I went several months without riding after mishap in March. It was horrible! I just got another bike and I'm in the process of making it my bike and riding every day. I'm still 14 years behind you, but as long as I can ride, I will ride. I don't think I could walk away from it unless I just absolutely couldn't do it anymore. Even then I will fight it kicking and screaming and do everything I can to keep riding. There's no way I could stop if I had that beautiful road king in the driveway.

 

Just turned 78 and have put 195,000 plus on my present 2003 Road King. Between this bike and my FXR which I put about 120,000 miles on, all I can say is, “Ride-Ride-Ride” till ya can’t’
!! No regrets!! 🤔😉👍👍

 

I've ridden in Phoenix and I've ridden in Tucson. They are no worse than Las Vegas, where I ride nearly every day. It's not a big deal for me, but I recognize that it's not for everyone.

I just returned from a 3800 mile trip hitting 8 western states.

When I retired in 2019 I bought myself a new Street Glide Special, and it has nearly 90k miles on it now. My wife rides the Heritage in the pic.

I will also be 70 next year.

Don't let the old man in.

 

I turn 67 in a couple weeks. My wife is 6 months younger than i. She rides her own. We live in the land of the fruits n nuts! So that brings with it, the entire world of distracted, disorientated, lost, high and drunk drivers from all over the world! I plan on riding my Ultra until I can't hold it up. Then I'll either switch to three or go with something lighter.

I quit worrying about the end play along time ago. I am a firm believer, when your number is up, it's up, period! No matter what you are doing at that moment. A slip, fall, stroke, heart attack or ran over by a freight train. That's it, aint nothing going to change it.

My greatest concern is "Just how bad am I going to EFF myself up BEFORE the day that my number is up?" But even that is pure luck of the draw when you ponder the idea of the numerous ways to really "EFF oneselfs up"!

I'm not about to give up shooting sports because "guns are dangerous" any more than I will quit riding because "motorcycles are dangerous". One is just as likely to choke to death when going to our favorite eatery. Worrying about it is nothing but pointless. Worrying about is what WILL KILL YOU! Eff that! And I'm stealing @702 's words right here: DON'T LET THE OLD MAN IN! (I love that one!)

My Granddad lived to 100 and was still driving, his mind was sharp as a tack, right up to the moment he left this world. My uncle rode bikes up till his wife made him stop at 89 (after his last spill). He died a year later, probably out of sheer boredom. He lived and breathed riding. My uncle was much more "fit" at 77 than I am at 67 but, my plan is to ride at least as long as he did.

The end goal is to keep the reflexes and the eyes sharp and stay focused. As long as we retain the ability to read and anticipate the drivers, we are good. It's when cars (or the road) are doing stuff that is constantly surprising us by doing things we never expect. That, in my humble opinion, is when we need to realise that we have lost that edge.

To be totally honest, It's not the cagers that scare me. It's the effer's on bikes! Yes, I said it!
Riding on a congested freeway, splitting lanes (legal and advised here) and maintaining a safe pace and presents. (The idea is to see and be seen). Then out of nowhere some azzhat on two wheels goes flying past within a inch of your handlebars at 3X the speed limit. That is a everyday occurrence here.

 

1/2 ton, I feel exactly the same way. I'm 73, hear from wife and kids to quit everyday. I'd rather get killed on my bike then sit in front of the tv and die of boredom.

 

I'm 82 and not ready to give up yet.

 

Turned 70 a few months ago. Funny how perspective changes. I had hoped to be able to ride until I turned 70 but after reaching that milestone now I don't have an age where I can't ride. It will probably happen at some time but I no longer have a time I might consider hanging it up.

As I am sure you know you will run into the butt heads any where you live. After retirement I moved from SoCal to rural Kentucky and still run into people who are not attentive. Just not as often. I also learned quite a while ago when running into those fux, is not to let them ruin my ride. I shake my head, mumble something like 'a$$hole mudder fugger' then forget about it and ride on!

 

I'm 75 and ride more now than I ever did in the past. That's mostly because arthritis makes it difficult to do many of the things I once enjoyed. I can still ride though and a few other things as well. As we get older we don't have the strength, agility or balance we once had, but we do have more wisdom and better judgement. Be cautious, be careful, and enjoy the ride as long as you can. All the best to you.

