Too Old to Ride?
Personal Reflections
I’ve been asking myself a lot lately whether I’ve reached a point where I can’t reliably ride anymore. Whether some future motorcycle to be named later or the Vespa GTS scooter that I’ve been riding for the past decade.
It’s a crappy conversation to have with yourself if you really enjoy riding. My father-in-law was talking about the same conversation he’s been having about bicycles. But he’s almost twenty years further down the road than I am.
It’s been three months waiting for my lower back to heal. This isn’t the first time I’ve felt this way. Only the first where things haven’t gotten better. The lingering, gnawing pain and sudden, startling bursts of electric weakness provide ample pause when deciding to ride. Putting on gear and boots is an adventure in itself that can leave me cringing and panting from the task.
I suppose I should be surprised at the mental conversations.
Long and winding road
In my dreams I’m riding well into my eighties. My granddaughter has her own motorcycle and lectures me on some aspect of life as she comes into her own. Two weeks ago I was riding through the local forests to enjoy the sights and fragrances of a changing autumn world. Each stop to push the scooter onto the center stand was a breath-holding event as I was never sure if the movement involved would impinge an already irritated nerve.
There are a few things I consider when thinking about the big riding stop sign:
- Am I strong enough to manage the weight involved?
- Is my mind clear?
- Are my reactions reliable?
- Am I afraid to be on the road?
- Can I see?
Five simple questions. And so far, with only momentary and somewhat predictable situations, only the first question is relevant. All the rest receive a positive response.
Rough roads
I love riding through the near endless forest roads here in central Pennsylvania. While the Vespa scooter may not be the first choice for this terrain it’s capable enough for any rider not bent on break-neck speeds and tricks. My own recent wandering in Rothrock State Forest to absorb the flaming foliage has been satisfying if not at times jarring along rough stretches of road.
Autumn sky
The light is different this time of year. The sun remains lower in the sky and I swear it paints far better cloud drawings than any other time of the year. I know I look up more this time of year to look, and to think. Like whether I’m too old to ride.
Perhaps the past week was just a bad stretch of body encounters on top of some bouncing riding that caused me to grit my teeth. Another chiropractor appointment that doesn’t seem to help. A rheumatologist who doesn’t think my auto-immune arthritis has worsened but perhaps a physical therapist could help. Add a colonoscopy to the mix and perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised I’m asking whether I’m too old to ride.
And it’s cold. That early, cold-season riding desire crushing cold. It was 27F this morning.
Vespa riding sunset
Am I too old to ride? No. Can I ride as I wish? No. Are things going to change? Don’t know. Just a sample of the questions I have been experiencing lately as my riding has changed to accommodate my aching back.
A few days ago I hopped on the scooter to ride to a local eatery to pick up dinner and stopped along the way to drink in the sunset. These small journeys are the norm these days. The occasional 150 mile weekend jaunts are growing more rare as I make decisions to not stress the healing I imagine taking place in my lower back. And those decisions work into the personal conversations I have with myself about growing older and myriad decisions including whether I’m too old to ride.
When I talk with other riders I seldom hear anything personal aside from bragging about riding accomplishments or the mechanical nuances of their motorcycle or scooter. Conversations about personal challenges, misgivings or concerns seem off limits. Personal story telling seems a difficult challenge.
It’s why I write. Putting words on a page is easier than talking. For me at least.
I’m not too old to ride. I am currently struggling with some physical hurdles to riding but am still confident that work and focus will allow me to get over them.
It will be just above the freezing mark in the morning. And I want to go for a ride. The desire is still there…
As has been said, “there are old riders; and there are bold riders – but there are no old bold riders!”
I loved to ride for decades, and I have done so all over America (well, at least 37 states so far). And I have always worn all the gear, all the time (ATGATT).
But somewhere in the last couple of years it just became too much of a personal chore to put on all that gear for any short ride – to take some of it off when I get to me destination, only to have to put it right back on for a return trip.
So I ordered a 3 wheeler, an ELIO – and the good news is that Pennsylvania considers it a motorcycle or maybe an autocar. So if they EVER make it, I’ll still get to be riding in my mind at least; and I expect I’ll enjoy it just a much as 2 wheels – and then maybe I can get to those other 13 states!
