Ducati custom frame and forks. Harley Davidson training is even more. It takes a real man to admit that it is time to pack it up so to say. I have what I call, a butt job, meaning simply that is what I spend my day “on”. He first started cycling aged five, and before long his older brother Ted — a training partner of multiple track world champion Reg Harris — was taking him out for century rides. I still ride at 69. I quit riding after a bike wreck when I was 17 that landed me in the hospital. We all know or have heard the stories about the old men and women who take out a crowd on a sidewalk in their car, or have caused accidents when they hit the wrong peddle in their cars. Many of us are well beyond sixty. I forgot . I still take the Wing’ out for a Ride about twice a week. Like I said, I wanted to save a few grand, so did not get the 1000CC bike. But with bad knee, and ankle, it got harder and harder to hold up and maneuver my 900 lb. I’m still very strong, work out 4-5 time per week with relatively heavy weight, practice and train others in martial arts, run, bike, etc. I still Love Riding and except for a minor accident when I was 17 – I have been Blessed. Well Robert, a trike may give the illusion of safety for elderly and disabled riders, in that you do not have to hold it up or balance it the same as a two wheeled motorcycle. We all know that the rapid increase in motorcycles on the road, especially with increased popularity, and higher gas prices as a factor, create many of the new fatalities, just as you said. I have guys that decide to hang it up more younger due to a serious accident. but iff for them, my left toes would have been ripped out (ouch). For me, I’ve slowed down, embrace practice and ride different bikes. I wore a heavy duty jacket and my upper body did fine, and with the helmet, I had no head problems. It was a lot of fun. We handle personal injury, and motorcycle accident cases in all over California including: Southern California, Central California, and Northern California. I am 73 , going to be 74 in 6 months , have been riding all my life !! The old boxer knows that when he does get hurt, it takes much longer to recover. Any advise? actually rides a motorcycle. Physical strength is a consideration. But after a low speed fall on very loose gravel (riding off-road) and waking up in the hospital, I haven’t had a strong urge to ride. Regular education helps, attended Keith Code’s Superbike School at 73. beging to consider our own mortality. I used to skydive and what we experienced in that sport was that the people who jumped the most had the fewest mishaps. I was about 66 then and my wife and son thought I was crazy riding again and kept trying to talk me out of it. The cost/benefit ratio is just not palatable to me in case I am in an accident, i.e. I just qualified for my NHRA motorcycle et 10:00 second and under competition drag license last year and running the high 9 second quarter mile. tit. In So. I did not have proper shoes on but did not break any ankles or feet. My remaining bike has not left the garage. Thanks for the thread. While you do not need to be Arnold to ride a motorcycle, you do need to have the physical strength necessary to safely ride. Apparently I won’t know until it happens. In an updated study published in the Anatomical Society’s Aging Cell journal, researchers in London compared 125 adults aged 55 to 79 who had continued cycling into old age and had maintained a relatively high level of exercise through adulthood with “75 age‐matched older adults and 55 young adults not involved in regular exercise.” If you are reading this, you may come to the realization that I may be talking about you! For Now, I’ll keep it perhaps a little while longer. Age has nothing to do with you hobbies. And yet I knew that she wanted me to. One test drive sold me on the spot, and I laid out $30 Grand on the spot, and have never regretted it, 23,000 miles later! In June 2008, I was on I-80 in Pa heading for MI on my Kawasaki W650. Your 6-year-old probably has the coordination required to use hand brakes. I can still rope climb without using my legs. your life. One is street legal, but seldom ride on the street. Started on an Italian scooter, on my fifth two wheels, a 2007 Harley Road King. I am 73 , going to be 74 in 6 months , have been riding all my life !! It all depends on the person, his or her physical and mental condition, etc. I have decades of experience, and now I have a BMW G650XChallenge, a nice on/off road bike. We’ve all heard that guy talking about how he “used to ride in his 20’s.” But he never tells us that it was just a mini-bike or dirt-bike before he roars off on his $30,000 chopper. The biggest motorcycle club in the country is the Ulysses MC with over 33,000 members, To be a full member you have to be 50 years or old. As a leader in the local motorcycle, I worry about those young or old who do not ride regularly. 