Oh, the irony

[SIR REAL ED]

Highly unexpected reply. I love it! So refreshing every time I understand that I am not alone in thinking alternatively, or a topic trigger my brains inner workings into going a bit off tangent, albeit still within touch of the original topic. Thank you for taking the time to write a very interesting reply!

Huzo is the consummate intellectual. 

That's why most of the Wild Guzzi goslings don't like him very much!   

I suspect if one listened to him speaking Strayan, he would sound much less intelligent and more like the rest of us......

We might even find ourselves feeling sorry for him.....   

[Ncdan]

At the ripe old age of 71, I still ride aggressively at times, I just look further down the road when doing so🤔

[SIR REAL ED]

I'll being turning 65 in a few months and find I really don't think about risk on the road bike, other than the cell phone zombies and hyper aggressive single mom mini van drivers.

Perhaps because I am fortunate enough to live in an area surrounded by beautiful "25 horsepower roads."

I also suspect that blind turns, debris and cattle/wildlife in the roads tempered my risk taking many years ago.

I think about risk more on the trials bike.  But I do find myself steering away (pun intended) from heavy street bikes.

Not riding or riding is definitely a huge factor in one's confidence and evaluation of risk.

[tommy2cyl]

I am making at least a partial transition to a smaller bike.  Still love my V85 which is my 'big bike" for long rides and touring.  Nothing out there
temps me to make a change.  If I did, my big bike would probably end up being a 650.  Just took delivery of the Triumph Scrambler 400 X
for my "go out and have fun for a couple hours bike."  I think my research paid off because this little guy is going to be a joy.  Very early days
and just doing break in miles, but it is meeting my expectations.  Riding rapid (relative) on this small bike is bringing big grins.
Fond memories of the Ducati 900 SS & Triumph Speed Triple, but everything in it's own time.

[Tkelly]

Come to the Wisconsin rally,first weekend in August.

[Muzz]

At 75 years of age, no broken bones and like Mike "just a bit of gravel rash", this season was the first time I put the rego on hold two months early. With major lower back issues and a left hiop that has suddenly decided to get osteo, I realised that the mind may be willing but the flesh is indeed weak as I had to enlist the help of my friend to get me on and off the bike. For 60 years I have pulled up at the lights and put my left leg down, the same leg now folds every now and then.

Will it make me give it up? At the moment, no. I get so much enjoyment from being on the bike. I have never been Ricky Racer and have never been addicted to horsepower, the 48 neddies of my Breva I find more than adequate. It will be my body that lets me down.

I used to like, for those that remember him, J.B's (RIP) avatar, "I will stop riding when they prise my cold dead fingers off the throttle".

[Dave Swanson]

Is there an official page, Facebook, etc?

https://www.wmgr.org/

[SemperVee]

  It is not ONLY age in the risk factor but the technology and attitudes of drivers.  I "Commuted" 100+ miles a day by MC daily into Orange County Ca for avg 35-40,000 miles a year splitting lanes with open face helmet and levi jacket and snow suit in the winter with little regard to nowadays "texting" and distracted drivers make me very nervous and SO MANY hit and run accidents, especially here in Western WA which I am sure is not much diff than any other big city.  That supplements my anxiety on the road these days...  PEOPLE disengaged from driving 2 tons of killer maiming machine.

[thunderalley3]

I am 65 and have had my license to ride on the street for 49 years and rode the fields for a few years before that. Many broken bones and road rash but they are all memories that I have grown to cherish.

I have been fortunate in life, it has been well rounded. I remember the day in my mid twenties that my ex told me it was time for me to move on and I left Arizona with everything that I owned in the world on a 1976 Harley. I made my way towards Ohio because I knew someone that owned a spot there and would have a place to park and hopefully enough work to get enough money to start over. It was the worst time in my life but it worked out. I was down to just enough money for gas to get me to where I needed to go. I stopped on a country road and walked through a few trees and the sweet corn was just getting ripe and I picked an ear and ate it raw. When I exited back to the road I was met by the farmer who asked me what I was doing. After hearing the truth he took me to his shop as a place to stay and fed me. He put me to work fixing and readying equipment. We still keep in contact to this day.