PS. Your sky photo above contains not organic clouds, but dissipating chemtrails – but then you probably already knew that.
I feel much the same about donning gear for short rides. I still ride with everything except the armored pants. They are a real chore to get on and off when my back is stiff. And on a cold morning like today make my decision to ride based on how hard it might be to get them on. That’s no good place to be…
I’ve seen things on the web regarding the ELIO. That looks like something from the future. Pretty cool way to “ride”. My choice, should I get to the point where managing the machine at slow speeds becomes a challenge, would likely be a URAL rig or a Piaggio MP3. The MP3 rides and feels exactly like a motorcycle and the ability to lock the two front wheels in an upright configuration at slow speeds means you basically could ride without ever putting your feet down. Takes some practice but would be effective.
Clouds — I use that term in a non-meteorologic manner. If it’s gas in the sky it’s a cloud! Living at the cross roads of so many eastern flight routes there are days when you seen nothing but chemtrails…
About those pants. I frequently wear Draggin Jeans, as comfortable and easy to get on and off as regular pants. With long underwear, they’re comfortable down to 50 degrees. In hot weather, I find them no hotter than regular jeans. I’ve crash tested them too. One hint, do not buy another name brand. Stick with the Draggin name.
I’ve looked at those pants Robert and gulp at the price. End up telling myself I’ll just wear the riding overpants. And then I don’t. Perhaps it’s time to look for a sale…
As much as you ride, it’s worth the investment.
You’re right, as usual, Robert. Now that the cold weather is back I’m wearing the riding pants. But come summer I should take the plunge…
…contrails not chemtrails.
Come on Frank, you need to allow us our conspiracy theories about chemtrails and the end of the world. It’s like Dektol causing Alzheimers…
Seriously though, I’ve always called them contrails since I was a kid but I hear the term chemtrail more and more. Have never looked further than the Wikipedia entry about it.
To Frank, a retired Army Aviator. . . not to get way off the scooter topic here Frank — but since you chose to disagree with my observation by arbitrary decree, let me quote “They’re long trails of cirrus clouds that stretch across the horizon and then spread out across the sky. After about a half hour or so, they begin to appear foggy and disappear into the air. It cannot be jet exhaust either since normal jet fuel contrail dissipates within seconds after the aircraft has passed.” — but then you should know that Frank since you claim you’re a retired aviator. And Frank, there are thousands of articles about chemtrails, so to call them contrails is certainly a misnomer. http://bit.ly/2gcWRyf Oh, and by the way Frank, I too am a retired Army aviator as well – and I can certainly tell the difference between a contrail and a chemtrail, as can anyone, simply by observation. . . . now back to scootering!
The chemtrail vs contrail controversy is an interesting one. A quick review in Google produces a wide range of information from claims of government coverups to the EPA declaring no impact at all for human health. Next time I ride and see these lines in the sky I won’t be able to easily say to myself, “How beautiful…”.
I enjoyed your article very much,but I also hated it.the fact that we all get a little older and we wake up with new aches and pains,we still love to ride and we just cant do this like we want to anymore is something I have been thinking about to in the last several months.my original dream was to buy a newer Goldwing and ride across this beautiful country of ares.I bought the Goldwing but with the weight of motorcycle and with a heart attack 8 years ago and 2 knee replacements that dream got sold.so with your blogs and pictures I bought a gts 250 ie vespa.I love this scooter but about 150 miles a day is my limit.not the 4 or 5 hundred miles I used to do om my Goldwing.i feel for you as I do for me .the mind says yes but the body says no.heres hopeing I get a few more years before my favorite hobby is put on a permanent hold.
Chuck,
You sum things up perfectly. The mind says yes but the body says no. I feel as if dreams of longer rides are evaporating. Hopefully it’s temporary but you never know.
Glad you’ve been able to find some joy on the Vespa. They are amazing machines. While not a Goldwing by any stretch, they do provide a reasonable experience on two wheels. Here’s hoping you find more years of riding!
