robin
Member
Posts: 2337
Get on it and RIDE!!
Hardwick NJ
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« on: December 06, 2015, 02:50:56 PM » |
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Well as of now i have 7 working days to till i am retired and have mixed emotions about it.
I have been with the Railroad since i was 20 years old always had medical coverage and 40 hours a week work with overtime,many of the guys i started with are now gone and i am one of the last of my era to go.Now the job is filled with 25 to 40 year olds and a whole different mind set I have many great memories with those i started with and will miss them for they were my second family through good and bad.
I guess i am starting on my second life now and just wondering what direction i want to go,so im happy that i made the past 40 years and was able to get to the light at the end of the tunnel and also sad at the same time that i will not see most of these brothers i grew up with on the job.
So what to do will be my next chapter i hope it is as good as the first!!!
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Pete
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« Reply #1 on: December 06, 2015, 02:54:20 PM » |
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I highly recommend it.
Been there 15+ years.
It is great, if you have hobbys or things you want to do.
Welcome and have fun.
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Patrick
Member
Posts: 15433
VRCC 4474
Largo Florida
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« Reply #3 on: December 06, 2015, 03:28:34 PM » |
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I guess I can understand your anxiety over such a move, but, I doubt it'll last long.
Congratulations on the new life. I'm thinking you'll enjoy this decision.
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cookiedough
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« Reply #4 on: December 06, 2015, 03:32:43 PM » |
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Big congrats as well. Hope you enjoy and keep busy in your retirement doing something fun like riding the bike a ton more often.  Our recent 2nd shift warehouse supervisor retired after 38 years same job hired on directly as a supervisor way back when. He was NOT a speaker at all, but a do-er and fair and open and honest. Some of these traits are far lacking in younger generations for sure. He promised he was not going to cry when his last day arrived, but he did choke up since after 38 years doing the same job, hard not to I guess? I for one will be jumping for joy and running out the door if and when that time comes not missing it one bit.  |
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Oss
Member
Posts: 12765
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
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« Reply #5 on: December 06, 2015, 03:44:57 PM » |
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Robin congrats!
The light at the end of the tunnel is not a train coming your way,
its your chance to ride your bike like DDT, only younger.
You are pretty lucky to have a wife who loves to ride long distances with you and put up with us VRCCers
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If you don't know where your going any road will take you there
George Harrison
When you come to the fork in the road, take it
Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
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RDAbull
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« Reply #6 on: December 06, 2015, 03:47:10 PM » |
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Congratulations Robin. If I were you, I would go for a ride, things do have a tendency to work themselves out in the wind.
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2015 GoldWing Trike
1999 Valkyrie Interstate Trike, gone but not forgotten
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art
Member
Posts: 2737
Grants Pass,Or
Grants Pass,Or
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« Reply #7 on: December 06, 2015, 03:47:48 PM » |
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All those years on the RR? Don't worry about anything, take your pension and enjoy it. Get a hobby,ride,ride,ride. I got a new home with a good workshop in the back which I thought would be good for my Valk but due to an acc. I sole the bike and do hobby woodwork in it.and also am inot astronomy and work on my telescope there. Some days I'm out there 8+ hours. I'm busy making Christmas presents now. So go have fun, Retired ten years.
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old2soon
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« Reply #8 on: December 06, 2015, 04:12:38 PM » |
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I THOUGHT-wrongly it turns out-that I would miss the daily grind of over the road trucking. 39 years behind the wheel of a big truck-somewhere! Feb 2016 will be 7 years since I pulled the pin. Weather gits or stays nice I ride. Enjoy your retirement. YOU worked for it YOU earned it YOU go on ahead and enjoy! RIDE SAFE. |
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16684
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #9 on: December 06, 2015, 04:31:48 PM » |
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Congratulations, one goal accomplished only a honey do list yet to go.
I retired at the end of July this year. Well, I'm semi-retired. I'm not old enough to take full retirement yet but give me three more years and I'll be fully retired.
I find my time is filled with either too much to do or the lack of will and energy to do what I know I need to be doing. That might be because I'm only semi-retired. I still work part time for the same folks I retired from. Ironically, they reduced my pay because I'm no longer responsible for the things I did before and yet, they still expect me to handle those same things when I am there.
Regardless, enjoy the time you have and the pension you have earned. It won't be enough to do what you want to do but, I'm sure you'll figure it out.
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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TimG
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« Reply #10 on: December 06, 2015, 04:34:49 PM » |
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Congratulations on your retirement! It's been a couple of years for me and I'm still enjoying it. First thing I did was put my watch in the drawer and spent the first month simply relaxing. I had to relearn how to relax and take time to smell the flowers. I highly recommend retirement, and I'm sure you will enjoy it. The flowers smell great!
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You can't succeed beyond your wildest expectations unless you begin with some wild expectations.
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kybigmac
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« Reply #11 on: December 06, 2015, 04:42:41 PM » |
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If I would have known i was going to like retirement this much I would have done it 30 years ago!