I went on down the road and met my wife that I have been married to for 30 years and we have a nice home, I am now retired after 23 years with the same company and I have a number of motorcycles. including the 76 Harley that I made my way into life on. I still club race, have done 8 sanctioned races so far this year. The secret is as we get older and slower so do the bikes I race.

Motorcycling has been my life and will continue to be until I can no longer breathe life into my body.

[Dave Swanson]

I am 65 and have had my license to ride on the street for 49 years and rode the fields for a few years before that. Many broken bones and road rash but they are all memories that I have grown to cherish.

I have been fortunate in life, it has been well rounded. I remember the day in my mid twenties that my ex told me it was time for me to move on and I left Arizona with everything that I owned in the world on a 1976 Harley. I made my way towards Ohio because I knew someone that owned a spot there and would have a place to park and hopefully enough work to get enough money to start over. It was the worst time in my life but it worked out. I was down to just enough money for gas to get me to where I needed to go. I stopped on a country road and walked through a few trees and the sweet corn was just getting ripe and I picked an ear and ate it raw. When I exited back to the road I was met by the farmer who asked me what I was doing. After hearing the truth he took me to his shop as a place to stay and fed me. He put me to work fixing and readying equipment. We still keep in contact to this day.

I went on down the road and met my wife that I have been married to for 30 years and we have a nice home, I am now retired after 23 years with the same company and I have a number of motorcycles. including the 76 Harley that I made my way into life on. I still club race, have done 8 sanctioned races so far this year. The secret is as we get older and slower so do the bikes I race.

Motorcycling has been my life and will continue to be until I can no longer breathe life into my body.

I think this qualifies as one of the best first posts ever!

Welcome to WG!

[John A]

I think this qualifies as one of the best first posts ever!

Welcome to WG!

It brings to mind the phrase:” when I shifted into third, I couldn’t even remember what she said “

[Stretch]

What Dave just said!

Welcome, ThunderBoy!   

                    -Stretch

[cliffrod]

I am 65 and have had my license to ride on the street for 49 years and rode the fields for a few years before that. Many broken bones and road rash but they are all memories that I have grown to cherish.

I have been fortunate in life, it has been well rounded. I remember the day in my mid twenties that my ex told me it was time for me to move on and I left Arizona with everything that I owned in the world on a 1976 Harley. I made my way towards Ohio because I knew someone that owned a spot there and would have a place to park and hopefully enough work to get enough money to start over. It was the worst time in my life but it worked out. I was down to just enough money for gas to get me to where I needed to go. I stopped on a country road and walked through a few trees and the sweet corn was just getting ripe and I picked an ear and ate it raw. When I exited back to the road I was met by the farmer who asked me what I was doing. After hearing the truth he took me to his shop as a place to stay and fed me. He put me to work fixing and readying equipment. We still keep in contact to this day.

I went on down the road and met my wife that I have been married to for 30 years and we have a nice home, I am now retired after 23 years with the same company and I have a number of motorcycles. including the 76 Harley that I made my way into life on. I still club race, have done 8 sanctioned races so far this year. The secret is as we get older and slower so do the bikes I race.

Motorcycling has been my life and will continue to be until I can no longer breathe life into my body.

Yup- great post.  Welcome to WildGuzzi.

There’s something about going through life’s adventures on a bike, especially when the same bike makes it through all of those adventures with you and nothing else does.    My old V7 Sport has traveled a very similar road with me, through all the good and bad.  It’s still here and it’s still that important to me.   Many people don’t understand- Restoring it would whitewash where we’ve been and what was done together.  It was always good enough for me just like it was when it was the best bike I had.  It still is and it still is.

I don’t ride as much as I used to or would like to, but that’s okay.  My old Guzzi is still ready to go, even if I’m not. Even a short ride on it is still as good as it always was.

[Muzz]

Motorcycling has been my life and will continue to be until I can no longer breathe life into my body.