I’m rooting for both of us
I’m going to my uncles 80th birthday party in a couple of weeks. He rides both street and dirt. When I was a kid he fell off scaffolding and for a while there was questions weather he would work again. He is a firm believer in massage therapy. He now has a truck & 5th wheel, he loads a bike on the back and drives it where he is going riding, or goes riding where he stops. Into his late 70’s he made trips to Alaska & numerous cross country tips including multi day ADV trips.
My wife on the other hand is 60 and as a passenger can go for 1 to 2 hour rides on smooth roads once a month. This year my riding has been way off but that has had more to do with mechanical issues and my wife health.
Thanks for sharing the story about your uncle at 8o. I’m hoping my back responds to some sort of therapy and I can ride as I have. Riding into my 80s would be icing on the cake.
There are riders in our local Moto Hang who are riding seriously in their 70s. I suppose we each have a hand of health cards dealt to us and we have to make the most of it…
My husband and I have been having the same conversation lately about whether we are or are not “too old to ride.” Most of our issues center around sharp right turns into parking lots that have a steep incline up and a big curb to have to go over slowly. Balance while riding slow is the key, and it’s tough when the physical situation of the road/turn means we have to go more slowly than is comfortable, making it hard to control the bikes. No incidents so far, thank goodness, but it’s made us more uneasy.
I’ve had issues with the center stand on the Vespa, too…so I put on a kickstand (yes, I’ve heard every objection to kickstands on Vespas!) It’s made my riding life much easier in that regard, at least!
Slow maneuvers are almost always a challenge regardless of age or health. The situations you describe can put a rider on edge.
I’ve mastered the Vespa centerstand but I struggle with getting bigger motorcycles up on them. Practice makes perfect. I opt for the kickstand though!
I am glad you are willing to articulate such thoughts, Steve. I too have found that conversations about “personal challenges”, etc. seem to be “off limits”. At least you are open and honest enough to bring them up.
I am on a KLR50 now, but I often wonder for how long. I too think about the 3-wheel machines, same as you, and include the Can-Am in my thoughts as well as the Harley Trike, but I don’t know. Riding them isn’t the same experience as being on two wheels (and I have ridden them). Nothing I have found or experienced is like riding on two wheels, not even driving a Ferrari, and I have done that too.
I know this sounds crazy, but I even contemplate changing to a Super Sport, like a CBR600RR, GXSR, R6, ZX-6, etc. I mean if you’re going to be in pain anyway, might as well go in all the way!
I try to share the things going through my head that are related to riding and health and age are common of late. Seems like the kind of thing that would come up in conversation with friends so I figure it appropriate here. There’s a whining line somewhere that I try to keep in mind.
The only three-wheeled machine I know of that still leans and feels like a motorcycle is the Piaggio MP3. A trike or Can-Am won’t lean so I’m not sure what it would be like. The URAL doesn’t lean either and at times it seems like you have to fight with it on certain terrain.
Good luck should you move to a Super Sport of some sort. I know my body wouldn’t do well on one of those. Even when I wasn’t having problems it was really an uncomfortable riding position for me.
Keep looking for cures Steve. I really enjoy your riding posts. Take a break but don’t give up! Brent.
I’m looking and am not ready to give up yet. Whatever path I find myself on I’ll share the story…
I can’t think of you not riding in the vary near future, sure our set Backs happen, give it time. After our get together earlier this month, you look good and you have outside stress that will be history ( work ), all that you & I shared that morning riding & family , weighting photography , is your fath and it’s good and you spoke of good. Give it time. It might be a different type of riding.
Seems a rocky road at times but generally heading in the right direction.
Still waiting for you to get another motorcycle. Or a Vespa. You need to get out of that pickup truck every once in awhile…
Two words Steve. Kidney Belt. The support they offer on a ride is invaluable. I used one this past season. I’ll never ride over an hour without it.
Great suggestion Jim. I’ve been looking at them this evening online. Reading reviews it sounds like it would help.
I can imagine how hard of a conversation this is to have. We have a few gentlemen that come to Saturday coffee and they are both in their early 70’s and have started the conversation. One rides a new Ducati Multistrada and the other an older BMW but is thinking of looking for something lighter.
I think only you can determine if you can still ride. Well, technically I guess your doctor or the DMV could, but I think you and your comfort level.
