Philosophically I don't hate anything. Hate is wrong. It has no redeeming value that I am aware of.
But tonight an epiphany struck. Emotionally, I managed it poorly. I let the realization that I can't do what I once did get under my skin. I hate that knowledge.
As we age, we each cross barriers that separate us from what was to what is. Mostly, those waypoints roll slowly past un-noticed.
Tonight a waypoint poked me in the eye with a sharp stick.
I hate being poked in the eye.
I'm focusing on street bikes now- 70's and 80's for the most part.
I had to give up dirt bike riding because it hurt too much and i couldn't get my degenerating hip/leg over the seat.
That was a huge blow for me. Been racing and organizing races for the last 20 years.
At 55, I have had surgery on my back for stenosis and I'm getting a hip replacement in three weeks because I can hardly walk.
My father turns 80 this year. He has little arthritis, is in good shape and gets out on the snowmobiles with us. he has almost no aches/pains ???
I get him to take my wife out because within a 1/2 hour it's too painful for me to ride. The arthritis has made it very difficult to be a stone mason too.
So... oh well, consider the alternative and make some accommodations
:beat_horse
dilligaf, I too bought a Miata (two of them) about ten years ago, hoping it would replace the mc urge...it never really did. I love the Miata, love the radio, CDs and cup of coffee...but it just isn't a motorcycle. But I am able to take my wife with me, something that would never happen on the bike.
Same here. I can't get on any of my motorcycle so I purchased this Miata thinking I could replace the motorcycle.Compared to a motorcycle, yes it would be boring. But compared to an accord or the Buicks you old guys should be driving ;) it's tons of fun. Just pretend you're 19 and drive it that way.
(http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q692/2jabam3/DSC_0126_zps9420dddd.jpg) (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/2jabam3/media/DSC_0126_zps9420dddd.jpg.html)
It's not happing. I'm finding the Miata boreing - boreing -boreing. The 17th I'm due for surgery and hopefully, and if what my friends tell me is true after the surgery, I'll have many years of riding left. :BEER:
Matt
Compared to a motorcycle, yes it would be boring. But compared to an accord or the Buicks you old guys should be driving ;) it's tons of fun. Just pretend you're 19 and drive it that way.
Compared to a motorcycle, yes it would be boring. But compared to an accord or the Buicks you old guys should be driving ;) it's tons of fun. Just pretend you're 19 and drive it that way.
Hmmmph, try getting old with legs that no longer work.
Or slowly losing your eyesight
Yes, I am doing that too. I have cadilacs growing in my eyes, even reading is having problems now.
My new ride. Courtesy of the VA.
(http://www.bikepics.com/pics/2015/03/08/bikepics-2729443-800.jpg)
Hmmm Straight tubes...could be a Tonti frame..
Ralph
I too am aging and have recently reached the exalted state of 'Official Old Fartness' in that I'm now receiving the old age pension.
I have to admit I find I am less than enthusiastic about the whole thing.
"Inside every aging old fart there is a rampant 20 year old trying to get out" (and wondering what you have done to him)
I've noticed that I'm not as robust as I once was and don't bounce as effectively. I know my powers of concentration and focus are not what they once were and adjust my riding accordingly.
It's an ugly business.
But Richard Bach put it well;Here is a test
to see if your mission
on earth is over.
If you are alive,
It's not.
There's all kind of talk about "what's the first thing to go" as we age. I submit that the first thing we must surrender is our pride...
There are many things I could do when I was younger that I can't manage these days. However, this age has its advantages, too. My experience has taught me to do things smarter, which often makes up for my lost strength and flexibility. For those times when only strength will do, I have a much better bank account these days, with which I may hire help. Every age brings it's advantages and disadvantages...
There's all kind of talk about "what's the first thing to go" as we age. I submit that the first thing we must surrender is our pride...
You've got that right.
Because you get injected, inspected, detected, infected, neglected and selected and they leave no part untouched.
Pete
Well, here's my take:
When I was:
18 - Girls from 17-25 were hot
25 - Girls from 17-30 were hot
35 - girls from 17-40 were hot (event with the kids in tow)
45 - Girls from 17-50 were hot
50 - girls from 17 to 57 were hot.
At this rate, if I live to 80 - I will be totaly surrounded by hot women. ~;
I have not ridden in a year due to nph. I had surgery a month ago to put a valve in my head and am waiting to see improvement.I too bought a convertable thinking it would fill the void of no riding. It has not and now I am trying to sell it. Nothing can take the place of an unobtructed view of the road ahead.Hope springs............ ......
Same here. I can't get on any of my motorcycle so I purchased this Miata thinking I could replace the motorcycle.
Matt