Age is just a number. Still riding my Panigale and Hypermotard. Stop when your body tells you, not your head. (Unless there’s a brick wall in front)
A lot to be said for Clint Eastwood’s quote, “I get up every day and don't let the old man in.” I often say this to myself even at my sprightly age.
Your alright for an old un bud just keep them adult nappies in the van for our track days as we all know you struggle to get out them leathers
The bad news for you is as I get even older you will have to ‘help’ me when I need the toilet. That’s what friends are for.
If that’s Alan, he was one of a kind and I sadly miss chatting with him ( and the dogs). If I’ve guessed correctly, does your partner still have my old ZXR 400?
Yes, well guessed. I miss him too, he's never far away from my thoughts. Yep, still got it i do love them, amazingly capable bikes
As for the cataracts, that was done at a private clinic, but through the NHS. The opticians will only let you go for it when your eyes get quite bad, though. Has made a massive difference to quality of life, though, not just on the bike. Thanks for all your good wishes!
I am 69 and some years ago, I decided to stop riding sports bikes after owning at various times: 750SS (my first bike) 748R 996S 749S 999S 1098S (1 x red and 1 x Tricolore) I bought a Harley and enjoyed the relaxed riding but never quite lost the sports bike bug so sold the Harley and now ride a Panigale 1299S, by far the best bike I have ever ridden. It ticks every box for me and while I am not flexible so mounting and dismounting is ungainly to say the least, I won't stop any time soon. Why would I ?
Good for you. Just keep doing it. I am 76 and have just ridden from Suffolk to World Ducati Week and back on my Monster 1200S with my stepson. We did about 2600 miles in all that heat in the summer which I don't think is too bad for an old un. I intend to keep riding for as long as I can keep getting my leg over, if you know what I mean. Meantime ride safe.
Well done Martin. I just did a similar tour at a similar time and temperatures in September. Down to Misano for the MotoGP, then across Italy and the ferry to Sardinia. Two nights and great roads there, then up To Corsica for two more nights and even better roads. Ferry to Genoa then up through Italy, Austria, Germany and across to the Chunnel. Three thousand miles in 2.1/2 weeks. All fast touring, all great fun. I have wondered how much longer I'll remain competent enough to do those sorts of mileages, but my riding companions are all very good riders and younger than me and use me as inspiration. I can't imagine not riding, so I guess I'll carry on until my body, or mind, says enough. Hopefully that is still many years hence. I meant to mention, I just turned 76 too!
I read an article a while back that said research has shown that bikers minds stay sharp with age and don’t appear to suffer the same age related problems as non bikers.
Good on you. Might I suggest a block-and-tackle to help mount/dismount the Panigale. Oh, and you might want to keep a chiropractor’s number on speed dial. Going from sports bikes to cruisers seems like from one end of the biking spectrum to the opposite end. I went from sports to road focused adventure bikes (Benelli Tre-k then Multistrada). While I had the MTS I bought a 696+ and found I really enjoyed riding it but it felt way underpowered. I thought, if I could get the MTS engine in a monster I’d have my perfect bike. Ducati then released M1200 so I got the M1200S Stripe when it came out. I love it but do still have a bit of a yearning for another MTS. I also think I’d like the new Diavel but just don’t have the cash anymore.
Love your post ! Yes in my sixties, first bike at 16 but just can't put in words how I love the ride and the people
I'm just hit 60 my daughter said you won't be riding bikes much longer will you !! I will probably downsize from my multistrada already haven't done a tour now for 3 years Get a scrambler or something ride until I cant no more
Interesting chat. I have been told that I am starting cataracts but that nothing will be done until they get quite 'bad'. I will be glad to get it done! 74 now and still enjoying riding. After many years of 'thinking about it' I went to my first IOM TT when I was 68. Loved it and now go to the Classic/MGP every year and marshall! Ride up from the south coast and get the evening boat, morning boat back and ride down over the day. I can recommend it to anyone and will keep going as long as poss. Just returned to Ducati (ST4) after using a Yamaha XT600. Not a bad bike but I can get on OK but it was tough to get off!! I had an ST4 some time ago traded it as I wanted to try different bikes. It's one of the few trades that I regretted. So back now, with a different ST4, with work to do over the winter, and hopefully Ducati mounted for my next Manx trip. All best to all.