 

I live in Florida and the drivers here are terrible. Years ago, I too rode a Rice burner. 2 years ago I had the opportunity to buy a 96 Classic Ultra Glide, and fell in love with riding all over again, and I will never give up riding. I'm 76 and will ride as long as I can ride, especially the long ones.

 

I’m not too sure where to post this,but here goes.
I’ve been riding on off for the past 47years and I have enjoyed it as much as it has to offer. Used to ride with a good buddy when we were young and dumb on the (crotch rocket) bikes of the 80’s.
Got rid of those bike’s for awhile,riding on the street like being on a racetrack was going to sooner or later take its revenge.
So somewhere around 2012 had a hankering for a Harley dyna wide glide. So living in Portland Or. I found the bike in Phoenix Az. I brought it back to Portland and enjoyed some years riding it and just basically drooling over it just sitting in the driveway. Then came retirement 👍 and moved to Phoenix (weird irony).
Then decided to sell the fdwg and found a 95 RK which I still have after moving to Tucson. So currently here’s where my head is at with riding.
It’s dangerous as hell riding here what with the usual suspects of texting drivers and just plain ass not paying attention. We riders usually don’t make out too well in biker/cager confrontations.
I’m going to be the big 70 next year and I’m going to get some riding in before that day and stand back and see if the desire is still there.
I’ve got too much money in it to ever recoup any of it. So I guess what I’m saying/asking is Have any of you guys/gals had those thoughts about continuing to ride and or hang it up with good memories??
Quite the long spew…sorry!
There my be others out there. View attachment 884306

I fully agree. I'd have to go kicking and screaming. I've been riding over 6 years. I'm currently on a a 08 105th anniversary edition with a permanently broken left wrist and I third of my spine and steel I may not ride as much as I used to inch away from 70 70, but I can't think of myself not riding. Not to mention what the hell would I do with all them. Damn tools. I'll keep twisting the throttle may end up having to put a push button shifter on it because of my left hand. But I'll keep writing till I can't. It's in the blood. Doesn't matter what you ride. Always be safe. Keep your head on the swivel and Ride

 

I’m not too sure where to post this,but here goes.
I’ve been riding on off for the past 47years and I have enjoyed it as much as it has to offer. Used to ride with a good buddy when we were young and dumb on the (crotch rocket) bikes of the 80’s.
Got rid of those bike’s for awhile,riding on the street like being on a racetrack was going to sooner or later take its revenge.
So somewhere around 2012 had a hankering for a Harley dyna wide glide. So living in Portland Or. I found the bike in Phoenix Az. I brought it back to Portland and enjoyed some years riding it and just basically drooling over it just sitting in the driveway. Then came retirement 👍 and moved to Phoenix (weird irony).
Then decided to sell the fdwg and found a 95 RK which I still have after moving to Tucson. So currently here’s where my head is at with riding.
It’s dangerous as hell riding here what with the usual suspects of texting drivers and just plain ass not paying attention. We riders usually don’t make out too well in biker/cager confrontations.
I’m going to be the big 70 next year and I’m going to get some riding in before that day and stand back and see if the desire is still there.
I’ve got too much money in it to ever recoup any of it. So I guess what I’m saying/asking is Have any of you guys/gals had those thoughts about continuing to ride and or hang it up with good memories??
Quite the long spew…sorry!
There my be others out there. View attachment 884306

I also just turned 70. I’ve only been riding for 15 years and love it. I bought a lighter bike that I felt more comfortable on, a Lowrider ST. Loving that. I often thought how long will it be before I have to go three wheels but after trying one out, I thought I can wait. It just doesn’t seem like that’s for me. I know people love it and I’m glad for that. Just not my thing, at least for now. What motivates me to work out just about every day is so I’m able to handle this bike.
keep riding bro and be safe.

 

Welp at 63. I have very few words that might matter. So I will take the same que I took from Peter Fonda in that flick he made with Dennis Hopper. Threw away the watch, no longer needed.