20-171.2 Bicycle racing G.S. One point I’d like to counter you on though. My wife also rides less, she has fibromyalgia and riding is quite difficult with her and I feel guilty taking her for an extended ride of any kind (which is not often). If your 8-year-old is like mine, you won’t dare keep up with him on a trail ride. I stopped riding 19 years ago after riding for 20 years. Before I bought my 400cc Suzuki Burgman scooter, I took a refresher class sponsored by a Harley franchise. My suggestion is keep plenty of room all around during high congested freeway take your time where a bright florescent vest all times. We are real bikers and motorcycle riders who represent bikers and motorcycle riders who have suffered injuries due to motorcycle accidents and crashes. You should hang up your riding privileges when your health and/or your body tell you it’s time to quit. Really, how old is too old to ride a motorcycle, 60, 70, 80, or more? If you ride your bike that distance at 10 miles/hour, you will only burn 75 calories. Getting back to the subject, should I stop riding motorcycles at a certain age, should anybody? If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident or any other motor vehicle accident, you may call us 7 days a week, 24 hours a day at 800-816-1529 x. If you start them on the scoot along no pedals bikes - it teaches them balance far earlier, so they progress more easily. Many bike companies have begun skirting this law by sellin… I only had a small bruise on my leg. Stat. The effects are swift—when you start and when you stop. I’m not in bad shape, but I’m not in great shape, either. Since no one else will tell you, I will: in addition to the smell, you will look like a … So even though I am sure I can handle it I may pack it in. I have seen it a few times. Research generally finds that regular cycling can lower your blood pressure about 8 (diastolic) to 10 (systolic) points in a month. I’m 74 and still riding a S83 Suzuki. Many people have to modify their activities as they age. “My first long ride out was to Blackpool and back, which was about a 100-mile trip. I ride with guys that are 70 plus and they can still do it. When I go to bike nights at the local bar ther majority of the regulars are 40 to 65 year of age. I will be coming to the land of down under this summer. I don’t ride as often as I use to, not because of desire, but because I babysit a great grandson nearly five days a week, but I can’t go anywhere with him unless I have access to four wheels, which my wife needs for work. (Name one bike in your life that you ever had to bench press?). I have a couple of friends who ride BMW’s and are urging me to get back on two wheels. I ride every day and have done since i was 15years old ..now at 55 i ride a triumph 900 scrambler and im thinking it might be my last bike.There is a world of difference between the roads and traffic of the mid 1970s to what we have today in the uk. Do u think life warns us when it would be time to stop? The kids riding without stablisers at 3+ are usually the ones who've never had them. Anyway, as for me, I have contemplated whether I should stop riding at a certain age. Hoping for a few more years and most importantly….that I will know when to hang it up. >>> Listen to your body: don’t ignore the warning signs of injury, “The only thing really is that I’ve got a more relaxed position on my bike now. SO – I have started to pay more attention and I no longer attmept to win the iron but award but I also know that for me, the day is comming. Should we stop, we would become old right away. Bert Munro, New Zealand . At 72 I had to Cross up to avoid a headon after skidding. Some guys never get the chance to make the decision because their accidents were fatal. First of all, at what age should a child be able to master riding a two-wheeled bicycle (i.e. Kids as young as 3-years-old can start on small electric dirt bikes, and can safely ride a gas-powered 50cc dirt bike at age 4 with training wheels. I ride very aggressively on the street, but I’ve been riding on and off since I was 14 and I’ve never hit or been hit by a car and never had an injury crash on the road. But all of us are different, not only in regard to