Thoughts Before - and After - Retirement

[DarthRider]

I didn't know where to post this, so I just put it here.

I stumbled across something I wrote to our friend Wild Will 3 years ago, shortly before my retirement.
Maybe you will be amused...a little. I was...a little.
Two things jumped into my mind as I re-read it, 3 years on and fully retired.

First was Stinkin' Frank's admonition to "Not fail retirement". I'd give myself a solid "C" at this point.
I think I may have a shaky "B-" somewhere inside.

The second is is the "slowing down" thing. Limited success in this area!
I have found slowing down is easy enough, usually, when I'm riding alone or even with someone on a slow(er) motorcycle.
But put me out there with Dean and Kent Cook, or NCHillbilly and Geechie George on fast bikes, and all bets are off!
Oh well...I guess there will be time to slow down. Sometime.
In the meantime, I'll just concentrate on going fast smart, rather than going fast dumb. Big difference!

"Thoughts on Retirement": Late 2006

There are times, places, people and events that cause us to re-examine our priorities, our friends & acquaintances, our machines, our practices, our rides, our riding...our lives. You have thoughtfully touched on those in your little tale of your "real world" and shared the process, the results, and the wisdom.

I am going through a similar process now as I near retirement (3 weeks!:icon_mrgreen: :118:), am still feeling the results of my last crash (5.5 years ago...the last before that was 25 years), dealing with prospects of future life that is just as expensive but with fewer regular, reliable income streams, and the realization that at 63, I'm just not as young as I used to be! (duh!)

The hell of it is...I am a better/faster rider than I ever was, I have more training & experience of course, better judgment, better gear, and much faster motorcycles. I am more mature...God, how I used to hate that word. Still do, dammit. But along with all those gifts comes incrementally poorer eyesight, coordination, reflexes, and timing. Especially the eyesight, especially at night. I'm in pretty good shape overall, but not as strong as I was, even a few years ago. I suppose a lifetime spent at a desk has caught up with me. I'm determined to get my strength back and am doing that, along with significant weight loss and good & improving overall health.

But that's not all there is.

I literally spent my late teens through my early thirties...getting hurt. Skydiving & motorcycle street & racing crashes mainly. I not only didn't mind, I just didn't care. I figured if you're not getting banged up pretty often you are just not going fast enough, not having enough fun. I had a great income and top-notch medical coverage all through my "first career", for over 35 years, so all that was not really a hardship, so much as an inconvenience. I'm not recommending that lifestyle, not trying to justify it, not bragging about it, and sure as hell not apologizing for it. It was just my way. And still is, to an extent...except I just want to go fast without the getting hurt and tearing up bikes part!

But now, all these years later, when I try to be mature & responsible, try to slow down and do the "right thing", even try to "act my age" on occasion (not often!)...it's just damned hard. And I haven't done well at it, which has always been OK. At least before.

But now it's time to try a bit harder I guess. A crash hurts for 5 years now, not 5 weeks. An injury is too expensive, with not-as-good insurance, and will be even more expensive without a nice salary-driven paycheck, just retirement pensions, savings and part-time fun/cash jobs. And replacing or fixing crashed out machines is not appealing anymore.

I'm going at this three ways:
The KLR is a "slow-down" bike. The Speed Triple will probably be sold for something less deadly and threatening in a couple of years. My bikes will change and so will my riding.
I'll concentrate on recurrent training, taking the ERC every 2 years and any track based schools I can get to. This helps offset the effects of the aging process...to a degree. I'll become 90% ATGATT soon, rather than the 70% now.

And, (this is the really, really painful part), I will slow down. Well, not a lot, just down from 9-10 to 8-9. At first. More later. I guess. And I'll start doing this soon. Well, not *real* soon. Kind of soon. Soon as I can anyway.
But not too soon...

Will I ever just stop riding? Of course.
No wheels allowed on The Big Dirt Nap.

Old age is not for sissies.

Stay strong...

[Rchop]

My retirement plans have most certainly changed from what I thought they would be! I could go into more detail, but it's a subject that we have agreed to not discuss in this forum. I will say that I start my first classes in a couple of weeks that I hope will lead to a degree in Theology. Who knows what that will lead to! Well, I know who knows and I'm just following His lead right now.

[DarthRider]

My retirement plans have most certainly changed from what I thought they would be! I could go into more detail, but it's a subject that we have agreed to not discuss in this forum. I will say that I start my first classes in a couple of weeks that I hope will lead to a degree in Theology. Who knows what that will lead to! Well, I know who knows and I'm just following His lead right now.