 

I am 76. In 2017, and 68 I totaled my 2014 Dyna Low Rider breaking both left leg bones at the ankle. Six months of healing with plates and screws, I resorted back to my 2005 Honda Goldwing. I always wanted the Heritage so I bought my dream Harley a 2023 Heritage Classic Softail 114. I have loved that look since 1964 when I started out on a Honda CB 90. This past June my 20 year old 2005 Goldwing was totaled. The GW was the perfect ride for my week or two vacation rides. Now it is in a salvage yard sharing parts. I am lucky because my Heritage Classic is waiting patiently in the garage wanting to increase it's odometer past the 28,000 number. I walked by it today mumbling, "give me two more weeks". Motorcycles is in my blood, riding for 60 years. I spent 24 of those in the AF and even had BMWs in Germany. After my AF retirement in 1992 I worked at a dealer for a couple years. My first Harley, I bought in 1967 from a high school friend's dad. 1957 Harley Police Bike. Suicide Clutch, Shifter up by left side of the gas tank. Had to adjust advance during kick start if you wanted to save your b.... Best thing I ever did was take Defensive Driving (twice). My GW accident happened in the Texas Hill Country on a sweeping curve. Guy in a commercial van making a U-turn and I avoided a true T-bone collision hitting the van at a 45-60 degree angle. I was wearing good boots, jacket, helmet, gloves, and walked away with a broken right ankle bone. Yes I walked away but had it Xrayed and now have two screws in it.

 

I’m 74. Been riding since ‘73. Had two get-offs. One in about ‘92. Did some damage to that old Yamaha, but I fixed it back up. The other in ‘96, totaled that Kaw Voyager. Both were due to bad decisionsBut, otherwise, the years have been good. The last few years, I’ve had more and more attempts on my life by drivers with phones in their faces, or have been chewing too many THC gummies. They ignore traffic signs and lights, never look, or just don’t care. I thank God regularly for the skills, abilities, and riding habits I’ve developed over the years. If it weren’t for that, I’d be another sad statistic. Partly, I blame Washington State for shutting down state liquor stores and moving booze to retail stores. It makes it way to available to kids. And, the Canabis stores. If a driver isn’t distracted by the phone, they are often high or drunk. Too many wrecks in the Spokane area lately with DUI drivers.

Anyway, I keep my left thumb ready on my bright flasher when in town to make sure folks know I’m coming. In the country, I keep ready to flash when I see drivers approaching from side roads. Also, I ride with a primary rule: Don’t get mad and don’t get in a hurry.

I still enjoy day trips in my area, though the fires this year and smoke have kept me inside more than I’d like. And, I especially love riding with my brother and cousin for long runs like we did last year. We make a great team.

 

63 here, had a few incidents in my riding history, have a ZX14r that I ride very little but keep it in the stable for the rare urge to get stupid (safely)

For the moment I'm still driven to continue to ride the Harley that's much more comfortable, but as the years pass on, there will come a time when I'll accept that it's time to hang up the helmet, I think we each have our own clock and tolerances for the inherent risks, no judgement against anyone as to when they make the change.

BTW, my age and ability are less a concern than my wifes age, she is 74 and I have greater concern for her care in the future and that I go after she goes, I don't want it to be the other way around, but the maker above really decides when our number is pulled, but the onging risks give me more pause as the years click by...

 

I’m not too sure where to post this,but here goes.
I’ve been riding on off for the past 47years and I have enjoyed it as much as it has to offer. Used to ride with a good buddy when we were young and dumb on the (crotch rocket) bikes of the 80’s.
Got rid of those bike’s for awhile,riding on the street like being on a racetrack was going to sooner or later take its revenge.
So somewhere around 2012 had a hankering for a Harley dyna wide glide. So living in Portland Or. I found the bike in Phoenix Az. I brought it back to Portland and enjoyed some years riding it and just basically drooling over it just sitting in the driveway. Then came retirement 👍 and moved to Phoenix (weird irony).
Then decided to sell the fdwg and found a 95 RK which I still have after moving to Tucson. So currently here’s where my head is at with riding.
It’s dangerous as hell riding here what with the usual suspects of texting drivers and just plain ass not paying attention. We riders usually don’t make out too well in biker/cager confrontations.
I’m going to be the big 70 next year and I’m going to get some riding in before that day and stand back and see if the desire is still there.
I’ve got too much money in it to ever recoup any of it. So I guess what I’m saying/asking is Have any of you guys/gals had those thoughts about continuing to ride and or hang it up with good memories??
Quite the long spew…sorry!
There my be others out there. View attachment 884306

I will be 71 next month, I own an FXDB street bob. I will never give up riding. If you love to ride, don't give it up... if you give it up, you've given up on life.