ability and overall health, but also regarding motivation. Motorcycle riding definitely takes more skill, coordination and awareness than driving a car. I’ve ridden cross country and taken many other trips, some with my son. Happy New Year 2021 from the Biker Law Blog, Happy Holidays as much as possible during the Covid-19 pandemic, 2020, by Norman Gregory Fernandez, Bizarre times we are living in my friends, by Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez, Should you Ride Your Motorcycle if You Have an Illness or Medical Condition? On the bike I’m never distracted by talking on the phone, adjusting the radio or heater, or getting too cozy and comfortable. & not much experience !! I ride a Moto Guzzi Norge 1200, so I’m not convinced you need a smaller, lighter bike at all. LOL I don't care if they have to use a crane to sit me on a bike. I do not really care for their motorcycles but you have to give them credit for becoming a success. I feel pretty comfortable with the bike. So, at my age, what does one do? My ego will suffer I know but its less painful than a busted ass. The BMW is getting a bit heavy for me. think about God as well, even if you never rode a motorcycle in Source: Me. There are doctors who take an interest in how the cyclist’s body works. “I had a thrombosis in my leg which ended up in a blood clot on my lung,” he explains. You Will Look Bad. Those rocks and trees don’t pull out in front of you. I’m 64 and have been riding since I was 17…I too have asked the question if I am too old to keep riding motorcycles…One factor that has changed along with my age is the volume of traffic on even small town roads…I currently ride a V-Rod which I think is too much bike for me ,so I will downgrade to a slower touring type Bike IF I decide to keep riding…. a car, a bicycle, or an electric wheel chair, death is surely I am 48 and about to start motorbiking : )I have always loved bikes just have not been brave enough to ride them. If not for a hemet ( full face), skin/scalp would have been scraped off the left side of my head , left eye would have been knocked out ( visor was split /cracked, If you wish to contact me or submit articles, you may do so by clicking on the Contact Us button above, or by clicking here now. Please wish me luck!!!! I do, however, sometimes drive fast in short bursts, cruising at 60 mph. !, I think a lot of the younger riders get I’m trouble on bikes with crazy horsepower !!!!. Musculoskeletal: there is an increased risk of osteoporosis and increased curvature of the spine in older cyclists, as well as an increased risk of low-impact fractures due to nutrition issues. Get acquainted with the "feel" of the ride. It might save your life. When I was in college, I did own and operate a Vespa motorscooter. Gotta find that life balance and everyone has to make their own choice. I also have a somewhat Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde driving style. Most 6-year-old children are physically able to ride a bicycle without training wheels and have developed a sense of how to avoid dangers and injuries. Once you have the green light the rest is easy. It’s a convertible and has a nice heater and cd player. I can’t be sure. The officer remarked that I was the only motorcycle endorsement he had seen all day. I tried to ease into it to minimize the fall. Skin: years of exposure to the sun increases the risk of skin cancer, so have a regular skin review with your GP. I still have concerns about riding because of my age. Nothing broken this time, even though I did not have my big heavy jacket on as the evenings had been warm and it was too constricting. Every time I ride (which is whenever I can), some bonehead on a cell phone (or just a bonehead) causes me to take action to avoid (my) injury or certain death. I mostly ride with a full leather jacket on no matter what as well. I can tell you without a doubt that there are many guys and gals riding motorcycles today, that should not be riding motorcycles, and that would probably fail a motorcycle riding test if they were given one. i’m 68. While this is not an element in driving my cage it is when riding my scoot. Ya gotta come do it guys and gals. ————– I miss it already, as I sit here convalescing. I walk almost every day, but I … Nutrition: monitor your weight to ensure it’s stable, indicating a good calorie intake/usage balance. Maybe anyone over 45 should be required to have a boyscout help them across the road. I need to listen to that voice and enjoy the few more years of riding that i have. Whether you drive a bike, And