no clothes]

Wow ! No wrecks ever ? I wish I could say that. Very impressive 

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Wayne, you got me thinking and this afternoon I went for a ride and 50 minutes later I pulled up at my dads who is mid 80's in age. He was just finishing with the riding mower. I told him it's been too long get your trike out and lets go for a ride.........we enjoyed a ride together that I haven't been able to get him on for a long time because he always has some responsibility preventing him. Thanks 

[Oss]

wonder if burgman makes a trike?

Seriously Wayne, as others have said you are wise in knowing yourself
and listen to that voice in your head that keeps you safe and mobile

We all hope to see you down the road whether at Inzane or one of the Indiana rides

God bless you sir

Oss

[Dave Ritsema]

Hey Wayne, you are always welcome here!  No wrecks ever?  That is impressive!
The Miata is a decent choice; however, if I were to give up two wheels, I think I would consider this:
http://www.polaris.com/en-us/slingshot

First of all Wayne, good for you on listening to the voice in your head and letting your sensibilities do the talking instead of your ego. You knew it was time and you acted on it. I am starting to here small whispers that are similar regarding the fire service.

Regarding what Connie said, I looked at a Slingshot last week and told myself when the time comes that I have to give up two wheels, the Slingshot will be the very first thing I look at. Man that thing looks like a blast!

[Pappy!]

me again.....
Read the post from your son.
Might be the time to get your convertible and all the boys on their bikes and do a road trip. Make them take the time to do it. You can store the extra stuff in the trunk as well as have the last laugh when it starts raining!

[da prez]

Wayne , I hope we are still welcome to visit when we are near. It's you , not just a motorcycle. Your bike never told a story , only helped write it.  Safe days ahead for you my friend.
  As for accidents , I just had the ninth this past summer. ( I guess I am home free now)

                               da prez

[flsix]

Wayne I can't imagine how difficult it was to finalize a decision like that. I hope you still keep the stories coming. We'll be watching for them.

[Strider]

Mr Wayne, I thought over your post last night at the Staff House in Angola for a long time.  First off, when you say that you are no longer a rider, that is not correct, YOU SIR, ARE A RIDER - no matter if you are on a bike or not.

When I joined the VRCC 11 years ago, part of what I loved were the stories you told of riding in the days when BIKES were BIKES and RIDERS were RIDERS.  I have been lucky enough to have ridden with you and RJ and it was a pleasure to share some wind with real riders.  You and your sons are riders and fine, fine people (my side covers are even from one of your son's bikes).

A real RIDER is one that knows the spirit of riding....the love of the wind, the difference in smells between a McDonalds and a Burger King when you pass by, the thrill of a good bike and a great road, the eternal search for the ULTIMATE GREAT ROAD, the love of the road and the freedom of 2 wheels. One who knows and cherishes the fellowship of other riders. That is what separates a real rider from a mid life crisis, weekend warrior who spends more time cleaning his bike than riding it or spends more time searching for leather accessories with name brands on them to make them look like what they think a biker should look like.

YOU SIR, ARE A RIDER and always will be!!!!!!!  (on two wheels or not).

I know this must be a hard decision for you to make - and one that we all must make one day.  Good on you!!!!

Hopefully, you can continue to share the wind through our posts and pictures and stories.  I know that I have shared many a journey with you through the years with your posts and pictures.

I am proud to know you and will buy you a coffee or soft drink anywhere, anytime.

The only negative of your decision would be if you did NOT come here and share stories and life with us.  I am proud to know people like you and RJ, and it sure doesn't matter if you meet me on a bike, a Model T or a Miata - you, sir, are a RIDER and I will welcome you with open arms.

You have so many more experiences from your 87 years to share with us............(and new ones to make).

I hope to see ya soon ya ol' RIDER, you...............

[RDKLL]

Wayne, as others have said better than I could say myself...you will always be a rider and always welcome on this board. I hope I have the wisdom to make the same decision you did...probably not but one can hope. I will never be able to say I didnt have an accident but so far only one and the cop said it was the worst one he had seen without fatalities...Im taking that as a win!
The Miata is a fine alternative, thought about one myself and transplanting the 347 out of my Mustang, but that is for a different post.

Thanks for the great posts and I look forward to reading more of them!