 

I’m not too sure where to post this,but here goes.
I’ve been riding on off for the past 47years and I have enjoyed it as much as it has to offer. Used to ride with a good buddy when we were young and dumb on the (crotch rocket) bikes of the 80’s.
Got rid of those bike’s for awhile,riding on the street like being on a racetrack was going to sooner or later take its revenge.
So somewhere around 2012 had a hankering for a Harley dyna wide glide. So living in Portland Or. I found the bike in Phoenix Az. I brought it back to Portland and enjoyed some years riding it and just basically drooling over it just sitting in the driveway. Then came retirement 👍 and moved to Phoenix (weird irony).
Then decided to sell the fdwg and found a 95 RK which I still have after moving to Tucson. So currently here’s where my head is at with riding.
It’s dangerous as hell riding here what with the usual suspects of texting drivers and just plain ass not paying attention. We riders usually don’t make out too well in biker/cager confrontations.
I’m going to be the big 70 next year and I’m going to get some riding in before that day and stand back and see if the desire is still there.
I’ve got too much money in it to ever recoup any of it. So I guess what I’m saying/asking is Have any of you guys/gals had those thoughts about continuing to ride and or hang it up with good memories??
Quite the long spew…sorry!
There my be others out there. View attachment 884306

I’ve been riding form almost 40 years. Got my first street bike at 17 and except for a few odd years I’ve always owned a bike and ridden. I plan to ride two wheels until I can’t and then I’ll get a trike and ride some more. I’ve had close calls but thankfully never been down or in an accident. It’s part of me and my stress relief. Barring anything major, I’ll be riding until the end. Agree it’s more dangerous now but I ride assuming every car is out to kill me and it’s served me well. Almost a sixth sense at this point. You have tondo what’s right for you based on what you’re feeling. If you don’t love it anymore it’s probably time to hang it up. If you still do, then keep on riding!

 

I’m 83, on my sixth Harley. Kids and friends think I am crazy! I have been riding for 60+ years and don’t plan on stopping.

 

I’m not too sure where to post this,but here goes.
I’ve been riding on off for the past 47years and I have enjoyed it as much as it has to offer. Used to ride with a good buddy when we were young and dumb on the (crotch rocket) bikes of the 80’s.
Got rid of those bike’s for awhile,riding on the street like being on a racetrack was going to sooner or later take its revenge.
So somewhere around 2012 had a hankering for a Harley dyna wide glide. So living in Portland Or. I found the bike in Phoenix Az. I brought it back to Portland and enjoyed some years riding it and just basically drooling over it just sitting in the driveway. Then came retirement 👍 and moved to Phoenix (weird irony).
Then decided to sell the fdwg and found a 95 RK which I still have after moving to Tucson. So currently here’s where my head is at with riding.
It’s dangerous as hell riding here what with the usual suspects of texting drivers and just plain ass not paying attention. We riders usually don’t make out too well in biker/cager confrontations.
I’m going to be the big 70 next year and I’m going to get some riding in before that day and stand back and see if the desire is still there.
I’ve got too much money in it to ever recoup any of it. So I guess what I’m saying/asking is Have any of you guys/gals had those thoughts about continuing to ride and or hang it up with good memories??
Quite the long spew…sorry!
There my be others out there. View attachment 884306

"99"wg hell man i just turned 70 myself and i've been riding for around 50 years and ridden probably over 250,000 miles, my 02 FLHT has 167,000 miles and i've been to all 48 states, i'll admit that i don't do the long rides anymore last one was half way across the country seattle to clinton ia before i turned around tornados, i'll admit i'm a coward when it comes to tornados at my age, but give it up nah, it's in my blood it's who i am i just rode 200 miles for a cheese burger, i do that a lot, love my burgers! hell i've got 4 harleys in my garage so, always have something to ride if i get to old to hold one up i'll probably just put a side hack on one of them and keep on making memories

 

For the Love of Riding!!
Well, my 2¢ I didn't start until I was 72 17 yrs ago soon be 90 in Jan. started out on 250 scooter couple yrs traded for 500 scooter then couple yrs got a 2010 new 1200XL Sportster after about 10 yrs 52,000 later traded for a 2015 FLRt free wheeler 6 yrs now got 37,000 on it. dropped that Sportster 3 time in parking lots got hurt ever time. I ride now with a Veteran group been in 10 states they encouraged me to get the free wheeler glad I did it's safer & less worry riding. I'm in excellent heath & have no plans to stop riding. Ever time I traded I had to learn to ride all over again. I learn a lot about riding by reading stories on these Motorcycle Forums. Maby I'll see you all on road. I love to ride.

