A man has to know his limitations...

[egschade]

I really haven't ridden much the last few years and hardly any this year. Despite my attempts at remaining fit I can't ride more than than an hour without it hurting. Throw in a degrading ability to focus, what seems like 20x more inattentive drivers, competing hobbies, and five severe accidents to people I know, I feel it's time to hang up my helmet.

I've never had a street accident in all my years of riding so keeping that streak going is making more sense. Besides, it's just not that much fun anymore. I thought it would be a relatively easy decision but am surprised about how conflicted I feel. I guess over 55 years, motorcycling becomes part of who you are.

I sold my SL350 a few weeks ago and just listed my like-new V7 Stornello (with 334 miles) on Marketplace and here in the Swap Meet.

Thanks to all the members who make this a great forum and to Luap who keeps it running. I'll still visit, just not as frequently.

[Ncdan]

Sometimes a man has to make a bittersweet life decision like you are making at this time.
This type of decision is a personal one and outside influence should have no weight in your decision to stop riding motorcycles.
Cash in your great memories of the days you spent with your buddies and the great times you spent on all the bikes you’ve owned and enjoyed and don’t look back or question your decisions.
You might as well hang around here with your WGC pals that you have accumulated over the years and keeps us abreast of your future life’s adventures.
Be safe and be blessed my WGC brother.

NCDan/Danny

[guzzisteve]

Been difficult since pneumonia in Nov but I have a sidecar rig. I got the EV on the centerstand the other day so I must be getting stronger. I'll continue till I can't . Then I'll get rid of all but the rig. Be safe all. 

[MarcoSolo]

I really haven't ridden much the last few years and hardly any this year. Despite my attempts at remaining fit I can't ride more than than an hour without it hurting. Throw in a degrading ability to focus, what seems like 20x more inattentive drivers, competing hobbies, and five severe accidents to people I know, I feel it's time to hang up my helmet.

I've never had a street accident in all my years of riding so keeping that streak going is making more sense. Besides, it's just not that much fun anymore. I thought it would be a relatively easy decision but am surprised about how conflicted I feel. I guess over 55 years, motorcycling becomes part of who you are.

I sold my SL350 a few weeks ago and just listed my like-new V7 Stornello (with 334 miles) on Marketplace and here in the Swap Meet.

Thanks to all the members who make this a great forum and to Luap who keeps it running. I'll still visit, just not as frequently.

I'm half sad for you and half envious.  I'll be 72 in a few days and while I was able to kick cigarettes in my 20s, I can't count the number of times I've said I was going to give up riding and turned around and got another bike. The problem for me is it is still fun to straddle a bike and fire it up and my clock is winding down anyway.  I was living and working in downtown Atlanta in my 30s and 40s and commuted on nice days to work in the capitol complex.  I came home after another near miss and told my wife I was selling my bike.  She said a little angrily, "Just don't sell your helmet this time."  Maybe hang on to a helmet, just in case.

[Bulldog9]

Eric,

Tough call for all of us, but it is in ALL of our futures. I just hope that I am as wise as you to know when and my friends and family don't have to force the issue.

Pain sucks........... FWIW, I have to live on Bayer Back and Body as well as rotate between Motrin and Tylenol in order to ride. Too many old injuries and bodily issues to not. SO far my liver and kidneys tolerate the abuse. I also have significant central vestibular issues from too many concussions and TBI that leave me with balance and vision issues. That is what will likely take me out.

Good luck to you, and stay in touch.

[SIR REAL ED]

I really haven't ridden much the last few years and hardly any this year. Despite my attempts at remaining fit I can't ride more than than an hour without it hurting. Throw in a degrading ability to focus, what seems like 20x more inattentive drivers, competing hobbies, and five severe accidents to people I know, I feel it's time to hang up my helmet.

I've never had a street accident in all my years of riding so keeping that streak going is making more sense. Besides, it's just not that much fun anymore. I thought it would be a relatively easy decision but am surprised about how conflicted I feel. I guess over 55 years, motorcycling becomes part of who you are.

I sold my SL350 a few weeks ago and just listed my like-new V7 Stornello (with 334 miles) on Marketplace and here in the Swap Meet.

Thanks to all the members who make this a great forum and to Luap who keeps it running. I'll still visit, just not as frequently.

It sounds like you are making a wise decision, which is much better than letting the Laws of Physics make the decision for you.  The Laws of Physics are merciless, especially in regards to other vehicles on the street.

Depending upon your situation, you might enjoy some mild off-road/trail riding/trials riding.  I know quite a off road riders who have never, ever ridden a motorcycle on the road due to the high level of perceived danger.

Long time off road riders gravitate towards trials riding as old age sets in.  We all joke that it is more fun tipping over at 1 mph than hitting a tree at 20 mph.  Several guys in our trials club are in their 70's, one over 80, and one that recently gave up at 86, and was stil riding well at 85.

Life has a lot to offer.  Motorcycling of all flavors is only a small slice of life.  I wish you the best. 

[TN Mark]

I really haven't ridden much the last few years and hardly any this year. Despite my attempts at remaining fit I can't ride more than than an hour without it hurting. Throw in a degrading ability to focus, what seems like 20x more inattentive drivers, competing hobbies, and five severe accidents to people I know, I feel it's time to hang up my helmet.

I've never had a street accident in all my years of riding so keeping that streak going is making more sense. Besides, it's just not that much fun anymore. I thought it would be a relatively easy decision but am surprised about how conflicted I feel. I guess over 55 years, motorcycling becomes part of who you are.

I sold my SL350 a few weeks ago and just listed my like-new V7 Stornello (with 334 miles) on Marketplace and here in the Swap Meet.

Thanks to all the members who make this a great forum and to Luap who keeps it running. I'll still visit, just not as frequently.

First off, congratulations on making your own decisions about these this. The alternative is someone else, or a poor circumstance, makes the decision for you.

As has been suggested, please consider sticking around. There are good people here with good ideas and a lot of good information. Nothing wrong with this virtual campfire.

[SemperVee]

Yup.  We make the decision or it gets made for us, in some fashion.  IN the same boat with medical issues, mature aging but not giving up too very much without a fight and some months ago torn rotator cuff. (FU-ed shoulder).  So thinning herd down to one bike even if I can't ride (Much)  I'll always have one to adore in the garage..