Yup, great post.

I find as I approach 76 that people who dislike motorbikes find this approach (which is also mine) more and more difficult to understand.

[egschade]

I never liked full face helmets, didn't see the need for armor in my jacket, thought jeans were tough enough, gloves were for sissies, and that work boots were overkill.

Now I don't go out without all the gear and am shopping for an airbag vest. Applying the wisdom gained over 50+ years of riding doesn't make someone a wuss - it makes them smart.

And riding slower can be just as much fun as dragging your knee in a corner. It's like enjoying a beer by sipping and actually tasting it rather than shotgunning one can after the next.

[faffi]

 

[nbags]

broken bones in my twenties not too bad almost kind of cool mid fifties not fun at all

[MotoG5]

This has been a very interesting thread for me. I finally caught a late March day that was not too cold or wet to get the bike out for a first ride this year. Had it out earlier this month but just a very short run around a few blocks after getting the garage set up for the warmer weather. Put on a good short ride of 80 miles to get sorted out for the summer. I will turn 75 this next August. My riding has changed a lot from the days of long road trips with my wife who rode along with me on her own Guzzi. She is no longer able to ride so I am solo or with buddies who are still riding. Mostly local now but still fun enough to keep in the game. The V9 Bobber I down sized to a few years ago suits me well and when I am on it and running down the road all the issues of old age I deal with now are forgotten and for a time I am the same guy who did all those long road trips in the past. I plan on doing this as long as I can. How long will that be I don't know but when I am riding it just doesn't matter. Its in my blood and I have ridden since I was 19 years old. I will only quit when its just no longer possible for me to do it by any means possible.

[Gliderjohn]

I had a real wake up call last May when I went down at about 30 mph avoiding going into a too sharp a curve for my speed. Was lucky as I was able to ride the bike abet on one cylinder away from the scene to where I could could get more help. I didn't seek any medical help at the time but probably should have as my hands are still recovering. Was fully AGATT thankfully or it would have been ugly. Why did it happen? Because I was having a senior moment gawking at something off to the side. I have not had any problem getting back into riding but am working hard on staying attentive all the time a maybe just dialing back a bit overall. Damn it, have to remember I ain't 30 years old no more even though my brain keeps trying to trick me.
GliderJohn

[faffi]

This has been a very interesting thread for me. I finally caught a late March day that was not too cold or wet to get the bike out for a first ride this year. Had it out earlier this month but just a very short run around a few blocks after getting the garage set up for the warmer weather. Put on a good short ride of 80 miles to get sorted out for the summer. I will turn 75 this next August. My riding has changed a lot from the days of long road trips with my wife who rode along with me on her own Guzzi. She is no longer able to ride so I am solo or with buddies who are still riding. Mostly local now but still fun enough to keep in the game. The V9 Bobber I down sized to a few years ago suits me well and when I am on it and running down the road all the issues of old age I deal with now are forgotten and for a time I am the same guy who did all those long road trips in the past. I plan on doing this as long as I can. How long will that be I don't know but when I am riding it just doesn't matter. Its in my blood and I have ridden since I was 19 years old. I will only quit when its just no longer possible for me to do it by any means possible.

A local bloke took long rides to rallies together with his wife at least until they were in their mid 90s. He rode a British 350 from the 1950s, his wife rode pillion. If health permit, we can ride for a long time. Doing our part in staying fit, by keeping active and injury free, will raise our odds. Glad you are still enjoying your rides!

[faffi]

I had a real wake up call last May when I went down at about 30 mph avoiding going into a too sharp a curve for my speed. Was lucky as I was able to ride the bike abet on one cylinder away from the scene to where I could could get more help. I didn't seek any medical help at the time but probably should have as my hands are still recovering. Was fully AGATT thankfully or it would have been ugly. Why did it happen? Because I was having a senior moment gawking at something off to the side. I have not had any problem getting back into riding but am working hard on staying attentive all the time a maybe just dialing back a bit overall. Damn it, have to remember I ain't 30 years old no more even though my brain keeps trying to trick me.
GliderJohn

Hope you will fully mend soon!