 

We are all brothers from different Mothers...started riding at 15..raced flat track till I joined the Marines at 17...I am 68 now.
All any of us have is today.....24hrs....if we wake up. Everyone's perception is also their reality. Gentlemen & Ladies.....
Do what you love as long as you want and can. There is no answer but your own.

 

@rapier57 Flashing lights at a car on a side street here means you are letting them pull out
I ride w/my high beams on, I never flash my lights at any vehicle

Only 64, but I can feel the age, need to start exercising my legs more
Past 2 years I was walking, did not do that this year
My son has bugged me a bit to get in better shape, he is 19 & works out
No idea how many miles I have put on bikes in 45 years

 

I’m not too sure where to post this,but here goes.
I’ve been riding on off for the past 47years and I have enjoyed it as much as it has to offer. Used to ride with a good buddy when we were young and dumb on the (crotch rocket) bikes of the 80’s.
Got rid of those bike’s for awhile,riding on the street like being on a racetrack was going to sooner or later take its revenge.
So somewhere around 2012 had a hankering for a Harley dyna wide glide. So living in Portland Or. I found the bike in Phoenix Az. I brought it back to Portland and enjoyed some years riding it and just basically drooling over it just sitting in the driveway. Then came retirement 👍 and moved to Phoenix (weird irony).
Then decided to sell the fdwg and found a 95 RK which I still have after moving to Tucson. So currently here’s where my head is at with riding.
It’s dangerous as hell riding here what with the usual suspects of texting drivers and just plain ass not paying attention. We riders usually don’t make out too well in biker/cager confrontations.
I’m going to be the big 70 next year and I’m going to get some riding in before that day and stand back and see if the desire is still there.
I’ve got too much money in it to ever recoup any of it. So I guess what I’m saying/asking is Have any of you guys/gals had those thoughts about continuing to ride and or hang it up with good memories??
Quite the long spew…sorry!
There my be others out there. View attachment 884306

I'm 78 and still ride frequently. Fortunately I don't live in an area that's too hot and too populated. As long as I can hold it up, I intend to ride. My son and I like to take a long trip once a year.

 

I ‘m not saying that I have given it up entirely, but. I did get rid of the trike. I just turned 70 and have vertigo that flares up unexpectedly on occasion. My main fear wasn’t getting hurt or killed by distracted drivers, but more for possibly hurting or killing someone else with such a heavy vehicle. With other current health issues plaguing me, I no longer can stand to ride long distances. That said, if I’m ever able to be cured of this dang cancer, I may grab something smaller and lighter just to kick around on when the weather is nice. Trying my best to not let the old man in.

 

I’m not too sure where to post this,but here goes.
I’ve been riding on off for the past 47years and I have enjoyed it as much as it has to offer. Used to ride with a good buddy when we were young and dumb on the (crotch rocket) bikes of the 80’s.
Got rid of those bike’s for awhile,riding on the street like being on a racetrack was going to sooner or later take its revenge.
So somewhere around 2012 had a hankering for a Harley dyna wide glide. So living in Portland Or. I found the bike in Phoenix Az. I brought it back to Portland and enjoyed some years riding it and just basically drooling over it just sitting in the driveway. Then came retirement 👍 and moved to Phoenix (weird irony).
Then decided to sell the fdwg and found a 95 RK which I still have after moving to Tucson. So currently here’s where my head is at with riding.
It’s dangerous as hell riding here what with the usual suspects of texting drivers and just plain ass not paying attention. We riders usually don’t make out too well in biker/cager confrontations.
I’m going to be the big 70 next year and I’m going to get some riding in before that day and stand back and see if the desire is still there.
I’ve got too much money in it to ever recoup any of it. So I guess what I’m saying/asking is Have any of you guys/gals had those thoughts about continuing to ride and or hang it up with good memories??
Quite the long spew…sorry!
There my be others out there. View attachment 884306

I was pretty much in the same boat in December 2024. I thought I was done with riding but won my 94 Dyna Wide Custom. To be honest I only bought the ticket to help out a friend. Never figured I’d win.
But once I got it home, looked it over and took it for a spin, I was hooked on riding again.

