leeanders
Member
When I bought my first motorcycle, a little moped, in 1962, never did I think I'd still be riding bikes, or perhaps even be living, at 75. Over the years I've bought 15 motorcycles. The Harleys have been one Sportster, two Dyna Supersports, and now riding a Softail Fatboy. In between I've ridden dirt bikes, Hondas, Yamahas, and Susukies.
Since 2012, I've had several medical issues I thought might cause me to stop riding. Both left and right shoulder rotator cuff surgeries, hand surgery, gall bladder removal, and a few days ago left foot big toe joint implant surgery. Sitting here in my chair with foot on table and keyboard in lap - but it works.
This Fatboy will have to be my last bike, however. Legs are not what they used to be, and that bike is heavy. I no longer carry passengers, and I miss that.
What made me think of writing this was a forum article I read about riding bikes being dangerous. They can be, if you do not respect them. As most of know the real danger comes from automobiles running you over at intersections, from both the rear and the sides. I seldom ride in town anymore - but you have to get out of town so one cannot avoid it entirely.
In 51 years I've only gone down one time on a bike, that was due to a rusty nail picked up in the rear tube type tire. Tubed tires will get you killed if you are unfortunate enough pick up a nail - immediate deflation in most cases. I've not ridden with tubes since that accident.
Since my 50s, every bike I've sold, I'd declare that was the last one - then go out a few months late and buy another. I guess it just gets in your blood. There is nothing like being out on the open road. I hope to ride until I'm at least 80, unless the old body continues to prevent it. This foot surgery should heal in about three weeks - I plan to be back out there. Maybe I'll see you on the road - you can wave at the old guy on the Harley!
Since 2012, I've had several medical issues I thought might cause me to stop riding. Both left and right shoulder rotator cuff surgeries, hand surgery, gall bladder removal, and a few days ago left foot big toe joint implant surgery. Sitting here in my chair with foot on table and keyboard in lap - but it works.
This Fatboy will have to be my last bike, however. Legs are not what they used to be, and that bike is heavy. I no longer carry passengers, and I miss that.
What made me think of writing this was a forum article I read about riding bikes being dangerous. They can be, if you do not respect them. As most of know the real danger comes from automobiles running you over at intersections, from both the rear and the sides. I seldom ride in town anymore - but you have to get out of town so one cannot avoid it entirely.
In 51 years I've only gone down one time on a bike, that was due to a rusty nail picked up in the rear tube type tire. Tubed tires will get you killed if you are unfortunate enough pick up a nail - immediate deflation in most cases. I've not ridden with tubes since that accident.
Since my 50s, every bike I've sold, I'd declare that was the last one - then go out a few months late and buy another. I guess it just gets in your blood. There is nothing like being out on the open road. I hope to ride until I'm at least 80, unless the old body continues to prevent it. This foot surgery should heal in about three weeks - I plan to be back out there. Maybe I'll see you on the road - you can wave at the old guy on the Harley!