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #12 on: December 06, 2015, 05:08:47 PM » |
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Congratulations. The free time is great. The pay absolutely sucks. Do what I did. Make a huge list of all the things that need doing, and things you would like to do. Then misplace it. |
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NewValker
Member
Posts: 1392
VRCC# 36356
Oxford, MA
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« Reply #13 on: December 06, 2015, 06:52:38 PM » |
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Congrats Robin, enjoy all you want to do, you earned it.
Craig
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Turns out not what or where, but who you ride with really matters  |
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WintrSol
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« Reply #14 on: December 06, 2015, 07:21:20 PM » |
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If I would have known i was going to like retirement this much I would have done it 30 years ago!
This! I retired a bit over 2 year ago, and now wish I had done so before that, too. I try to do at least one useful thing a day, not always succeeding.  Still don't know how how I had time for all my other interests, and spent 8-10 hours at the airplane factory, too! You will find your time will fill itself, and can stay interesting for a long time. |
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98 Honda Valkyrie GL1500CT Tourer
Photo of my FIL Jack, in honor of his WWII service
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KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)
Member
Posts: 4146
Specimen #30838 DS #0233
Williamsburg, KY
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« Reply #15 on: December 07, 2015, 02:12:43 AM » |
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Robin congrats!
The light at the end of the tunnel is not a train coming your way,
its your chance to ride your bike like DDT, only younger.
You are pretty lucky to have a wife who loves to ride long distances with you and put up with us VRCCers
Couldn't have said it better |
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DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4120
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
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« Reply #16 on: December 07, 2015, 04:20:09 AM » |
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Robin,
Congrats!!! Huge milepost in life you're about to pass! It will be different, and it will require a different mindset. Those of us who have done it already have had many adjustment to make, none greater than those that had to occur between the ears and just behind the eyeballs! It is wonderful, however, and liberating beyond your wildest dreams! Or not...
Some folks find it just too hard to adjust to such a radically different world, so they return to some sort work within a few months to a couple of years following official retirement. I'm not one of those, but I do understand how that can come about. Nothing particularly good or inherently wrong with either direction...
I wish you well... Someone mentioned how great it is having a wife who shares your enjoyment of riding. True in the extreme! Good luck with that, I hope y'all have many smiles and adventures... together. We'll look forward to 'progress reports' from y'all as you adjust...
DDT
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Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
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Hooter
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« Reply #17 on: December 07, 2015, 05:30:18 AM » |
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Good for you Robin! I'm going to have a hard time doing just the same for insurance reasons. Stay busy! I watch my dad die in a chair because he didn't have a plan and he sat on his ass thinking that was what being retired is. His health just faded away. Jess is right but find things to do or have a hobby or two or seven. I've had guys tell me they are busier retired than they were working. Be one of them! |
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You are never lost if you don't care where you are!
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POPS 57
Member
Posts: 456
Motorized Bandit
Motley MN
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« Reply #18 on: December 07, 2015, 05:39:31 AM » |
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I get up in the morning with nothing to do. And by the end of day I'm only half done.
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And as i shifted into 5th I couldn't remember a thing she said.
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dreamaker
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« Reply #19 on: December 07, 2015, 06:59:42 AM » |
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This is just me, and don't let it discourage you!!! Retirement for me , first year was OK! after that I hate it, I loved to work, I love to create and find solutions to things or at least have fun trying. I use to tell people at work that I love to work, they thought I was whacked. I don't golf, or landscape, play cards, watch sports, hunt, or try to bore myself to death. I do like riding my bicycle 20 miles a day and going on the Valk for a run, build, many creative projects. But I feel guilt, that I should be contributing some how, feel like I am cheating the system. Being a greeter at Walmart isn't going to get it, I spent my whole life, learning, training, everything, I mean everything I could, I got more talent in my baby finger than most people will ever get in their life time, and here I sit, staring at the walls, trying to figure what kind if mischief I can get into. What a waste!!
America has a ton of raw unlimited talent just sitting on their asses fading away, they are called retirees. Incredible amount of skill and knowledge, just melting!!
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solo1
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« Reply #20 on: December 07, 2015, 07:28:17 AM » |
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Congratulations on your retirement, it will be what you make of it. DON'T SIT ON YOUR ARSE! Do something that will keep you active, physically and mentally, and that you like to do. I've been retired since 1991. Since then I was a councilman for 14 years, I'm still on the Board of Works And Safety for 22 years. I've taught many classes in firearm safety, wrote very short stories, tried to attend some of the Inzanes, and i'm about to meet our men's church group today for lunch. We call ourselves the ROMEOS (Retired Old Men Eating Out). I'm also on the Board of Elders in my church. Overall, I'm satisfied that I've still contributed to society after retirement. Enjoy your retirement! |
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« Last Edit: December 07, 2015, 07:30:30 AM by solo1 »
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Crazyhorse
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« Reply #21 on: December 07, 2015, 07:38:04 AM » |
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Congratulations my friend. You and Judy will love it.
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gregk
Member
Posts: 794
Retired
Chippewa Falls, wi.
