I was corresponding with a friend recently about motorcycling, and I mentioned that I’m riding now more than I did 20 years ago. “I’m riding like there’s no tomorrow.”
After reflecting on that statement, It gave me pause for thought.
I’m 68 years old. Is this ‘riding like there’s no tomorrow’ an issue? A symptom? Acting younger than my age? Fear of growing old?
Two riding buddies and I had this conversation recently during our Wednesday morning coffee meeting. “When do you think you will quit riding?” Frankly, I don’t see myself quitting. Not for quite some time. But, I realize that a time will come when I cannot ride the taller bikes like the V-Strom or the KLR. I already feel the struggle of swinging a leg over them. I have to mount them like a horse. Left foot on the foot peg like the stirrup of a saddle. Push myself up and swing the right leg over. I’m on.
So, why keep riding? I could go fishing. Or, I could load the fishing gear on the motorcycle and go fishing. I could travel more. Or, I could load some gear on the motorcycle and travel. I could clean the house … or … I could go motorcycling. Okay, I really don’t shirk my household responsibilities. I help clean the house. Then I go riding.
I have enjoyed the two wheel transportation ever since my dad brought that Lambretta motor scooter home when I was 15. It’s something about being in the wind, the out of doors, traveling to destinations near and far. For me, those rides are therapy. I call it helmet time. An opportunity to think things through outside of my household box. AND, I am so thankful for a spouse, my wife Lin, who understands the importance of motorcycling to me. She will often say, “Why don’t you take a ride.” And I usually do.
Yes, I am riding like there’s no tomorrow. But, I do have to wait for the snow to melt. 
See you on the highway.
Brent
It’s true for me too.
Without riding, I would wilt and fall into a crack somewhere.
It cleans my soul, it is tantamount to good housingkeeping of the mind.
Brent, my best friend Keith is still riding his Honda VFR750 and Triumph Thruxton at age 72. He has no plans to stop and in fact, just bought a ’71 Norton 750 to relive a bit of his youth. A few years ago my occasional riding buddy Ken told me he expected to ride until he felt he couldn’t be safe on his bike. At almost 82, Ken is still riding his Electra Glide. At 68 you and I both probably have some good years left as long as we’re safe.
Hi Brent, I’m 73 and still riding. We’re looking forward to another month long trip in Europe this spring on our R1200GS. I do find myself more choosy when to ride (night riding isn’t a lot of fun any more and short trips don’t happen often. And I’m planning for one last Best of Montana 1000 in 2020 on my WR250r dual sport.
I am 10 years older than you and After 50
Years on two wheels I was forced to make some changes do to health. I bought a Can Am Spyder. I have a little over 65,000 miles on it, I miss my two wheeler but I will never be able to go back. My wife passed on October 19,2018 so I have a lot on my bucket list. I am in Florida for the winter,next spring I will be back in Ohio
Willey, I’m sorry for your loss. I hope you can find some peace and therapy in continuing to ride on that Spyder. There is something about leaning into a curve that is exhilarating, but just as exhilarating is just being out there on the road, a part of the environment, two wheels or three. Keep on riding.
Brent
I’m 72 this year and have no plans ro stop riding for a few years yet. However, I’ve tried to futureproof my riding by upskilling with the Institute of Advanced Motorists in NZ as the first stage. The second stage was a month ago when I bought a lightweight bike without sacrificing performance – the KTM 790 Duke.
Safe riding!