Warm weather - didn't take long....

[Stig / Major Tom]

I believe my physical AND mental ability to ride remains. However, economics is still an issue. Also, I’ve seen the looks of terror on several sibling’s faces when I even toss the idea out there. Although I don’t live for them, I do respect them. All 6 plus my mother were affected. But the two that live nearby seemed to suffer as much or more emotionally as I did. Had I not exceeded expectations and returned to normal life, I don’t think my oldest brother in particular could have fully accepted what happened. So until they can get to a place of acceptance, I’m refraining from riding again.


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Very good to hear from you,  Mr Forbes!
I choose to ride smaller scooters, 28>38mph, on mostly deserted city streets and rural roads at an hour most of the world is still in bed....for a reason.
Nevertheless, I don't let my guard down. 10 sec. mirror checks, full gear, roll off throttle when riding into tree shadows from a low sun (" a deer in there?") and for any car waiting at a side street, etc., etc.
It's not for many, but I love the whole experience,  no matter the temperatures.
Besides, rising from bed at 5:30AM keeps me in shape - should the Army ever restart the draft!
(if "time in grade" is factored in, I could be running the Pentagon now as a buck sergeant after 52 years!)
"Pop, your story is going down a side street again." (Daughter)
At my age, I  know I'm not going to bounce very well....so I ride accordingly.
Stig

[Viper254]

I have owned one 1000cc bike and by my own admission was nowhere near safe.

It took only about 2 months for me to realise this and sell it, which broke my heart (I'd always wanted one) but was necessary in terms of self-preservation.

I think I've only rode 125s and 50s since. I'd like to blame it on the fact that I was 25 years old, but I don't think I'd be any different now if I suddenly had 130 horsepower again...

1988 blue and white Honda CBR1000F, if you're asking. It was gorgeous.

[Neil955i]

I have owned one 1000cc bike and by my own admission was nowhere near safe.

It took only about 2 months for me to realise this and sell it, which broke my heart (I'd always wanted one) but was necessary in terms of self-preservation.

I think I've only rode 125s and 50s since. I'd like to blame it on the fact that I was 25 years old, but I don't think I'd be any different now if I suddenly had 130 horsepower again...

1988 blue and white Honda CBR1000F, if you're asking. It was gorgeous.

So refreshing to see someone admit to and be comfortable with their own limitations Viper!

I'm happy with sub-one litre biking these days as even discounting the safety question, put me on a 1,000cc cruise missile and I'd lose my licence in no time flat!  The temptation to obliterate the speed limit would be just too great.  Hell, I even have to exercise restraint on the 300 sometimes.

[Kansas kymco]

(At my age I don't bounce very well) so true for most of us on the forum.  As I age my riding goals are different as well Now I like  back roads with almost no traffic riding through a senic area so speed isn't my goal. Since I ride county roads usually 60mph is all I ride. 

Up North in Ely it's 7 miles to town so trips for lunch I take the scooter. Of a spring lots of dear so extra caution is used. I have a health respect for the machine whether it's a 150 or a 500, both can get you hurt.  I myself have slid down the street from a dog running in front of me. The city had resealed the street and put sand on top. When the dog ran in front of me I swerved in avoidance. The dog cut back but because of the lean angle the front end washed out on the sand. I ground the palms of my hands down to where you could see the muscles move when I move my fingers. Had asphalt ground into my knees as well. This was when I was 14 years old.  It taught me to be extremely aware of my surroundings.

[Neil955i]

Ouch! Yep, that would serve to remind you.


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[Forbes1964]

I’m thankful that although my riding days were short (8 months), I was 51 and immune to peer pressure and ridicule. I chose to ride my Xciting 250 and then my Yamaha Majesty 400 for the 45 mile one way commute to work 3 or 4 day/week weather permitting. My 30 something year old boss and other younger co workers would tease me about the helmet, jacket and pants on a SCOOTER. In fact I believe my last day at work pre accident, my manager somewhat tried to embarrass me by saying in front of the salesmen in a somewhat condescending manner, “Look at you with your little helmet, and jacket . All of that for a SCOOTER “ .

I remember saying something to this effect. Well, I’m riding on the highway at 60 or so MPH. At that speed, If I fall on the pavement, My body won’t know  OR care if I fell off a HARLEY or a SCOOTER. So I’m wearing this stuff” .  Little did I know I would find out personally just a couple of days later.

My boss said that his first thought upon hearing what happened was “I hope Darryl didn’t listen to me”. When he actually saw me, he stated how relieved he was that I was stubborn and couldn’t care less about being teased.

Anyway, I preach the virtues of protective equipment to ANYONE who will listen even if they’re on a 50cc . I even give my padded meshed riding jacket to a young man.


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[Forbes1964]

People : I bet you wish you’d never bought that scooter

Me: I can’t say that. I enjoyed it THOROUGHLY. I just wish I hadn’t fallen and lost part of my leg. My regret is the accident. That’s all.

My siblings response to the people:  we’re not going there. We don’t have time for what if’s. We can’t do anything about that. So it’s no use in even thinking about that one way or the other. We’re just moving forward and celebrating the fact that he survived and is doing well. We don’t need any negativity.
 
My mother’s response to the people. : That’s enough. I don’t want to hear it. That’s the end of that.

That’s just one reason why I love my family! They don’t live in the past. [emoji23][emoji23]


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[Neil955i]

Family.  It's what gets us through the bad times.