In days gone by we were our biggest fear for crashing. But as stated cellphone, movie watching and video game playing drivers are the norm. Not to mention the drunks and high drivers, and those are mostly the local and state cops! LoL, just joking (NOT!)

So I no longer ride in shorts, tennis shoes and as care free as I used to.

Heck my only accident was in 1985 when a co-worker ran into me from behind. The dip shit was originally two miles behind me but wasn’t paying attention to the traffic stopping on the Italian Autobahn.

And Tuesday I had my first flat while driving. So considering I have been driving since 1975, I’d say I am blessed with a guardian angel.

I plan on riding until my body or my mind says I can’t.

No shame in stopping for whatever reason, so long as you at least rode once in your lifetime!

 

I’m not too sure where to post this,but here goes.
I’ve been riding on off for the past 47years and I have enjoyed it as much as it has to offer. Used to ride with a good buddy when we were young and dumb on the (crotch rocket) bikes of the 80’s.
Got rid of those bike’s for awhile,riding on the street like being on a racetrack was going to sooner or later take its revenge.
So somewhere around 2012 had a hankering for a Harley dyna wide glide. So living in Portland Or. I found the bike in Phoenix Az. I brought it back to Portland and enjoyed some years riding it and just basically drooling over it just sitting in the driveway. Then came retirement 👍 and moved to Phoenix (weird irony).
Then decided to sell the fdwg and found a 95 RK which I still have after moving to Tucson. So currently here’s where my head is at with riding.
It’s dangerous as hell riding here what with the usual suspects of texting drivers and just plain ass not paying attention. We riders usually don’t make out too well in biker/cager confrontations.
I’m going to be the big 70 next year and I’m going to get some riding in before that day and stand back and see if the desire is still there.
I’ve got too much money in it to ever recoup any of it. So I guess what I’m saying/asking is Have any of you guys/gals had those thoughts about continuing to ride and or hang it up with good memories??
Quite the long spew…sorry!
There my be others out there. View attachment 884306

I have been riding since I was a kid, 10yrs old, my first was a Rupp minibike, I'm 66 in a couple of weeks and I will ride my 2 wheeler until I can't hold it up, then I'll get a trike. I currently ride a 2012 FatBoyLo, with no fairing, when I feel the need I'll put one on, until then I'm gonna enjoy every puff of wind, every single turn, even the bugs. I love it.

 

I’m not too sure where to post this,but here goes.
I’ve been riding on off for the past 47years and I have enjoyed it as much as it has to offer. Used to ride with a good buddy when we were young and dumb on the (crotch rocket) bikes of the 80’s.
Got rid of those bike’s for awhile,riding on the street like being on a racetrack was going to sooner or later take its revenge.
So somewhere around 2012 had a hankering for a Harley dyna wide glide. So living in Portland Or. I found the bike in Phoenix Az. I brought it back to Portland and enjoyed some years riding it and just basically drooling over it just sitting in the driveway. Then came retirement 👍 and moved to Phoenix (weird irony).
Then decided to sell the fdwg and found a 95 RK which I still have after moving to Tucson. So currently here’s where my head is at with riding.
It’s dangerous as hell riding here what with the usual suspects of texting drivers and just plain ass not paying attention. We riders usually don’t make out too well in biker/cager confrontations.
I’m going to be the big 70 next year and I’m going to get some riding in before that day and stand back and see if the desire is still there.
I’ve got too much money in it to ever recoup any of it. So I guess what I’m saying/asking is Have any of you guys/gals had those thoughts about continuing to ride and or hang it up with good memories??
Quite the long spew…sorry!
There my be others out there. View attachment 884306

YEAH! I have been riding going on 60 years, I am 73 years 9 months. On a Harley Trike now.. Been down 4 times. Gonna live to 120, yeah right. Gonna ride til I die, one way or the other. I ride all year. i was born to ride.