[brian10x]

As I've mentioned before, I'm 62 and riding again after 6-7 years of "cage life".

I've been concerned with cognitive decline as I grow older and memory becomes an issue, and not as alert as I once was.

Been heavy on the caffeine, a real blessing, and every supplement available on Amazon.

Seems riding again has been a help, as I'm forced to focus 100% if I want to survive the dangerous Tucson roads and byways. I can no longer relax behind the wheel in complacency and let my mind wander to other things. Head on a swivel. Where are my feet? Hands covering brake and clutch. Downshift now. Feet up. Feet down. Pistol secured. Turn signal cancelled. Oil slicks avoided. Kickstand up. Kickstand down. AND Don't drop the ****ing thing.

All things I haven't had to think about for years. It helps clear the fog and jump starting my brain.

What say you?

 

[chucke]

I'm 72, I feel the same way.

 

[squidchief]

As is often around here I take the opposite view. I ride for the joy of riding. I'm very close to your same age, have been riding since my late teens. Maybe it's because I have been riding for as long as I have, but I completely relax when I'm on two wheels. Sure, when approaching intersections I have to scan a bit more, eye ball other drivers to ensure they see me, but all in all.... I'm sittin' back chillin'.
Now as for the memory thing. Yep! I find myself heading down the road and I forgot where I'm heading to but I just keep the front tire heading forward and sooner or later I'll figure it out. Orrrrr, I'll find someplace to sit back, have a beer. Either way, I'm good.

Nice to see you're back in the saddle. Hope to see many threads from you telling us about some of your two wheeled adventures.

 

[brian10x]

First "adventure" I had was dropping the damned thing the second day I owned it and screwing up my back.

Maybe that is why I'm a bit paranoid about staying focused. ONE wrong move and BAM. On the ground I go.

 

[Husoi]

Going to be 60 soon.
As long you can remember how to operate the sat-nav to go back home I wouldn't worry too much

 

[squidchief]

First "adventure" I had was dropping the damned thing the second day I owned it and screwing up my back.

Maybe that is why I'm a bit paranoid about staying focused. ONE wrong move and BAM. On the ground I go.

That's probably why it's common to recommend to folks either getting in to the saddle for the first time or after a long hiatus is to get a used bike that already has a dent or two. Most of us have done that! I would highly recommend watching a couple of videos on the proper way to pick up a downed bike. Us old guys can't be too careful. Sore backs take away from riding time. What bike are you riding?

 

[mtblair]

At 65 I do a lot of things to keep my mind sharp. But riding my mc is hands down the most fun I have keeping those little grey cells active!

 

[Bentone]

How cognitive are we? Without pills and coffee, do we have to think where and what is what on the bike. Time to park it.
Personally you have to be 100% each time out. I just ride slower, stay out of everyone's way. When no one is around with the funny lights, cough, you only live once, so everyday is a few seconds of yeehaw, wipe my rear end when I get home, yep, still can scare the .... out of me doing it.

 

[punxsybob]

Going to be 60 soon.
As long you can remember how to operate the sat-nav to go back home I wouldn't worry too much

No Sat Nav! No Sat Nav!
Ride for the adventure of it. Pick a direction and go. sooner or later you will stumble upon a road that looks familiar and find your way home from there.

 

[brian10x]

That's probably why it's common to recommend to folks either getting in to the saddle for the first time or after a long hiatus is to get a used bike that already has a dent or two. Most of us have done that! I would highly recommend watching a couple of videos on the proper way to pick up a downed bike. Us old guys can't be too careful. Sore backs take away from riding time. What bike are you riding?

The one in my profile pic, 2022 Shadow Aero.

 

[KC_97Shadow1100C]

Yes - at 62 my reflexes aren't exactly what they used to be either.
Have learned to add additional following distance and prioritize situational awareness to minimize riding drama. Still manage to have a ball anytime I'm out riding and have found the same habits translate well when driving. Having a mentally challenging job, hobbies and a red-head for a wife really help keep my brain cells active too!