[Vagrant]

FWIW, I highly recommend the Helite vest. I had a major wreck in 2010 that almost did me in. 11 broken ribs plus assorted injuries. A bit heavy and it takes a bit of getting used to but I'm sure in a wreck it will help. The only issue I have is being smart enough to remember to hook up the tether. If I were buying today I think I would do the electronic one.

[Moparnut72]

I also have a Helite Turtle with a tether. Kind of heavy as you say especially with my heavy Vanson leather jacket. I didn't want the electronic model, charging being an issue and some brands require them to be sent back to the manufacturer for a reset if they are deployed. The only issue is remembering to reattach the tether after remounting.
kk

[Vagrant]

I am using a thin, stretch red string like you tie Christmas presents with run up to the ignition key as a reminder. Most of the time it reminds me.

[faffi]

I use a Bering C-protect west. I can wear it under my leather jacket that is a bit roomy, otherwise I wear it on the outside. Remembering the tether can be difficult at times.

[jumpmaster]

I did quit last October after 45 great years of riding.  I turned 60 and can finally see retirement as a real possibility. 

Well, everyone is different, as demonstrated by the comments in this thread.  I personally feel that my most enjoyable riding was between ages 60 and 75 or so.  I was finally able to take multi-week & month+ long trips, including 3 coast-to-coast rides.  I commuted nearly daily by motorcycle 70 miles round-trip for the last 20+ years pretty much year-round before I retired at 67, although my cut-off temperature gradually slipped from about 30 degrees F to 45 degrees over that time span.  I never felt the need to be a "boy-racer" or to "do the ton" on the street, although I hit 90 mph or so briefly a couple of times riding in the East and cruised at 85-90 a bit while riding on interstates out west.  So, I haven't had to slow down that much to accommodate my more recent physical and mental abilities and I can enjoy cruising at 65 or 70 just as much as I used to enjoy 70 or 75 in days past. 

I guess my point is that if I had quit riding at age 60 I would have missed out on most of my most enjoyable riding experiences.  On the other hand, everyone has to do their own "risk assessments" and make their own decisions without worrying about what others think.   

[Moparnut72]

I am 78, soon to be 79. I still like to go Moto Camping. The hardest part is crawling out of the tent and standing up in the morning. 
kk

[faffi]

Refreshing to see so many grownups still riding

[21SC]

I am getting old. Throughout life I have observed that as people age, they get more careful. More aware of risk and danger, more afraid of getting injured.

There is some logic to this, of course, as the older we get, the harder it is to bounce back to full health after injury. And we get injured more easily.

On the other hand, if we have already lived - more or less happily - for 60, 70 år 80 years, why should we stop doing things we love just because of risk? I mean, if you end up as a paraplegic at the age of 20 due to some risky actions, your time spent in a wheelchair will be drastically longer than if the same thing happens at the age of 80.

But here I am, just weeks away from turning 60, finding myself erring more and more often on the side of caution. I do not get the pleasure from pushing the envelope like I used to. I now find myself taking some caution that I did not do 10 or 20 years ago, be that when riding motorcycles or lifting weights or running down slippery slopes.

I am, quite honestly, slowly turning into a wuss.

We all make the (hopefully) appropriate decisions as we complete more trips around the sun.
Myself, I'm hitting 70 this summer. My garage has less the bikes, and the bikes I have are smaller, and for this stage in life, more enjoyable. Being back in the gym helps stamina and bounce back ability, hopefully. Whatever the future holds, at the very least I have adjusted my equipment and attitude as I grow older.

[faffi]

We all make the (hopefully) appropriate decisions as we complete more trips around the sun.
Myself, I'm hitting 70 this summer. My garage has less the bikes, and the bikes I have are smaller, and for this stage in life, more enjoyable. Being back in the gym helps stamina and bounce back ability, hopefully. Whatever the future holds, at the very least I have adjusted my equipment and attitude as I grow older.

Sounds clever!