Tough decission
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 105
Likes: 1
From: Pennsylvaina
Tough decission
I know this is a question that each rider has to answer themselves but thought maybe someone else has been through the same thing. I have a 2012 Superglide and retired at 60 and road almost every day. I had a problem with right wrist from a old injury and had 4 operations on it and got right back to riding. I had a bad shoulder for years and it got real bad so another operation this year in May. Had a bone shaved, cleaned out rotate cuff and cut a tendon.
I go to the gym 3 times a week feeling stronger until I lifted bike today for the first time and felt like it was the first time I lifted one. The last bike I road before this bike had 50,000 miles on it when I traded it in. Now at 63 I got it in my head that I had enough injuries and pain and lost my *****. I worked outdoors for 42 years everything from tree climber to blacktop and it took its toll on my body. So the question is there a time when you know its over.
Charlie
I go to the gym 3 times a week feeling stronger until I lifted bike today for the first time and felt like it was the first time I lifted one. The last bike I road before this bike had 50,000 miles on it when I traded it in. Now at 63 I got it in my head that I had enough injuries and pain and lost my *****. I worked outdoors for 42 years everything from tree climber to blacktop and it took its toll on my body. So the question is there a time when you know its over.
Charlie
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 10,907
Likes: 8,756
From: Galt's Gulch - MI
I can only comment on this from my point of view; the day I quit riding on the wind is the day they're shoveling dirt on me.
As I've gotten older and started singing, a pirate looks at 60, I do understand why people have migrated to baggers and trikes so they can keep riding; I did a 290 mile ride on the Wide Glide yesterday and when I got home I was exhausted; riding as I like to and want to does take its toll; riding a Shovel cross-country in my 20's wasn't even a challenge. Now, a recovery day is needed when I spend a long day in the curves and I don't have the physical issues you do.
Look to how can you modify your bike to make it work better for you or consider trading to a bike that can more easily let you continue to ride. You didn't lose your ***** for riding, you need to adapt the bike or change bikes so you can continue to ride in comfort
Never surrender...
As I've gotten older and started singing, a pirate looks at 60, I do understand why people have migrated to baggers and trikes so they can keep riding; I did a 290 mile ride on the Wide Glide yesterday and when I got home I was exhausted; riding as I like to and want to does take its toll; riding a Shovel cross-country in my 20's wasn't even a challenge. Now, a recovery day is needed when I spend a long day in the curves and I don't have the physical issues you do.
Look to how can you modify your bike to make it work better for you or consider trading to a bike that can more easily let you continue to ride. You didn't lose your ***** for riding, you need to adapt the bike or change bikes so you can continue to ride in comfort
Never surrender...
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,540
Likes: 1,836
From: Albuquerque, NM
.........Look to how can you modify your bike to make it work better for you or consider trading to a bike that can more easily let you continue to ride. You didn't lose your ***** for riding, you need to adapt the bike or change bikes so you can continue to ride in comfort
Never surrender...
Never surrender...
Who knows? I don't ever see going the trike route, though. Not interested in them.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,320
Likes: 56,879
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Once that rascal "Doubt" set up housekeeping in your head it'll be tough to evict him. A positive can do attitude is the first step. I'm on my 67th trip around the sun and plan to keep on keepin' on until I can't. Actually me and "Red" my bride of 47 years were at the shop lookin' at new scooters today. Money, money, money. Stay safe Rocky and don't get beat by the negativity.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,902
Likes: 443
From: West Tennessee
I'm 55 and have been though similar several times like you. Shattered elbow, screwed up back, bad shoulder, and currently recovering from surgery on ulnar nerve impingement in that damaged elbow. Only 2 fingers in my left hand are functioning fully 2 months after surgery to stop further nerve damage. As long as i can still ride I will continue to do so until the point comes where it is impossible or just too unpleasant. I have done two 200 my rides with my son this weekend that went pretty well but I pay the price with severe nerve pain later after I get home.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 7,637
Likes: 4,871
From: Missouri City,TX
If you feel it's time to give it up then do it...everyone ages differently and with your physical issues only you know if it's not safe for you to continue riding.
I just turned 64 years young 2 weeks ago and I have 3 bikes that I enjoy riding three to four times a week at about 1200-1300 miles a month total.
I also go to the gym three times a week unless I play hookey to go ride instead, but I've noticed I'm not as strong as I used to be. I have an old right knee skiing injury that continues to bother me but doesn't stop me from riding. I will never go to a heavier bike than what I ride now...no way.
Maybe consider a lighter bike...my Bandit has a curb weight of 560 lbs. and my V Strom DL650 has a curb weight of 472 lbs., just a thought.
I just turned 64 years young 2 weeks ago and I have 3 bikes that I enjoy riding three to four times a week at about 1200-1300 miles a month total.
I also go to the gym three times a week unless I play hookey to go ride instead, but I've noticed I'm not as strong as I used to be. I have an old right knee skiing injury that continues to bother me but doesn't stop me from riding. I will never go to a heavier bike than what I ride now...no way.
Maybe consider a lighter bike...my Bandit has a curb weight of 560 lbs. and my V Strom DL650 has a curb weight of 472 lbs., just a thought.
Last edited by SBRob; Sep 4, 2016 at 04:59 PM.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 105
Likes: 1
From: Pennsylvaina
Started this thread here figured it will get moved so I posted it to the general discussion forum thanks to all the great reply's. Its not a decision that's easy to make. I love riding as much as any one on this forum but the pain I am in after a ride is finally sinking in after 5 operations in 3 years its going to happen at some point and I want it to be on my terms.
Thanks
Thanks
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 525
Likes: 94
From: Fresno, Calif.
The time will come for all of us should we live long enough that we will be unable either physically or mentally to ride. Sorry yours has come. Mike
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I know this is a question that each rider has to answer themselves but thought maybe someone else has been through the same thing. I have a 2012 Superglide and retired at 60 and road almost every day. I had a problem with right wrist from a old injury and had 4 operations on it and got right back to riding. I had a bad shoulder for years and it got real bad so another operation this year in May. Had a bone shaved, cleaned out rotate cuff and cut a tendon.
I go to the gym 3 times a week feeling stronger until I lifted bike today for the first time and felt like it was the first time I lifted one. The last bike I road before this bike had 50,000 miles on it when I traded it in. Now at 63 I got it in my head that I had enough injuries and pain and lost my *****. I worked outdoors for 42 years everything from tree climber to blacktop and it took its toll on my body. So the question is there a time when you know its over.
Charlie
I go to the gym 3 times a week feeling stronger until I lifted bike today for the first time and felt like it was the first time I lifted one. The last bike I road before this bike had 50,000 miles on it when I traded it in. Now at 63 I got it in my head that I had enough injuries and pain and lost my *****. I worked outdoors for 42 years everything from tree climber to blacktop and it took its toll on my body. So the question is there a time when you know its over.
Charlie