Troubadour bought his Triumph Tiger from a retired school teacher that was losing his eyesight. He’d be riding two up with his wife and gradually couldn’t see any more and have to sit on the side of the road until it came back. That is when he knew it was time, when he didn’t feel safe riding any longer.
I sincerely hope you have many more great years of riding left to enjoy.
I’m certainly capable of ignoring and denying lots of things. I’ve tried to make sure I don’t employ those talents with riding. Discussing those kinds of issues on Scooter in the Sticks is a nod toward softening the eventual decisions.
I’m with you though — looking forward to more years of great riding!
Dear Steve. I am 70 and a half. I rode my beloved 1991 BMW R100RT for 22 years. The last few years I was struggling with the pain in the hip whenever mounting and dismounting the bike. So, I rode less and less. Then I sold my love. (Found a good home for it, of course.). Then I bought a Yamaha Majesty scooter. No more pain and much more riding. I hope to ride for many years to come.
MP3 sounds like a great idea.
Thank you for many years I have enjoyed your writing and photos. You are a gifted person. Please don’t stop before God decides.
Sincerely,
Dan
Dan,
Recognizing the pain related to riding a beloved machine is perhaps the easy part of aging. Making the decision to do something about is much harder. Making the switch from an R100RT to a Yamaha Majesty is a big step — both in terms of image and performance. But I bet the Majesty was a big surprise. Everyone I”ve ever talked with who has ridden them for awhile loved them. Same with the Burgmanns. I too hope you have many years ahead on the road.
Thanks for your kind words about my posts here on Scooter in the Sticks. I write and shoot for myself. Knowing someone else finds value is nice gift.
Nope, not too old by far….just have to do some minor adjustments, that’s all.
The short focal length shot of the Vespa with the blurred Fall Colors background….lovely.
Doing new exercises. They seem to help. I’m hoping to wake one day soon as good as new!
At age 60, I suppose I should count myself as extremely lucky: aside from the need for corrective lenses (needed ’em since age 7), I have no physical conditions preventing me from riding (or cycling for that matte…and I probably have my decades in the saddle to thank in part for that). The very thought of not being able to ride seems akin to losing a major limb…I might be able to eventually adjust to the new reality, but the process would be pretty damn rough. The bicycle, and now the Vespa, have been immensely therapeutic for me, both above and below the neckline.
I would venture to say that the end of the road isn’t in sight for you just yet. Adjustments to make? Certainly. (Hey, I’m not quite the speed demon on the road bicycle I was fifteen years back…which was slower than the fifteen previous to that.) But the roll continues.
Sorry for the delay in responding. This post had so many comments that I just kind of missed some things…
I never thought much about my health, even after being diagnosed with anyklosing spondylitis, until I had a heart attack. And even then I could still go about my days without anything in the way.
But the back — that is a different story. It really does make you see the world differently. Hence the conversation about when to stop riding.
I’m hoping I just need to make adjustments to my expectations of myself and not go cold turkey on riding. We’ll see.
Good luck on your own adventures. Stay safe on the road.
Real good photography as usual! Fall is also very pretty here in SouthCentral PA.
Your questions must be hitting a “sweet spot” as the majority of existing riders edges into a similar situation. There is a recently-published book that thoroughly addresses this – “Motorcycles and our 2nd 50 years: An Owner’s Manual for Riders Over 50” by Reg Kittrelle. Very positive review of it in the Nov 2016 edition of Motorcycle Consumer News. MotorcyclesAnd2nd50.com
Thanks for the compliment on the photography. Hard to go wrong with such a beautiful landscape.
I believe there are a lot of men and women who wonder and worry about aging and what they should and shouldn’t do. Doesn’t surprise me that is strikes a chord.
Thanks for the head’s up on the book. Looks like the kind of thing I wish I had written.
“I am on a KLR50 now…”
I meant to say KLR650.
Maybe I should be on a 50cc now…
Could have been a Kawasaki mini-bike!
