Aging out, me

With 84th birthday approaching in the spring---really nothing interesting to buy in N America ---probably time to quit while I am ahead---with 67 years of daily riding, over 1.4 million 2 wheel miles, 400,000 of them with rubber band drive scooters, guess I am getting tired of dressing up to battle the weather---this winter driving wife's SUV----heaters and AC are nice. Bike experience in 15-20 countries----even in its heyday, the SilverWings were not well looked after by Honda Dealers in US (had 2 new ones, 2009 and left over 2013---zero warranty claims, but in the end they were getting a little heavy and tippy for me.

Going to buy another new Mitsubishi Mirage, my 2nd new one-----Thai made, great gas mileage, heater/defroster work fine ----took mid winter trip across Canada in mine.


If the Honda Cub prices come down to about the $3000-3500 the bike is really worth, may look at one.

Merry Christmas

john grinsel wrote:

With 84th birthday approaching in the spring---really nothing interesting to buy in N America  ---probably time to quit while I am ahead---with 67 years of daily riding, over 1.4 million 2 wheel miles, 400,000 of them with rubber band drive scooters, guess I am getting tired of dressing up to battle the weather---this winter driving wife's SUV----heaters and AC are nice.  Bike experience in 15-20 countries----even in its heyday, the SilverWings were not well looked after by Honda Dealers in US (had 2 new ones, 2009 and left over 2013---zero warranty claims, but in the end they were getting a little heavy and tippy for me.

Going to buy another new Mitsubishi Mirage, my 2nd new one-----Thai made, great gas mileage, heater/defroster work fine ----took mid winter trip across Canada in mine.


If the Honda Cub prices come down to about the $3000-3500 the bike is really worth, may look  at one.

Merry Christmas

At 86 I did much the same, there comes a time this is it.

That’s always a tough call- it will eventually happen to all of us, that unfortunate day when we decide we’re better on 4 wheels vs 2. Happily (I hope) I have a while before I have to make that decision. It is important to know your limitations and avoid getting hurt. That’s how I came into my SW. A local gent decided his balance wasn’t that great any longer and he made the right decision for him to give up a 2 wheeler. I wish us all the best of luck when having to come to that point.

Everyone be safe out there!

I turned 76 in July and hopefully have a few years left to feel safe and secure on my SWing. I did have it converted over to a trike mainly for that reason. I dumped it a couple of times, nothing serious tho, and decided it was time to give a trike a try. I have no regrets at doing it since once I got used to how it rides and handles I love it. It took a couple of months before I felt more at ease at turning corners and roundabouts etc. but now it's second nature. I still use my 2 wheel skills and keep my attention on the road and traffic. The say to imagine that every other vehicle on the road is out to get you. But that still doesn't take the fun and enjoyment from it.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to ALL members and your families.

This topic is something I try not to think about. I can't put into words how much I detest driving (cars), i hate them. When I have to give up the bike I won't be travelling far.

Merry Christmas to all and theirs. Stay warm in the face of some nasty weather across USA and Canada

I understand, John. At 70, I realize my time is limited for driving two-wheelers and pretty much for everything! At least I am happy that I have two scooters as they are easier to ride and still much fun. Not to say I won't ride a motorcycle sometimes...I rode a Kawasaki KLR a couple of weeks ago and my son's new Honda Africa Twin over July 4th. But for now I love my scoots!!!

Not far behind John, after downsizing to the best bike for me so far (Yamaha XMax 300), I'm looking in the bathroom and rear-view mirror with that hard realization. Scooter and bicycle trips are getting shorter for me. Four wheels is looking more tempting every day.

And just when I thought walking is now becoming my safest "sport," on a walk in my neighborhood yesterday, my left leg was ripped into by a big, fat, white, furry canine. The only thing that backed him off was my loud mouth (practiced over many years with my wife). After walking a bleeding three blocks back to my house, the EMTs showed up to take me to the hospital where the doctors couldn't stop the bleeding for 4-5 hours trying to tie up a vein. Now even the crutch-assisted walk to the bathroom to pee becomes dangerous. Who'd a thunk it just a few years back?

To paraphrase Charlton Heston on gun ownership, "You can take away my scooter when you pry the throttle from my cold, dead hand."

With the new year, I will be staring at my 70th birthday in September. When I began riding in my early 20's, I said, "I want to reach the last ride of my life without ever going down once" (so far, so good).

At 69, that last ride is easier to imagine. I'm still on a 600cc scooter and believe I will be for years. But like many aging riders, I can see downsizing due to age ... 500 ... 400 ... 300 ... 200 ... 125.

If I have to, I will eventually buy an electric bicycle to ride around the neighborhood on two wheels. For me, riding is connected to the childhood magic of zooming downhill on a bicycle you never have to pedal. Can't imagine giving that up, even if someday I am an old geezer in a motorized wheelchair. Ride on!

Merry Christmas to all.

Mike

Getting old is a privilege - and not sure I’m prepared for the alternative. From my H-D days I found this photo which kind of sums it up.  A Merry Christmas to all

That made me laugh out loud!

I live in a small cul-de-sac and a short while ago, whilst in my garage, I heard two bikes approaching. I looked round to see two senior citizens on fully kitted Goldwings trying to turn their bikes around so as to exit the cul-de-sac; they had taken a wrong turn.

It must have taken them about 10 minutes to tippy-toe their huge machines, back and forth, into the opposite direction. I had to simply admire their determination.