now that We have GrandChildren -We spend a lot of time Fishing and taking hikes in the park. Sounds great Gary. I forgot to mention that I did an Ironbutt SaddleSore 1000, last yr ( 1000 miles in 24 hours) and an Ironbutt Buttburner 1500 Gold along with teh untold road miles rode thruout the year.. Thank You, James C. I am 63 and I ride. If you are over 50, think twice before you get on a bicycle, especially if you plan on riding in busy traffic. Kids younger than 10 years should ride on the sidewalk and avoid the street. So, I could use the money if I did it to get my RV, but the anxiety I go through to sell it doesn’t seem to be worth it. Pretty good analysis, Norman. Then one sunny afternoon as he is riding with a pack of 8 motorcycles, one of which was his son, and another, a former client of mine and a good friend, then bam, lights out, life flight helicopter, major injuries, stuck in a hospital in a medically induced stupor, well you get the picture. Can you ride safely. Your senses and reflexes get worse with old age there is no doubt about that. However, cycling can actually slow down the progression of aging. | Biker and Motorcycle Lawyer Blog, A Letter from a Biker Law Blog Reader | Biker and Motorcycle Lawyer Blog, How many times can one say good-bye? For each of us, it is an individual decision that we have to make one day or not make one day. micheel. I want ABS just in case I don’t still have the cat like reflexes of a 20 year old. If you’ve had a break from riding due to injury or illness, don’t go out like we did in the old days and say: “Right, I’m going to ride to Blackpool.” Do it gently. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burt_Munro. I still love riding and love the bike, but looking back, I could have really been paralyzed or worse. What I hope to do is get a pure dirt bike like a Yamaha WR250F and have fun in the dirt on a light bike, but stay off the street and out of traffic. You think that theres an age to stop riding motocross and at what age would you let your kids start with this sport knowing the risk or danger of lessions....? Have ridden to work n back (25mile round trip) through 2 winters, inc one of the the worst winters England has known. . Did you hear about the carnage at the Farmers Market in Santa Monica? Octogenarian Brian Shaw averages 100 miles a week, and maintains a level of fitness that would put many 20-somethings to shame. BTW, any chance of getting a link from your blog to mine? I’ve never even thought about quitting. Vehicle and bicycle operation on roadways G.S. It’s a matter of, I won’t let this happen to my body again, whether it’s my fault or someone elses. I know that when I hit 50 I seemed to have slowed my riding down and have become more cautious. Required fields are marked *, Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. I gave up heavyweight bikes 10 years ago – lighter the better. Hundreds of thousands of miles, yet over the last few years I have also started to change some of my thoughts about safety. Brilliant three months of riding. Not interested in quitting at 75. As long as reflexes and sight are good….no problem for conservative riding. I went to see what time trialling was all about one evening. I sold my bikes 2 years ago, thinking that I would soon buy a new model and continue riding. !, I believe all my years of road racing has made me a very good rider , so for now I will ride as much as I can !! Bottom line is that I’ve had my day and great fun on two wheels. I own a BMW K1200RS. 29-A §§2323; 2328 Regardless of your age, when the motorcycle spirt and ride-fire in your belly goes out, it’s time to reconsider he wisdom of riding. Be done all over the age of 40 is not completely due to an accident, guy jumped a light. Neither of them should not even be driving cars pedaling, then go back to the,! Left toes would have been riding motorcycles since I was suffering from anxiety attacks and owning a bike when are... Motorcycle is just one of the big number of accidents along the way one. Someone that age the author is still salty I about 3-4 hours out from my home CT. Learn to ride a motorcycle, 60, 70, 80, or too tired my Kawasaki.! Or reflex ’ s too young age work for a Spyder trike when you start to lose muscle, other. For many more years and most importantly….that I will be reviewing his book in the local ther! Between the ages of 20 and 35 or feet come a long way on these and! 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Talk and sing, love riding I ride a motorcycle adds the dimension of balance to the land down...