Cher Steve,
Non tu n’es pas trop vieux mais juste fatigué. Alors il vaut mieux continuer à rouler un petit peu que pas du tout. Les moments sur le scooter se feront peut-être plus rares mais tu les apprécieras plus comme si tu dégustais un bon vin qui laisse un bon goût en bouche plus longtemps…
Courage
Dear Steve,
No you’re not too old but just tired. So it’s better to keep rolling a little bit than not at all. The moments on the scooter will perhaps be more rare but you will appreciate them more as if you tasted a good wine that leaves a good taste in the mouth longer …
Courage
Laurent from France.
I am tired. Typical change of season stuff that I seem to suffer in the fall. The loss of light must affect me.
But I keep pushing on. Hopefully, the scooter rides won’t become rare. Perhaps just more thoughtful.
Thanks for your support Laurent.
Keep riding. Get a sidecar. Heated gloves. Stay off those washboard roads for a while. I’m old, have one eye, short legs, no balance at all. Sidecar solved my woes. But sometimes I think ahead…so when I’m 80 I’ll find some youngster to pilot my rig while I sit back and wave!
I was out riding yesterday and rode through some rough patches that made my spine and I squeal… I’ll take your advice and avoid those places for awhile.
I can say, with certainty, I will not go easily into a sidecar. I can barely be a passenger in an automobile. I hide it well but the entire experience is awful…
It was all of ten years ago in mid-November I had major surgery (8+ hours) for removal of my left kidney, my spleen, all of my lymph nodes (chest, under arms and groin) all due to stage IV (4) cancer.
My prognosis was very poor.
I survived surgery, then the following eight months of intensive chemo. Chemo will kill you or cure you, however chemo leaves entrails, in my case no immune system; a year after three additional years of chemo, Celulitus in my left e.g., which resulted in far more disruption of my life than the cancer and related surgery.
The biggest problem for me if i wished to return to ride is sizing. Am way too tall (close to seven feet)and heavy to even consider anything two or even three wheels. My height means riding a “cute” (sorry but they are) Vespa is out of the question, legs are too long to allow the handlebars to turn.
My weight hovers around 400 pounds. No motorcycle today will accept that weight, and be comfortable and safe to ride.
For a motor vehicle a Honda Ridgeline truck modified with a seat-back four inches system,, because it all fits, me.
The other continuing increasing problem is the sheer increasing number of vehicles on the local roads. Unlike you Steve where you have uncontested quiet rural roads, I would have to drive one to two hours just to find roads with out vehicles regularly exceeding the posted limits. Thinking now riding is for those of more supple body, those without the infirmities of increasing age, those who are able to enjoy the freedom of the open road without encumbrances brought on by our own body attacking us.
Then too, there is the ATGATT belief. I wore leather pants, jacket, sometimes a leather shirt, heavy custom made boots for my 16, 9E feet, and a white full-face helmet. Ten years later no one manufacturer is able to supply me with any viable form of riding gear.
My leather maker has passed on, the current well-padded textile clothing companies (in Canada ,the US and overseas) just laugh when I ask them about custom textile riding gear. My custom shoe maker has suggested I not even think about riding again; he would have to construct an entire new last for my riding boot; not impossible, just costly. And then there is the recently diagnosed possible Parkinson’s and I simply have to say, no.
Steve, you have to make the decision as to whether you wish to stop riding, none of us can make that decision for you.
If however you can perhaps winterize the Vespa and drive the Honda Fit to work as needed; and as many of us have done in the past,, prep for a return to riding in the spring; having given your battered back time to heal and improve.
And too, the title of the blog involves the scooter; you have spoken of other activities in your life including the wedding of a daughter as well as your two dogs and your wife’s hobbies and photography. None of this has to terminate if you are not riding in the winter. Then too, how is your grand-daughter and the two black dogs; still able to pitch a ball for them in the morning?
Bryde,
Your medical challenges make mine seem merely a minor annoyance of which I complain about. With some care and therapy things can all fall back into place.
I’m absolutely NOT ready to park the Vespa for the winter. And I’m not exactly ready for the cold weather I’ll have to endure. For now, I’m putting by toe into the water for a slow entry into cold weather riding.
All of us are here to support you in writing as many of us are not close to Boalsburg and/or your employment.
And all of us have been through the hoops so to speak so can well
empathize with your predicament.
