I'm not getting any younger, I'll be 70 in a few months. I used to do 15k a year on my 748, these days it's barely 1000. But but but... I've recently had both cataracts done. For the first time ever, I can ride without having to force a pair of glasses into a helmet (I've had contact lens, but found them far from perfect on the bike, althogh OK in normal use). And it's just a joy. And as for the clarity of vision, well, I can't get over how good my new TV looks, the one I was a bit disappointed with when I first bought it! I rode over to St Helens tonight to watch the Rugby League World Cup game between Tonga and Papua New Guinea, and the bike is going so well, even though I seldom use it, it starts on the button, idles smoothly, there's nothing wrong with the fuelling... I figure it's worth one last belt service!
You are an inspiration to me, at 67 have similar thoughts, and as the years start to fly by ever quicker, we might as well be rolling a dice when it comes to predicting The next thing that will stop us riding in the future. if your physical health is good, so can still do 20 miles or more on a 748 then you’re looking good as you venture into your exciting elderness.
Age is just a number, i remember being in my late teens when my dad reached fifty and i thought he was ancient!...but how times change, i'm now 61 but certainly don't feel it, and can't ever imagine not riding a bike ,i think as long as i am fit enough my riding days will continue, although i'm not sure if the bike i will be riding in ten years time will be my 916, i might need to get a monster or similar!
Did you go private or through the NHS @moto748 for your eye surgery? I've contemplated laser work on my eyes but not until much later on, worn glasses for little over ten years now.
Jesus i hadn't even considered squeezing the glasses in through the slotted window before now you mentioned it, i thought they're built in for some odd reason.
I'm rapidly approaching 71 and still ride a Multistrada and the odd short blast on a 998. The multi is no problem while the 998 is a bit of a challenge but my biggest problem is bending down to get my socks on and my boots done up, when I can't manage that my riding days are done.
Gloucester has a Facebook group called 'Last of the Summer Wine Bikers' and I'm the youngest member (aged 50). Our oldest is in his 90s and still rides as well as most 50 year olds ever will. Average age is about 68. As long as you can keep getting on a bike and stay safe, age is just a number - even if you do have to change to a super scooter.
Friend had laser done, about 10 years later he's back to wearing glasses, lense replacement is the best way if you can afford it/justify it. Mum had her cateracts done a few years back, now doesn't wear glasses for the first time since she was 8, she's now 84
Just keep riding till you reach the point you no longer can Life is short, live it doing what you enjoy
My late father in-law took his fireblade to trackdays when he was 80 and would lap me before that on his cbr600rr. Apart from that, bikes were his primary means of transport. I can only hope I'm that fit and able at that age.
Keep at it as long as you feel able, my father-in-law 92 next birthday, is still riding, and has been since being 15 years old, admittedly he has downsized to a brand new Royal Enfield 350 Meteor, but still at it.
I'm quite a bit younger, but have been having issues with my stiff hips for a good while. I played competitive squash for many years, and didn't stretch enough... anyways recently I've been doing 10 minutes meditation each morning - cross legged on a cushion, and I can see the flexibility difference in a very short amount of time, so maybe that is the key to riding until the grey years! Cheers Grant
Please allow me to unburden you of this dreadful chore Pete. No charge, I'll take it out of the goodness of my heart and my respect for my elders.
My dad is 75 and just done over 3k miles in two weeks away on his hyperstrada. Rode to Italy got the ferry to Albania, Croatia, Montenegro etc home. It knackered him but I hope I'm doing that sort of stuff at his age.
Enjoy what you enjoy while you're able. When you're no longer able find something else to enjoy. E.g., when you are no longer able to enjoy motorbikes, buy a Harley.
I got two vitrectomies done at Sunderland Eye Infirmary, and couldn’t recommend them more highly. I could see clearly for the first time in over sixty years! Maria Therese Sandinha if you want a surgeon.