Randy...put in a good word for me with the Boss!

[panthercity]

...But now, all these years later, when I try to be mature & responsible, try to slow down and do the "right thing", even try to "act my age" on occasion (not often!)...it's just damned hard. And I haven't done well at it, which has always been OK. At least before...Every time I hear someone talking about "acting their age" I can't help but remember the time my riding bud, Lloyd, got stopped for 76 in a 60 on his Ducati Multistrudle. Young deputy sheriff just KNEW he had him some hotrod kid on a flashy red motorcycle.

The kid was more than a little astonished when (then) 77-year-old Lloyd pulled off his helmet, revealing his grizzled visage.

The kid took Lloyd’s DL and ran him for W&W then returned and told Lloyd to slow down and act his age.

Lloyd told him, “I AM acting my age! I’m riding like there’s no tomorrow…”

[panthercity]

Oh, and Randy, good on ya!

[Arby]

Hey Dave, thanks for sharing that. I think most of us can idenify with it. I know I can. Even though I can't do what I once could, I still intend to keep doing what I can. This past Saturday my two grandsons and I did a Florida Trail Riders/Treasure Coast Trail Riders off road fun run down on the Seminole Reservation near Lake Okeechobee and today I did a 2 1/2 mile walk with Jude and a 17 1/2 mile bike ride with a buddy down the street.

And, I've got the Rockster in my shed/shop doing a 24,000 mile service, including new Road Smarts, so I'll be ready for our April ride and whatever else comes my way. I plan on getting the 919 back down here (to Florida) and put the finishing touches on my sport touring conversion as I'll probably ride it on Dirty Dougs cross country extravaganza.

And yes, the money's tigher now. Maybe because of irrational exuberance on my part (aka poor planning) or something else, it's tighter than planned for, none the less.

So, I guess, we need to concentrate on, and be thankful for, what we have and can do now. It might all change tomorrow!


Randy, what a worthwhile endeavor. Hope it all goes well for you.

RB

[Rchop]

Randy...put in a good word for me with the Boss!

I already have Dave! Now it's your turn :icon_wink:

[Deans BMW]

What a fascinating subject, actually one that I have given a lot of thought to lately, and yet unable to even understand my thoughts.

First, the way I ride, truthfully it scares me somewhat, it completely disappears when I get on a bike, be it the CLC cruiser, the KLR or the ST. There are very few people that I really enjoy riding with, most of my riding is by my self. However get me with excellent riders like Dave or Kent Cook or a few similar riders watch out...full balls out.

My last accident was in '77 on one of our tricked out R100RS's, prolly shouldn't even mention this......Randy, a good word to the Boss please. But damn at my age its going to hurt.

Oh well just random thoughts, no answers, no recommendations, I am getting tired of all this continous building, next summer will be for riding.

Chris at San Jose several weeks ago sold my place in line pre order S1000RR after a long discussion to a customer that was very hot to buy........for a premimum $. I can ride San Jose's demo anytime I want to for as long as I want and I am getting one of the first new DOHC R1200GS's but part of me is relieved and an equal part is torn....big time. Chris called me today from West Palm Beach, Fl after spending the morning on a new S1000RR, comfortable, ungodly fast stable beyond belief, did I say fast. He would be in a sharp lean, full throttle, thru the gears with the quick shifter and would be in the mid to hi 170's before the next corner. Part of me says, "what a ride to the Bearwallow" with its giant sweepers miles long straights and...and.
I think Chris did a good thing talking me into selling my preorder spot........................I think.........sigh.

Damn, I wish I had at least some answers.

End of my inane run on stream of consiounses prattling

[Dirty Doug]

Poping in on the hotel computer here. What a thought provoking post here Davie lad. Seems like I was just thinking along these lines not that long ago. First off good on you Randy I'll give you a proper " way to go " at Maxton this spring.

I've been thinking along those same lines Dave and haven't a clue as to what I want to do here as far as work goes. I do O.K. at my chosen field and have a bit of freedom here as to when I work and when I don't. It comes from over 30 years with a small family owned business. I've been taken in as one of the family and I can work as much or as little as I want. It would be hard to leave such a place except I'm just tired of doing what I've been doing. That and Toni still want's to work another year or two so I'll most likely wait on her to quit.

Then there's the race team. Again I really enjoy being part of the team and have two good partners but I'm 65 years old and the time and energy required to race is taxing to say the least. I don't drive anymore other than a few hot laps ( or at least hot to me ) during some of our test outings. I find the things I use to do at the track are much better done by someone younger. Not only better but faster. It's hard to let go and just point and fuss. I'm thinking that after the race this weekend I'm going to sit down with all parties and plan an exit action.