One of these days I hope to meet you at Saints Cafe and enjoy a cup of tea with you;
just need to see if I can afford medical travel health insurance; it could be bloody expensive…
BTW any recent photos of Junior and Lily??
I seem to run across more and more riders who are wrestling with changes in life and health. Glad people are willing to talk.
I have a lot of pictures of Junior and Lily. Don’t always think to post anything about those two. Soon perhaps!
Hi Steve.
It looks as if we riders are in excellent company with our aches and pains that come with advancing years. At 78 I still enjoy riding but like you I reduce my time in the saddle out of kindness to my body.
Laurent from France had absolutely the best advice, its not the age rather than things wearing out making live slow down.
When riding ceases the world goes on and we learn other enjoyable activities.
Enjoy a good wine.
You have a good attitude toward it all. Congratulations on your continued riding. I hope I follow in your tire tracks.
Wow, this must be a hot topic based on the number of comments.
A universal concern!
Hi Steve,
Hopefully you will carry on riding for a long time yet mate!
I figure you might well have the best tool for the job with the Vespa though…..CVT, no clutch or gears to worry about and a reasonably light weight Machine with the power and zest to get you out of trouble quickly.
I think the GTS really does tick all the boxes for us to remain with confidence in our abilities to continue riding into our older years, at least that’s what I hope:)
Hope the back eases up soon as I see that this is really the only thing really slowing you down.
Yes, the back is the great disabler. I still am hopeful that things will come around.
The Vespa IS a great riding machine for all ages but particularly those of us on the mature side of life!
Steve,
An excellent article! I’m 70 next birthday and started wondering whether I was too old back in 2011 after dropping my top heavy Honda Blackbird during a slow speed manoeuvre. I made a blog post about it which eminent motorcycle author David Hough saw and some wonderfully productive correspondence followed. David has devoted a chapter of one of his books to the older rider. To cut a long story short, I now ride a bicycle regularly to improve worn out knees and a lower back problem and have taken advanced motorcycle training in an effort to prolong my motorcycling career as it means so much to me. I’ve also moved to lower, lighter bikes. Riding bikes is so much of a passion that I won’t easily stop as it brings so much pleasure. However, when the time comes, it’s important to have a fall-back to keep ourselves interested in the here and now. In my case, it will be a combination of travel and sea fishing with my wife.
Best regards,
Geoff
I’ve owned David Hough’s books. Some of the first things I read and extremely helpful for this new rider. I fear he would not approve of some of my night time, winter, snow and ice forays.
Pretty cool that he connected with you on your blog and that you were able to exchange ideas. I think the concerns of older riders as all of the boomers age will continue to grow. Commenting on bicycles — perhaps I should take my mountain bike out again.
Funny, I was reading your blog a couple nights ago after seeing your blog title on someone’s blog feed list. The words “confessions” and “aging” were too much to resist.
Steve,
I understand the angst and concern. As a late riding bloomer at age 46 and my not so auspicious start to scootering/motorcycling with a crash, where I injured my hip joint/thigh/sacroiliac joint and resulting nerve damage and now the beginnings of arthritis and pain in the injured area, I have realized that my riding time is going to be short, as is my motorcycle teaching time because of the sheer physicality of both teaching and riding. A few times I have torqued my back loading/unloading and picking up dropped student bikes. Riding also poses issues with rough bumpy roads and from time to time riding too far and too long. I always have grinding achy pain in my SI joints which is progressing, even with rehab and medical management. Unfortunately as much as I love riding there will come a day when I will give it up, probably sooner rather than later. As for teaching as much as I love it, that too will stop, particularly as I taught quite a bit this year in the dead heat of summer and it is exhausting and somehow being 50 something pushing around multiple 400lb bikes and picking them up seems like a young persons job. As much as I love teaching and imparting knowledge, I have to look realistically at what my body is telling me. Optimistically I estimate I have at best 5-10 years left in terms of riding, if not less. Hard decisions particularly when pain is the dictating influencer and takes joy out of the activity. I understand your struggle. You will know when its time and possibly you just need to take a little extra time for things to heal, maybe a respite this winter is the ticket, but then again I know the call of desire that riding brings.
The collective wear and tear of our lives on our bodies eventually catch up with us. For some it’s more intense in the manner you’ve described as your experience.
