Time to Quit Riding?
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 227
Likes: 12
From: North Carolina
Time to Quit Riding?
Greetings.
I've posted in the past that it was time to "hang 'em up" and stop riding. My reasons at the time were health related. Since then, a few years back, I did sell my Heritage and stopped riding. But something kept nagging at me, I enjoyed riding and thought I could still ride.
So late last year I bought a Lowrider, a light lighter and easier to handle. And as hard as it is to believe less than a month after buying the new mount I had more problems with my shoulder and am now recovering from my 4th shoulder surgery in 8 years.
This one was the least expected and hardest to take. Doctor says I'll probably be "OK" and may even have better use of my arms than before. But, I'm a senior citizen with 2 grandchildren and I wonder if my desire to ride is the right decision.
My bike has under 1400 miles on it, and since it's in my garage I see it every day (two tone amber whiskey - great color). I've added the LED headlight (highly recommended) and some other small mods. Financially I'll likely lose $3,000 - $4,000 from what I paid (dealer offered to buy it back for a $6,000 loss to me).
The question isn't the money, or the bike itself. It's not knowing if I'll be able to handle the bike in an emergency situation. And that's the issue that bothers me. If something happens to me while riding I'm sure I'd regret it.
So the question is: "Time to quit?" What would you do? My heart wants to keep on riding, but my head tells me to enjoy the memories and move on.
I've posted in the past that it was time to "hang 'em up" and stop riding. My reasons at the time were health related. Since then, a few years back, I did sell my Heritage and stopped riding. But something kept nagging at me, I enjoyed riding and thought I could still ride.
So late last year I bought a Lowrider, a light lighter and easier to handle. And as hard as it is to believe less than a month after buying the new mount I had more problems with my shoulder and am now recovering from my 4th shoulder surgery in 8 years.
This one was the least expected and hardest to take. Doctor says I'll probably be "OK" and may even have better use of my arms than before. But, I'm a senior citizen with 2 grandchildren and I wonder if my desire to ride is the right decision.
My bike has under 1400 miles on it, and since it's in my garage I see it every day (two tone amber whiskey - great color). I've added the LED headlight (highly recommended) and some other small mods. Financially I'll likely lose $3,000 - $4,000 from what I paid (dealer offered to buy it back for a $6,000 loss to me).
The question isn't the money, or the bike itself. It's not knowing if I'll be able to handle the bike in an emergency situation. And that's the issue that bothers me. If something happens to me while riding I'm sure I'd regret it.
So the question is: "Time to quit?" What would you do? My heart wants to keep on riding, but my head tells me to enjoy the memories and move on.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 81,309
Likes: 36,894
From: Oklahoma City
No easy answer here. You have to do what is right for you and none of us here know the answer. If you decide to stop I hope every memory of your riding life brings nothing but smiles to your face and your heart. If you continue do what you're capable of and enjoy the ride.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,806
Likes: 12
From: In a house down by the river
Perhaps it's time for three wheels. When I get to the point that I'm iffy on two I'll be looking to build or buy a trike or add a side car. I'm leaning toward the side car so the Wife and I could take the g-son along on those weekends we can ride. The heart has no brain and I've made some stupid choices letting it over rule my head. Best of luck to you.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,565
Likes: 2,015
From: Missouri
No easy answer here. You have to do what is right for you and none of us here know the answer. If you decide to stop I hope every memory of your riding life brings nothing but smiles to your face and your heart. If you continue do what you're capable of and enjoy the ride.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 322,622
Likes: 3,077
From: .....
I've posted in the past that it was time to "hang 'em up" and stop riding. My reasons at the time were health related. Since then, a few years back, I did sell my Heritage and stopped riding.
So the question is: "Time to quit?" What would you do? My heart wants to keep on riding, but my head tells me to enjoy the memories and move on.
So the question is: "Time to quit?" What would you do? My heart wants to keep on riding, but my head tells me to enjoy the memories and move on.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 21,732
Likes: 17,569
From: Driftless Area
After three surgeries my knee is gone because of a texting *******. Someone asked ME if I was gonna ride again.
I told them...They're gonna have to hit me a lot harder than that.
I told them...They're gonna have to hit me a lot harder than that.
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