gazania, I fear the day that we can no longer ride. I will be like you, still wanting to stay in touch with other bikers and enjoying hearing their tales of the road. We have riden in several different states and in Mexico. I would love to go into Canada one of these days. Been through a couple of hail storms too. It sure helps to have your helmet on during those times!

Well, can another "has-been" contribute to this post!? LOL

DH has had two back surgeries. He could still ride after one. The second one stopped our riding.

I'm another one who will be checking this forum with great interest. Ride safe!

Don't know how many are aware of this, but there is a set of assisting wheels that attaches to the Gold Wing. They come down at slow speeds to help hold up the bike when at stop signs, but raise up when riding faster so you can still corner (and not have it act like a trike). No idea on the price. I think I'd just move to the trike, but it is an alternative for someone not wanting to give up the Gold Wing.

Thanks for the suggestion, but I am not the driver, just the companion rider. Cannot hold my body erect, or lift my legs due to a progressive muscle disease. Believe me if there was a way for me to continue riding, my DH would find it.

Gazania,

Have you considered getting a sidecar?

Michael

All seating for me has to be raised, or I cannot get up from it. I cannot get up out of most cars these days because the seat is to low. On the other hand, I cannot lift my legs up enough to get into our truck. Our van is even becoming a problem, especially if I am tired.

I had a 350 Honda in the laste 60's, but within 6 months got hit by a drunk driver. During those years no one sued for lots of money, we just got our bills paid. Anyway, my husband said it was either him or the bike, he worried too much. So I thought about it and then we sold the bike. As I getting too old & fat, don't miss the bike much, as we have a '75 Corvette, and are building a '32 Dearborn Duece-both convertables. One of my sons rides-has 2 bikes.

Chris, It is dangerous out there. And is getting more so every day. People are becoming more and more inattentive to the responsibilites of driving safely which puts us all in danger out on the roads. On a motorcycle, we are even more at risk of being maimed or worse by some idiot driving a car/truck/SUV who has found something more interesting to do while driving than paying attention to his driving. Since I had to quit motorcycle touring with DH, he has also quit riding. First because he missed his "travelin' bag" (as he calls me), but later on he admitted to becoming more aware of the dangers. We both still would get out there on a touring bike in a minute if I were able...but maybe it is for the best that we don't. However, we could get wiped out just pulling out of our driveway in our van, you just never know.

For all you out there enjoying the ride, wear all the protective gear you can, take a training course, drive defensively, expect the unexpected, and have a good time for me.

I had a series of bad luck, first a broken ankle, then two hip replacements. I can still get on my bike, and I can ride it, but I don't feel I have the leg strength to save myself if the bike decides to go down. So I'm looking into trading for a scooter. I'd even be happy with a smaller one, just to get out and have the wind in my face. Will the bikers still wave? --Kris

I am also a "has been" but still very much a part of the biker culture. I'm a product of the sixties and early seventies. As DH has aged he would be the first to admit he no longer has the reflexes to avoid all those out to get him. Perhaps if he had continued riding thoughout our 35 years together but we decided to take the responsble route and raise our kids without the added risk of riding added in.

I have considered building or buying a bike but at this time it is just not a priority for me.

DS has continued the legacy but has chosen Sport bikes over Harleys. Watching him and his group I see them as the up and coming generation of motorcyclists. A full face helmet and Kevlar has saved his skin and life more than once.

I cringe when I think of the lack of clothing, nevermind the lack of anything protective I wore during my riding years.

I will be lurking on this forum vicariously enjoying your posts.

Ride safe everyone.

Hi gazania - I'm one of those that "hangs on" lol. For the life of me I can't get the knack of that saddlebag, tho!! Cut the hair shorter so it's no curling iron, etc,,but I just can't fit all the clothes in,,even with "space bags"...worked all week to go to Laconia,,got everything in,,closed the covers only to have fiance tell me,,that HE GETS ONE BAG-- had to start all over again,,,,by the weekend we were leaving it rained so hard that everyone was heading home,,and left the dang clothes in the saddlebags.

Kris,

I wave at all motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, bikes, kids, antique cars and trains, sometimes just people standing by the road, so you'd still get my wave!

Brian