I’ve gotten to the point lately where I have to be careful what (and how) I pick up. I remember last year when I injured my back and was careful until I felt better. Then there I was moving 500 pound rocks through the yard. I think that implies insanity. Same might apply to picking up motorcycles!
Your thoughts on reaching the point of having to consider not riding is just sad. I know we’ll all get there but it’s scary. But pain really does change thinking. Leads to some hopeless thinking.
Let’s hope your 5 to 10 year prediction is as wrong as the election predictions and you are still riding 25 years from now.
Thanks for commenting and take care of yourself.
Hi, Steve,
Once again, I just have to comment on this subject…at 80+ years old, I still really enjoy riding. But, I’m finding the rides of interest are now 35-40 miles, one way rather than the 700-750 miles it used to be those long ten or so years ago. I’m really fortunate that I don’t have anything physical to hold me back, but the ugly truth is I just do not have the stamina I once did, but that’s OK with me.
I have also decided to sell one 300cc scooter, and am trying to give my Vespa GTS300 to my daughter, who just has not found the time to come down and pick it up.
In their stead, I now ride a Sym HD 200 EVO and a Stella 125cc automatic. These lighter-weight scooters do make life much easier to move around the garage, and when necessary, up on the lift. The Sym will do 70-72 mph if I want ( my normal speeds are in the 45-55 mph), and with the 16″ wheels will handle anything I want to ride on.
So, with just a smidgen of change of my attitude I figure I can ride for at least 5 years or so more. And I may be riding my fourth sidecar rig again one of these days.
Don’t know what all this says to your bad back, but I think almost anything is possible if you want it badly enough, with certainly some limitations. Wishing you all the best in your rehab.
Regards,
Karl, you are an inspiration. I hope I can find a little of your outlook and luck to keep riding for a long time. Scaling back is a great way to manage any loss of strength or stamina. I wonder how many don’t have the courage to accept what their bodies tell them and respond accordingly?
Thanks for sharing your experience.
I’m 66 and rode a Gold Wing and later a Burgman 650 until about 60. Strength was an issue, although now I’m retired and much fitter. I tried out an Indian Scout this weekend. My concern is visual and mental limitations, and lessor some physical limitations. As I get older I think and move a little slower. I hate to admit it but I do. My peripheral vision and focus speed is slightly impaired, partly due to cataract surgery. Those limitations increase my riding risk, and risk of injuring others, by a notch or two or three. I still ride a bicycle. I try to avoid risky situations but sometimes I find myself in danger. Last weekend I crashed my bicycle when emergency stopping to avoid hitting a car. I survived the accident, with a few contusions and abrasions, but I wonder if my age was a factor? I believe older riders can be safer with precautions and skills learned from years of riding. However, I see many riders and drivers who should not be on a bike or behind a wheel. My dad was involved in constant car accidents in his later years, he drove up until about 90 years old. He was a dangerous menace on the road, we couldn’t get him to stop. I hope I have the intelligence and fortitude to stop riding and driving before I’m a threat to myself and others. Each person needs to make this difficult choice for themselves. Maybe its better to stop earlier than later, and just find another enjoyable hobby.
You raise some great points Wayne. Being honest enough to assess when it’s time to stop doing something is really hard. Denial can work wonders to keep us in destructive and dangerous places. Giving up riding, or driving, is a major event in life. I have no good ideas on how to make it easier, better or enforceable. Perhaps bad drivers and riders on the road are just part of the risk we face.
I hope I do the right thing when the time comes. And that I recognize its arrival.
You have a way with words, sir. I enjoyed the read and the photos. I’m probably too old to ride at 58, but I just bought a Vespa Sei Giorni II and am anxious for it to be delivered. I’ve owned classic Vespas. This will be my first modern one.
Thank you for your kind words about my essay and photographs. I appreciate the feedback.
Too old is a personal thing. At 58 I was in the prime of my riding life as I look back at it now. And I hope I’ll still be riding in my 70s which is only a few years off now.
The Vespa Sei Giorni II is a handsome machine. I bet you’ll love riding it and it will quickly dispel any concerns of age.
Be safe!