From time to time I wonder how long I’ll be able to ride. It happened today while slogging along a grass road. Grass does a good job hiding ruts, groundhog holes, and other jarring obstacles for little scooter tires and nice taps and twinges to aging joints. It’s during those episodes that I can start feeling old.
This past year I’ve noticed subtle changes that affect riding. An active imagination can easily construct a doomed future. The end of riding and beyond. These changes come in the form of increased hand and wrist pain, reduced tolerance to cold, and increased resistance to riding in adverse conditions. When occupied in this mental arena I search for evidence of continued activity and accomplishment. At an art museum recently I was doing age calculations of the artists – subtracting their birth date from the date of a work’s creation hoping for evidence that good things continue to happen.
When I stumbled upon Piaggio’s marketing project – NO AGE LIMIT – I was thrilled to see two riders in their 70’s riding across America.
Buddy and Bob are riding MP3 500’s from San Francisco to New York. Last time I checked they were in the Midwest. It’s a nice story and they have lots of pictures, maps and information about the trip. For many the ride is the most interesting part of the story but for me it’s the fact that these guys are still out there riding. I’ve always had in the back of my mind that when I got older or less sure on my feet that I would opt for one of those three-wheeled wonders. I guess Piaggio was thinking the same thing.
I bought my scooter from somebody who hung it up because of balance problems. I wonder if he took the money and made a down payment on an MP3? I hope so. The Helix discussion list is filled with 65+ riders. So I don’t think you have too much to worry about.
Steve, it’s good to see you haven’t forgotten to post in Scooter in the Sticks from time to time. BTW, I’m a littl envious of your day job, photographing and writing for the university.
Thanks for the link to this blog, No Age Limit. That’s a good one.
Brent
Let’s just say I think you’re pretty brave for taking your scooter off road. Maybe try something with a little more suspension and traction for those off-road jaunts?
Welcome back Steve.
You old worry wart. The trick to aging is to take it as it comes, and be glad you’re still alive and more or less healthy. I’m planning a sidecar for when the time comes if cancer hasn’t got me first.
As for agriculture- I grew up on a farm and hated it. Which gives me particular insight into the heroism of family farms (not Monsanto, Cargill, ADM et al) but I don’t really like to be reminded of it. There’s a future to dread Post Peak Oil and we all return to home husbandry. Give me oil or give me death!
You’re not alone in getting older. Keep at it!
And wow, is it nice to see some new comments again. I bet I’m not alone in saying we MISS you!
Steve, I hope this means we’ll hear from you on a regular basis again. I moved Scooter in the Sticks back into the “BLOGS” section of my blogroll…
__Orin
Scootin’ Old Skool
Steve, it’s great to see you’ve posted again! I’m thinking about a Yamaha Zumo, they are said to have something of a suspension to ease the things a bit.
As far as aging goes, I plan on someday being the oldest guy on two wheels!
Reading about Buddy and Bob’s adventure reminded me of a blog that I stumbled across awhile back about a girl riding a Vespa 150LX (I think that was the size) from San Fransisco to New York. A very addicting blog to read and I think would have to be a lot more adventurous than doing it on a big road bike. She certainly has my respect.
Good to see that you’re back, I had just jumped onto the “Blogging” bandwagon when you took your hiatus.
E.T.
rick: Thanks! I always need to hear things like that.
Brent: I feel grateful to be able to return to professional photography after a 15 year break. It was all film when I left and digital on return. I’m still learning—just like I did as a kid with my first ANSCO home darkroom kit.
justin: Don’t be linking to those Triumph Scramblers. That’s one motorcycle that I have been trying to exorcise from my consciousness. Sweet…
jonathan: It’s nice to post again. Sort of missed the process.
conchscooter: I can always rely on you to open the blinds and let the light in.
A sidecar on the Bonne would look just fine.
You hated growing up on a farm? Maybe you were going to the wrong 4H club. Seriously though the challenges facing agriculture (and food on my table) are sort of frightening. People don’t realize how fragile the whole system is.
Oil. Just get me through the winter without emptying my wallet.
tim: Getting older is something I am slowly learning to accept. What real choice is there?
orin: I’m not sure what regular will mean but thanks for your support!
kano: I wonder who the oldest person riding is? I remember that Ardys Kellerman was riding her BMW two years ago at age 74. And I mean riding—like 100K a year. Maybe she’s still riding…
earl: I love the picture on the banner of your blog. It’s the kind of place I like to ride. The Vespa really isn’t designed to tear down roads like that though.
The woman you are referring to I think is Shreve Stockton. She has a blog called the Vespa Vagabond. I agree, traveling like she did is close to the earth and not with much in the way of creature comforts. Sleeping along the road, no daily shower. That’s an adventure.
Someday I am going to try that…
Great to have some Scooter in the Sticks to read again Steve. No matter how regular you are I still look for new posts.
Ronman
At 60 now I have been feeling it… the excitement of the road gets me going, ADVIL does too… and then again, enticing stomach problems!!! Photography is good! Spirit’s company is great… these two have slowed me down and giving the body a bit of rest throughout the days.
Nice to read you again…
Be well… Ara & Spirit
Hi Steve, I was glad to see your blog again. I can’t believe you are thinking about getting too old to ride a bike. I am 66 years old, I have high blood pressure,6 heart stints,diabetes and I just had my artery in my neck cleaned out but I ride my 150cc Piaggio Fly several times a week. I keep myself as healthy as possible so I can ride. I am reading your posts again as it is my favorite blog. Annie
well, apart from the fact that actually older folks in my hometown are really less sensitive to the cold – as they bath in the sea when anyone would – my fear is even higher: I practice longboard skating and parkour – ya know what it is? – and this activities leave me a good tolerance to enjoy riding when I’ll be too old to practice them.
as you see, it’s a matter of viewpoints, as usual!
try to think when you’ll be forced to stop shooting pictures and I bet you’ll feel great! 🙂