About that old age and motorcycles thing...

Does anyone else thing that the membership would benefit from a forum dedicated to the accumulated knowledge of how to deal with aging while still riding motorcycles.

I have been struggling with tendonitis, old injuries, hand pain etc. for a few years and have actually made some progress. I would be good to collect everyone's issues and coping mechanisms in one place. Waddya thing?

Good idea - I'm in.
Ken

Good idea

Sounds great if we can remember where that one place is.

aging motorcyclists

I'm in. What about asking the moderator to make it a topic with all the others on the forum?

OKay, but we need a self-monitoring panel made up of: a Endocrinologist, Urologist, Cardiologist, Orthopedic Specialist, Hematologist, Phlebotomist, GP, PT and OT. I can get a discount on the OT as my daughter has her Doctorate. Mind you, this group is initially my picks/needs...add yours as needed. And we might as well throw in a special needs mechanic to make the mechanical adjustments...like seats that lower and saddlebags that "swing" inward when attempting to mount the machine...LOL???

Wait....what were we talking about....?

Jeez, given the demographic of this club, I thought this forum was already about riding while being old(er).

One thing, that is truly no joke, is the need to stay hydrated. I have come to appreciate this more and more. And I need to watch my diet more, and move about more (e.g., after riding for a good bit, I need to walk around for a while.)

One feller that I have been riding with (in his mid-80s) told me that he tries to eat lots of fruit (apples, grapes, etc.) Higher in fiber and water - tastes good and good for ya.

I met this same feller about 25 years back as he was a high-mileage rider; the wife's mom knew him. I recently moved back to NC after a several decades in OH and became re-acquainted with this guy. He invited me to participate in the Wednesday rides. I was sent a link to a piece on a local news cast about them. They were referred to as ROMEOs - Retired Old Motorcyclists Eating Out. Meet in morning; ride for hour or two, eat breakfast; ride more for a bit, visit some museum or location of interest for a bit; ride for a bit, eat some ice-cream; ride for a bit... (I usually am tuckered out and head for home at this point).

Link to news -
http://myfox8.com/2012/10/22/group-of-piedmont-retirees-gather-for-food-and-motorcycle-rides/

It was interesting to see that there is a more formal group of ROMEOs in Kansas -
http://romeoriders.com/wp/

Motodan said:

Wait....what were we talking about....?

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An all inclusive game of Afflictionary>

Motodan said:

OKay, but we need a self-monitoring panel made up of: a Endocrinologist, Urologist, Cardiologist, Orthopedic Specialist, Hematologist, Phlebotomist, GP, PT and OT....

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You left out Curmugeonologist.

I’m sure this thread will be an attractant for the newer, younger riders MOA is trying to recruit....might fit best in an area not exposed to recruits, but it really doesn’t fit in Clubhouse...



Best,
DG

Motodan said:

OKay, but we need a self-monitoring panel made up of: a Endocrinologist, Urologist, Cardiologist, Orthopedic Specialist, Hematologist, Phlebotomist, GP, PT and OT. I can get a discount on the OT as my daughter has her Doctorate. Mind you, this group is initially my picks/needs...add yours as needed. And we might as well throw in a special needs mechanic to make the mechanical adjustments...like seats that lower and saddlebags that "swing" inward when attempting to mount the machine...LOL???

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We don't need those things, we already got lots of expertise at being old guys.

Old geezers

GTRider said:

I’m sure this thread will be an attractant for the newer, younger riders MOA is trying to recruit....might fit best in an area not exposed to recruits, but it really doesn’t fit in Clubhouse...



Best,
DG

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We could try in clubhouse but tread in Motorrad now! I think that original poster was suggesting we have a dedicated new place for all the resources for the not so young.

GTRider said:

I’m sure this thread will be an attractant for the newer, younger riders MOA is trying to recruit....might fit best in an area not exposed to recruits, but it really doesn’t fit in Clubhouse...



Best,
DG

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Maybe only available to those on Medicare?

Two or three years ago David Hough (If you don't know, look him up) was conducting an early morning "Coffee with Dave" at the Hot Springs Rally in Nakusp, BC. He looked around the room at the graying attendees and posed a question.

"We are getting older. What strategies can anybody suggest to allow us to continue riding as we get older?"

I pondered the question for a while and the opined: "Smaller bikes, shorter days, and lonelier roads."

I stand by that prescription. We will return to Nakusp this year, riding back roads, shorter days, and our new G310GS bikes. The R1100 and R1150 bikes, the F800 and the K75s are staying home. We will be on lonlier roads for shorter days on G310GSs.

PGlaves said:

Two or three years ago David Hough (If you don't know, look him up) was conducting an early morning "Coffee with Dave" at the Hot Springs Rally in Nakusp, BC. He looked around the room at the graying attendees and posed a question.

"We are getting older. What strategies can anybody suggest to allow us to continue riding as we get older?"

I pondered the question for a while and the opined: "Smaller bikes, shorter days, and lonelier roads."

I stand by that prescription. We will return to Nakusp this year, riding back roads, shorter days, and our new G310GS bikes. The R1100 and R1150 bikes, the F800 and the K75s are staying home. We will be on lonlier roads for shorter days on G310GSs.

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I'm hoping to hear reports that the G310GS's are comfortable enough (seat wise) that your prescription works out.
OM

PGlaves said:

I pondered the question for a while and the opined: "Smaller bikes, shorter days, and lonelier roads."

.

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+1

I am anxiously awaiting Paul's report on how well the smaller bikes fit the bill.

My preliminary report is that they are great for local riding and did very well doing 400 mile days to and from a rally in Kerrville, even in headwinds and crosswinds 25 gusting to 35 mph. Luggage was an issue but I just ordered sidebags so things should work well.

PGlaves said:

My preliminary report is that they are great for local riding and did very well doing 400 mile days to and from a rally in Kerrville, even in headwinds and crosswinds 25 gusting to 35 mph. Luggage was an issue but I just ordered sidebags so things should work well.

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Having already done my first "downsizing due to age" by going from a Suzuki GSF1250 to an F800GT (shedding some 60-90 pounds and gaining a lower center of gravity too) the G310GS is high on my list if I replace either of my two current bikes (and if the soft suspension sags enough that I can touch down my 30-inch inseam feet). At 100 pounds less that the F800GT I could definitely go this route. I can learn to pack less.

PGlaves said:

He looked around the room at the graying attendees and posed a question."We are getting older. What strategies can anybody suggest to allow us to continue riding as we get older?"

Click to expand...

I'm 69, and my strategy has been to make fitness the central aspect of my life. I swim, 30 lengths, 3 or 4 times a week, and work out in the gym on the other days, with special attention to core conditioning. I also play competitive squash. I'm real careful with what, and how much, I eat.

I can still maneuver my bike around, but if I start losing strength, I might get into a 650. If I lose any abilities, I think the first to go might be alpine skiing. But, so far so good.