This brings us to the riding part. Like you I spent the greater parts of my youth riding, racing, and crashing motorcycles. When you're in your 20's you bounce back quickly and don't give a second thought to jumping back on the motorcycle and going just as fast or faster than before. There was a time when I broke my right wrist and had to have pins and a cast applied. The very next weekend I was racing with the hand duct taped to the throttle and dropping the elbow to get throttle turn. Thank goodness for the 1/4 turn throttles of the day. The only problem was when I crashed the next time I was taped to the motorcycle and couldn't let go. I'm afraid those days are long behind me though. The crash on the way to Arby's place last spring has taken a lot out of me. The repairs seem to take forever these days and I'm still not back to where I was before. That on top of having the knee replaced in November has slowed the winter riding to almost nothing. With that being said, I still haven't found anything that can touch an early morning ride through the country. Having the road almost to oneself feeling the motorcycle under me as I carve the turns hell, it just doesn't get any better. I find myself going faster and faster and before you know it I'm riding at the edge and shame on me I love it. I know well that my reactions have slowed, my eyesight is impaired, and my strength is only a fraction to what it once was. Still I'm thinking if they post a turn at a given speed the least I need to do is double it. Like you this is something I need to work on so I can still ride later in my life. I'm trying, I'm trying!!!!

Thanks for the post, it makes one think. Better get to the track, we have a full day of testing and set-up to get done.

Dirty Doug

[Deans BMW]

Interesting common thread thru this, a bunch of old farts with eons of experience, at least addressing the issues we are encountering of the mind is still there but everything else is.....well....either slowing down or getting at least a tad brittle.

I know for a fact, because the drug is so overwhelming, that had I a S1000RR riding to the Bearwallow...............................

Thanks to Chris at San Jose and to Dave and Will whose close friendships mean more than I can say.....convincing me behind the scene that I don't really need that bike......again sigh.

[isiahstites]

Interesting common thread thru this, a bunch of old farts with eons of experience, at least addressing the issues we are encountering of the mind is still there but everything else is.....well....either slowing down or getting at least a tad brittle.

I know for a fact, because the drug is so overwhelming, that had I a S1000RR riding to the Bearwallow...............................

Thanks to Chris at San Jose and to Dave and Will whose close friendships mean more than I can say.....convincing me behind the scene that I don't really need that bike......again sigh.

Dean I think all of us think you made the right decision! However with that being said you promised me a ride at Bonneville........

On the Hayabusa board I go to a couple of guys bought the S1000RR and are completely amazed at how insanely powerful the bike is........you made the right choice Dean and I commend you for standing up and saying what many of us thought a year ago.

Scott

[Deans BMW]

Thanks Scott, I am still going to ride one at Bonneville. Chris is bringing a box stock one and one that he is going to play with. You will still get your ride.

Talking to Chris yesterday, he says the bikes electronics will be perfect on the salt keeping wheel spin under control while still having the full power available.

The current issue of Bike mag in the UK in their annual liter bike shoot out is now saying that after the bike is properly run in, it is dynoing in excess of 190 at the rear wheel.

[isiahstites]

Thanks Scott, I am still going to ride one at Bonneville. Chris is bringing a box stock one and one that he is going to play with. You will still get your ride.

Talking to Chris yesterday, he says the bikes electronics will be perfect on the salt keeping wheel spin under control while still having the full power available.

The current issue of Bike mag in the UK in their annual liter bike shoot out is now saying that after the bike is properly run in, it is dynoing in excess of 190 at the rear wheel.

That's awesome Dean!

So I have read the entire thread again and I can not help to keep thinking of what Randy used to always tease about at work. Remember Randy? Kid on a school bus.

I must be an olded man in a 32 year olds body. I had many of your same thoughts when Sienna was born, so many that I sold most of my bikes. All that is left are racers and a CBR that is about to be sold. Like Dave said in his pre-retirement letter there are times, people, places and events that cause us to re-examine our priorities. I know mine have been examined over and over the last two years.

Thanks guys I really appreciate all of the wisdom at the Cafe'.

Scott

[Deans BMW]

What concerns me on a bike is getting hopesly injured rather than killed. I have been extremely lucky in the over 50 years that I have been riding and like Dave has said for all these years my style of riding has been the norm and on some very trick bikes as well.

Killed is over with pain only to your loved ones, while getting permantely seriously injured seems to me at least to be a worse situation for all involved.

