WTH .. I think I lost my captain courageous !

[GS1150Pilot]

Bill, are you done with the track, then?

[mrbill5491]

My 74 year old mother says something similar, "getting old isn't for sissies".

Lots of perspective is gained with age. I keep reminding myself of that when I have disagreements with my 27 year old daughter.


Ed

That's why I have spent nearly a $1000 in safety riding gear now. Don't bounce like I used too...or slide lol.

[mrbill5491]

What do you think of middle aged people riding in T shirts and helmetless, with their wife on the back in shorts and sandals?
Courageous?

STOOOPID is what they are.

[eil]

Never had a captain courageous in me, but I've always respected the bike and never pushed my limits. I do ride somewhat spirited whenever possible, though it's more about twisting the throttle than trying to wear out the edges of the tires. It's about knowing your abilities, your state of mind, and training your muscles and mind to do the right thing at the right time. I'd kill for a track day, but it's beyond my budget currently.

I don't have any evidence to support this, but it's entirely likely that you can lose a lot of skill in 5 years of absence from riding. It'll probably come back as long as you ease yourself into it.

[Buffalo Bill]

Bill, are you done with the track, then?

Can't or don't wanna answer that. But sure would like to graduate from novice level.

[GS1150Pilot]

Well said, sir.

[JTGS850GL]

There's a reason why most of the military are young. At those ages you just don't understand mortality like you do now.

[GS1150Pilot]

That, and the fact that their bodies hold up to the abuse far better, eh?

[GSXR7ED]

There's a reason why most of the military are young. At those ages you just don't understand mortality like you do now.

I was 19 when I joined the Air Force in 1986 and survived living in Los Angeles. I didn't feel invincible as I was not riding a motorcycle back then.

That, and the fact that their bodies hold up to the abuse far better, eh?

My body is exhausted now... especially my knees. I should have taken better care of myself so as to not need both my knees scoped.

It truly is a blessing being able to walk.


Ed

[GS1150Pilot]

I've got a torn ACL that surgeons told me wouldn't preclude me from doing the things I enjoy (hiking, bicycling, lifting weights, riding motorcycles), but I couldn't do another police academy. Ah well. I don't ride like a psycho (days of racing on the highways are long gone), haven't been on a dragstrip since 2007, and am seriously contemplating getting a touring bike.

But I do still enjoy romping on the throttle in wide open places and the pleasures of twisty roads.

[Buffalo Bill]

There's a reason why most of the military are young. At those ages you just don't understand mortality like you do now.

I heard another explanation for that in a movie; "because we want them before they become civilians, before they get used to deciding things for themselves". Makes a lot of sense to me.

[GS1150Pilot]

That is a pretty profound statement-though not a humane one.

[Buffalo Bill]

That is a pretty profound statement-though not a humane one.

From the writing staff, technical advisor, director and actor all contributing in their own way. I can only say it stuck in my mind for many years.