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« Reply #22 on: December 08, 2015, 05:33:48 PM » |
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Congrats Robin! I Suppose your lucky enough to draw a pension but if if you are then you might as well go for ss too. I retired gov pension at 62 and was short 10 Quarters or points to draw ss. Funny but we were told to pay back our military time or if we would draw ss we would have some of our gov pension cut and so I said screw ss because i had a quad bypass going on 12 years now. So I never paid it back. Well I'm only making 23 a mo an its not a lot plus wouldn't you know it that I was not told this till I went through the retirement process that if I didn't pay back my military time and was not able to draw ss till after I was 63 because of not having enough time then they couldn't touch my gov pension. I turned 64 end of Aug. And just now at the end of Oct. Have enough time to draw ss. Going to work 5 day WK till spring then may full retire don't know yet. Wish you well.
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Flat6Valk
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« Reply #23 on: December 09, 2015, 06:21:58 AM » |
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I recommend a nice long ride. Dip that MC tire in the Atlantic, then the Pacific.
That is what I would do.
Greg
Flat6Valk
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RIDE SAFE-RIDE OFTEN........GO BUCKEYES!!!
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DK
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« Reply #24 on: December 09, 2015, 08:38:17 AM » |
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I retired at 55, fourteen years ago and have not regretted it in the least.
It is really nice to be free to do what I want; ride the Valk, work on the Valk, exercise so I can keep riding the Valk longer, travel, work in the shop, do yard work, travel, do volunteer work, read, do nothing, sleep late, play with the grandchildren, do honey do"s, ... The list goes on & on depending on what you enjoy and doing whatever is most helpful to stay active and stay healthy.
It is surprising how much there is to do to keep busy. Some of it may be less pleasurable than others, but it by far beats working.
Just keep busy doing the things you enjoy.
Dan
Dan
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Machinery has a mysterious soul and a mind of its own.
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G-Man
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« Reply #25 on: December 09, 2015, 09:01:04 AM » |
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Best wishes to you and Judy and the rest of your family. Now you have time for things that truly matter, enjoy them. |
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_Sheffjs_
Member
Posts: 5613
Jerry & Sherry Sheffer
Sarasota FL
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« Reply #26 on: December 09, 2015, 09:04:00 AM » |
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Congratulations
Do you plan on staying in NJ? Looks like a nice area you are in when googled, the closest I have been is Branchville many moons ago.
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« Last Edit: December 09, 2015, 09:06:04 AM by Sheffjs »
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czuch
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« Reply #27 on: December 09, 2015, 09:37:30 AM » |
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This is just me, and don't let it discourage you!!! Retirement for me , first year was OK! after that I hate it, I loved to work, I love to create and find solutions to things or at least have fun trying. I use to tell people at work that I love to work, they thought I was whacked. I don't golf, or landscape, play cards, watch sports, hunt, or try to bore myself to death. I do like riding my bicycle 20 miles a day and going on the Valk for a run, build, many creative projects. But I feel guilt, that I should be contributing some how, feel like I am cheating the system. Being a greeter at Walmart isn't going to get it, I spent my whole life, learning, training, everything, I mean everything I could, I got more talent in my baby finger than most people will ever get in their life time, and here I sit, staring at the walls, trying to figure what kind if mischief I can get into. What a waste!!
America has a ton of raw unlimited talent just sitting on their asses fading away, they are called retirees. Incredible amount of skill and knowledge, just melting!!
Then you see the recent college grads running the show. I told a guy I had more time backing a trailer than he has driving, and had to go to HR because I hurt his feelings. Its planned that way just like not having shop class anymore. If nobody can do, we're reliant. I hope your retirement is as long as the road to get there. Enjoy it. |
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Aot of guys with burn marks,gnarly scars and funny twitches ask why I spend so much on safety gear
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fudgie
Member
Posts: 10629
Better to be judged by 12, then carried by 6.
Huntington Indiana
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« Reply #28 on: December 09, 2015, 02:01:03 PM » |
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Congrats. My dads in the same boat. Got on the railroad in 1974 and is still there. Hes been thru a lot of changes on the RR. From being the Erie to Conrail to now CSX. Even a stint of being laid off for 8 yrs. He wanted to retire a few yrs ago but didn't. Same for this yr. He redoing the farmhouse and says he will have to work till hes 80 to pay it off. Works 6 days aweek mostly overnight and only takes vacation 2 weeks a yr for deer season. He has to stay busy. If he retires who knows what he will do. He cant relax. Farm will keep him busy I guess. RR money is def good. 2-3x what I make.  |
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 Now you're in the world of the wolves... And we welcome all you sheep... VRCC-#7196 VRCCDS-#0175 DTR PGR |
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3fan4life
Member
Posts: 6996
Any day that you ride is a good day!
Moneta, VA
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« Reply #29 on: December 09, 2015, 02:28:26 PM » |
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Congrats on your retirement !!!!
My advice, find something that you want to do and do it.
Whether that is ride more, take up a new hobby or start a new career !
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1 Corinthians 1:18  |
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