These thoughts often creep up running along on some giant sweeper hitting the revlimiter in 6th on the ST, what in the hell would that same ride be on the S1000RR and there is not the slightest doubt in my mind that were I to bring one of those home, warp factor 7+ would not be unheard of.

I plan to keep my R1200ST as my Go Fast bike, the CLC for some long trips and the new GS as my touring/exploring/Swiss Army Knife bike and the KLR 650 for whats its for.......and to save it for Roger.

I can always go out to San Jose to ride their stable of fun bikes for that ultimate power rush.

[DarthRider]

Dean, I'm biting my tongue here 'cause I promised myself I wouldn't say anything else about this.

But in my opinion your chances of wadding up that bike and yourself are significantly greater "play racing" at Bonneville than going to the Bear Wallow.
You know exactly what you are getting into on that highway, I don't believe you do at Bonneville. On one of the interminable threads we've had on that motorcycle, Randy detailed very well why that bike is not suitable for Bonneville at the speeds it is capable of. You might want to re-read that.
I've been to Bonneville a dozen or so times over 20 years. I've seen 7 or 8 bikes crash at very uncomfortable speeds. "Traction control" would have made no difference at all in most of them.

You said:

Thanks to Chris at San Jose and to Dave and Will whose close friendships mean more than I can say.....convincing me behind the scene that I don't really need that bike......again sigh.
I don't think any of us care who owns the bike. It's what you do with it that bothers some of your friends.

You also said:

Killed is over with pain only to your loved ones, while getting permantely seriously injured seems to me at least to be a worse situation for all involved.

If you mean that, you might want to invest some time talking with the guys who race warp-speed bikes at Bonneville and study the modifications on those bikes, all 180 degrees away from the RR. And their gear, and their motivation, and their experience levels. At Bonneville.

If you want to know any more about why I feel so strongly about this, I'll do it in private, not here.
All this is just a big game anyway.

[Biff's R]

So in your esteemed opinions, would it be best for me to retire at 36, and then start working again at 56? Then I could work until the end.

[DarthRider]

Every time I hear someone talking about "acting their age" I can't help but remember the time my riding bud, Lloyd, got stopped for 76 in a 60 on his Ducati Multistrudle. Young deputy sheriff just KNEW he had him some hotrod kid on a flashy red motorcycle.

The kid was more than a little astonished when (then) 77-year-old Lloyd pulled off his helmet, revealing his grizzled visage.

The kid took Lloyd’s DL and ran him for W&W then returned and told Lloyd to slow down and act his age.

Lloyd told him, “I AM acting my age! I’m riding like there’s no tomorrow…”


Bob, the funniest thing along those lines I ever heard, supposedly true, was on the old R1150R forum before we threw the tea in the harbor and built our new house here.
Someone started a thread about "Funniest True Experiences on a Motorcycle". There were several good ones but (in my addled mind), nothing to top this one:


The Writer said there was an Old Man in his neighborhood who wore full red leathers, boots, gloves & helmet and rode a red Ducati Super Sport. He was in his 80s and had been racing & riding all his life. And had a reputation for just haulin' ass, everywhere he went. He was about 6'4" and had long, snowy white hair and beard. He looked like a tall, skinny Santa Claus.

Writer had never ridden with him or even met him, but they would wave when Old Man blasted by. One day Writer had his 50R out, ready to go for a ride when Old Man blasted by, then U-turned back to introduce himself and ask if Writer wanted to go for a ride.

Writer reluctantly agreed but was not a "fast rider" and feared the worst.

And Old Man quickly showed his fears were well grounded. Writer stayed with him as best he could, Old Man slowing as needed to stay in sight. And sure enough, soon there were flashing blue lights filling all four of their mirrors!

He said Old Man did a quick stop, threw the sidestand down and quickly strode back to the cop car, getting there before the cop even got out. I'm sure Old Man knew this is NOT thing thing to do, but did so anyway.
As the cop warily got out of his car, expecting God knows what, Old Man whipped off his Arai, displaying the snow white mane & beard.
And quickly said, "Pardon me officer, but do you have a discount for senior citizens?"

Writer said the cop almost lost it he was laughing so hard, but released Old Man and Writer with the admonition, "Now you guys SLOW DOWN!"

And Old Man did, for about 2 miles, then it was back to business as balls-out usual.

Writer turned around and went home...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now Bob, be sure and tell your Fast Old Fart Friend Lloyd about Santa Claus and the Senior Citizen Discount, maybe he can use it sometime!

I think I'd like to be that Old Man when I grow up.:028:

[Ed K]

I remember those words you posted at that time Dave.