 

[brian10x]

Yes - at 62 my reflexes aren't exactly what they used to be either.
Have learned to add additional following distance and prioritize situational awareness to minimize riding drama. Still manage to have a ball anytime I'm out riding and have found the same habits translate well when driving. Having a mentally challenging job, hobbies and a red-head for a wife really help keep my brain cells active too!

It might be politically incorrect to mention this, but I've been a shooter and gun nut for 35 years, and focusing on marksmanship and safety really helps my mind stay sharp as well.

 

[roadsnakes]

Well, I`m pushing 70, and I will say this...............................................................
'

What was the question again?????

 

[squidchief]

Well, I`m pushing 70, and I will say this...............................................................
'

What was the question again?????

he asked..... uhhh, I forgot..... let's go riding! Somebody said something about a redhead

 

[Husoi]

No Sat Nav! No Sat Nav!
Ride for the adventure of it. Pick a direction and go. sooner or later you will stumble upon a road that looks familiar and find your way home from there.

I didn't say use the satnav all the time. Just to make sure you find your way home.

 

[Menhir]

At 67, so far, thank God, so good. I've led a pretty active life prior to my retirement, so I believe that had a lot to do with it. Riding is still a hoot and I don't have any problems handling my motorcycle.

Still, I believe it's a smart thing that one should honestly evaluate their conditions and capabilities as time marches on and make appropriate decisions and adjustments.

Many years ago I asked my Grandmother why my Grandfather never drove. I have no memory of him driving and he walked to work every day. She told me he could drive and, if I recall correctly, still maintained his license in case the need arose. He just made a choice at some point that he didn't believe he could be a good a driver as he wished to be and chose not to get behind the wheel anymore.

I hope I can live up to that that example.

PS: I have zero problems with SatNavs/GPS. I've traveled far enough from home that there are sometimes NO roads that look familiar.

 

[swifty2014]

Hey you youngsters, I am 77 but I am starting to think carefully as my back and legs are declining.
And I don't ride if I don't feel on top of the game.
Can't go on forever and I sure don't want a wheelchair to be my next ride.

 

[snortn]

As I've mentioned before, I'm 62 and riding again after 6-7 years of "cage life".

I've been concerned with cognitive decline as I grow older and memory becomes an issue, and not as alert as I once was.

Been heavy on the caffeine, a real blessing, and every supplement available on Amazon.

Seems riding again has been a help, as I'm forced to focus 100% if I want to survive the dangerous Tucson roads and byways. I can no longer relax behind the wheel in complacency and let my mind wander to other things. Head on a swivel. Where are my feet? Hands covering brake and clutch. Downshift now. Feet up. Feet down. Pistol secured. Turn signal cancelled. Oil slicks avoided. Kickstand up. Kickstand down. AND Don't drop the ****ing thing.

All things I haven't had to think about for years. It helps clear the fog and jump starting my brain.

What say you?

Seems Bruce Willis has picked up that chore very recently, couldn't get a better Face to represent the cause for aphasia!

 

[RBW]

As I've mentioned before, I'm 62 and riding again after 6-7 years of "cage life".

I've been concerned with cognitive decline as I grow older and memory becomes an issue, and not as alert as I once was.

Been heavy on the caffeine, a real blessing, and every supplement available on Amazon.

Seems riding again has been a help, as I'm forced to focus 100% if I want to survive the dangerous Tucson roads and byways. I can no longer relax behind the wheel in complacency and let my mind wander to other things. Head on a swivel. Where are my feet? Hands covering brake and clutch. Downshift now. Feet up. Feet down. Pistol secured. Turn signal cancelled. Oil slicks avoided. Kickstand up. Kickstand down. AND Don't drop the ****ing thing.

All things I haven't had to think about for years. It helps clear the fog and jump starting my brain.

What say you?

68 here, riding for a year, love it. It has made me a better cage driver

 

[blue flames]

I'll be 60 in a few months. Still got my wits. Breathing is my new challenge.