[JimC]

Wayne,
I look forward to many more of your life adventure stories.

All I can say about walking away from the bike is:   "I hope I am as wise as you are when I grow up. (ok when I get to your age, I will never grow up)"

Jim

[Thunderbolt]

Good luck on your new ride sir.  I too have enjoyed your tales of yesteryear.  The one that sticks in my mind is the one where you had the picture of you and your buddy on your Matchless I think it was on the Blue Ridge Parkway before it was completed.

[Robert]

Difficult decision made with the same usual sound wisdom and grace I have come to expect from you. I hope you will not give up the board also. As far as the Miata they handle like a 70's MG, they slide out in the rear pretty easily. If I may make a suggestion the BMW Z3's have a 6 cylinder engine wider stance and tires and are pretty similar interior wise to the Miata but a great car. The things I don't like about the Miata is the power although good it lacks just a little and the sliding in the rear. The 6 cylinder BMW seems to have that little extra power and feels roughly the same just a little more solid and because of the wider tires and stance makes it a drivers car. They are not big on repairs and a good used one can be had for 10k. The straight 6 in the BMW was one of their best engines and taken care of will last. Just a suggestion for someone who likes to drive and tour the roads.

[wiggydotcom]

Wayne,

Congrats on your long and enjoyable riding career! As others have eloquently said, your stories are always welcome and enjoyed by the VRCC.
I would say you've earned the right to do whatever you want. I respect that you are getting away from riding on a positive note.

Good for you! I hope your next adventure is as enjoyable as your motorcycle riding has been.

[six2go #152]

Difficult decision made with the same usual sound wisdom and grace I have come to expect from you. I hope you will not give up the board also. As far as the Miata they handle like a 70's MG, they slide out in the rear pretty easily. If I may make a suggestion the BMW Z3's have a 6 cylinder engine wider stance and tires and are pretty similar interior wise to the Miata but a great car. The things I don't like about the Miata is the power although good it lacks just a little and the sliding in the rear. The 6 cylinder BMW seems to have that little extra power and feels roughly the same just a little more solid and because of the wider tires and stance makes it a drivers car. They are not big on repairs and a good used one can be had for 10k. The straight 6 in the BMW was one of their best engines and taken care of will last. Just a suggestion for someone who likes to drive and tour the roads.

Robert; Funny that you would mention a Z3. A Ford,Mitsubishi Dealer about 200 yds from Solo's front door has a 2001 Z3. Solo is a good friend of mine and I know that when he gets his mind set on something(Miata), it will take an earthquake to change it. Also, he had a Miata a few yrs. ago and is pretty familiar with the breed. Hmmm, maybe I'll go take a look at that Z. 

[Robert]

Difficult decision made with the same usual sound wisdom and grace I have come to expect from you. I hope you will not give up the board also. As far as the Miata they handle like a 70's MG, they slide out in the rear pretty easily. If I may make a suggestion the BMW Z3's have a 6 cylinder engine wider stance and tires and are pretty similar interior wise to the Miata but a great car. The things I don't like about the Miata is the power although good it lacks just a little and the sliding in the rear. The 6 cylinder BMW seems to have that little extra power and feels roughly the same just a little more solid and because of the wider tires and stance makes it a drivers car. They are not big on repairs and a good used one can be had for 10k. The straight 6 in the BMW was one of their best engines and taken care of will last. Just a suggestion for someone who likes to drive and tour the roads.

Robert; Funny that you would mention a Z3. A Ford,Mitsubishi Dealer about 200 yds from Solo's front door has a 2001 Z3. Solo is a good friend of mine and I know that when he gets his mind set on something(Miata), it will take an earthquake to change it. Also, he had a Miata a few yrs. ago and is pretty familiar with the breed. Hmmm, maybe I'll go take a look at that Z. 

Z4 is current production the Z3 comes in 2 flavors a 4 and a 6 in the 4 stay with the Miata the 6  The 6 also has better suspension and wider tires and a wider fenders. Its a really cool little car and one that I was thinking of buying. I love the top you can be a in the drivers seat and with one handed operation put it down. Let me know what happens  Before any purchase drive both. Unfortunately another thought is the M series Z3 I posted a video below just for drooling.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBh5kUaFWKE
M series challenging TVR
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBKtyWQa9xA