As I close-in on "retirement", my intuition tells me its the right thing, but sometimes I wonder...

Has anyone regretted the decision to retire?

[Tassie Devil]

Well, I suppose, in a way, I've been retired for about five years.
I'm fortunate enough to have a small manufacturing spring water business that has a steady supermarket customer base and a reliable staff to take care of the day to day operations.

Today, after a hearty breakfast of rolled oats, (The breakfast of Champions), I rode the new '88 R80RT to the water factory at Deloraine, 300 km to the NW and said hello to the girls and turned around and came home to my bush retreat at "Fairhaven" in time for my Poppy nap at 2.30pm.
I decided to check if the adjustments I made to the tuning had achieved a satisfactory result and let the old girl have her head on one of the straights and was satisfied that the 160 kph effortlessly achieved, proved the point.

What I'm aware of is this;
I am constantly learning my new limitations re my reflexes and ability.
I am very passionate about the joys of riding such a beautiful piece of machinery.
I can manipulate my business life to take care of my parents, kids and grandkids needs and finance trips for our own enjoyment.

I find that both the business and the bike riding keeps the mind and the reflexes sharp.
The mind is stimulated by both. My ultimate plan is to travel to see my cafe' friends on a freighter ship with my bike to see if these crazy people are real....

To me, I think the plan for a happy retirement is along the lines I've described...
Think about running a micro business, consulting in the areas of your extensive forty years of expertice, working to your own schedule and funding a lifestyle you so richly deserve....

That's my two bobs worth...

Cheers,

JQ.

[Arby]

Well, JQ, that's about as good of advice for successful retirement as I've heard. It's a lot like what we've done. Well, except for the freighter part. Just get on a plane and we'll try to make sure you have a bike to ride when you get here!

RB

[panthercity]

Bob, the funniest thing along those lines I ever heard, supposedly true, was on the old R1150R forum before we threw the tea in the harbor and built our new house here.
Someone started a thread about "Funniest True Experiences on a Motorcycle"...

My favorite came from my old ridin' bud and race partner, Mike Monroe, God Rest his soul.

Mike had just bought a new-to-him Laverda Jota and invited me out for a romp. He turned east onto Vickery Blvd and nailed it. As I was on my old GS450S, I didn't have a prayer of keeping him in sight.

Topping a rise 3/4 mile or so later, I find M3 pulled over in a parking lot by one of Fort Worth's finest. I pull up just in time to witness the following:

Officer: "License and insurance, please."

As he looks over M3's credentials, he asks the standard; "Mr. Monroe, do you have any reason for going 75 on a 35?"

To which M3 replied; "Superior skill and ability."

I just NEW we were both goin’ to jail.

The officer stared at Mike for a few moments, then broke up! Told us both to go home and never come down HIS road again.

I never could have pulled that off…

Monroe is the one in the red CRRC t-shirt:
http://home.ix.netcom.com/~bdickey1/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/WreckingCrew.jpg

[Arby]

So in your esteemed opinions, would it be best for me to retire at 36, and then start working again at 56? Then I could work until the end.

56 would be too soon to resume working,imeo. Better put it off till 80 or so.

Youth is a wonderful thing; too bad it's wasted on young people!

RB

[DarthRider]

I always thought there were only two "Smith Brothers" hawking those cough-drops.
Now I learn there are five!
http://home.ix.netcom.com/~bdickey1/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/WreckingCrew.jpg

Twice, after being stopped for speeding - and being guilty as sin - I've tried humor to get some slack.

After the paper checks, and "wants & warrants" were eliminated, and I was certain I was going to be ticketed, I'd try to look very meek & embarrassed and act totally contrite, and ask the cop, "Officer, do you think there is any way I could get out of this with just a warning ticket and a real good ass-chewing?"

The first one was Highway Patrol, notoriously without humor. And the ability to become stone deaf when it is convenient.
Not so much as a smile.
"Just sign here, Mr. Howe."

The second one was a small town "One-Bullet Barney" type. It was an illegal speed trap with Barney in his 9 year old black & white Ford and the "Chief" cruising around in his new, shiny unmarked Caddy SUV, looking for victims. He not only had no sense of humor, but after I asked about the ass-chewing bit, subjected me to a long, very serious both-barrels lecture on public safety, trying to keep me alive, just doing his duty, all that. And he ended by looking deep into my eyes and asking, "If you were me, what would *you* do?"
I replied, "Officer, if I were you I'd let me go!"
Not so much as a smile.
"Just sign here, Mr. Howe"

I keep hearing about cops with a sense of humor...still looking.