Time to sell?

72kiteboarder
Profile picture for user 72kiteboarder
Posts
4645
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
90 MILES SOUTH-ISH, FL, USA
72kiteboarder
Edited Date/Time 1/21/2012 3:02pm
So I am 37 and just broke my back riding. I feel pretty lucky, I have a compression fracture of L2 and should make a complete recovery in a couple months. But, is it time to give it up or should I hit the track again when I am healed up? the last time i got injured riding it was simply a broken wrist that required surgery and hardware to fix. But a broken back really makes me think, is it worth it? I know the wife would be happy if I gave it up but every time I throw a leg over the bike I love riding more.

What do you guys think?
|
fcr
Profile picture for user fcr
Posts
9348
Joined
12/1/2006
Location
Monkeys Eyebrow, YE
fcr 7/9/2009 2:13pm
7/9/2009 2:13pm
Ok here is my take, I am not able, and haven't been able to ride for a year or so. When I get back, I will as before, run at about half speed. I am not going to win anything. I just love being out there and having fun. Good luck with your back, I am getting zero static from my sig'O since she rides reigning horses. My kids are also grown and out of the house.
ChrisB
Profile picture for user ChrisB
Posts
678
Joined
4/7/2009
Location
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, USA
ChrisB 7/9/2009 2:20pm
7/9/2009 2:20pm
My honest opinion is that this is isn't a very good place to get an answer to your question.

I know for myself, I need to step away from things so I can look at it from a fresh perspective to make a decision.

That's my 02. (but, you read it here so... doh!) Smile
Big Lenny
Profile picture for user Big Lenny
Posts
14378
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
Compton, CA, USA
Big Lenny 7/9/2009 2:25pm
7/9/2009 2:25pm
I'm 53, and probably riding better now than I did when I was younger, thanks to common sense, better equipment and nothing to prove, not every lap has to be a track record...
KMC440
Profile picture for user KMC440
Posts
7764
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
KMC440 7/9/2009 2:31pm
7/9/2009 2:31pm
You can't life in a bubble... you'll hate life. Just don't go balls out, ride with people you know and at places you consider on the safe side.

I've been racing at 101% out front, and had that funny feeling in my stomach and backed it down. I didn't win but that feeling went away and I still had fun racing with my friends.

Glad to know you'll heal up.

The Shop

See All »
FastEddy
Profile picture for user FastEddy
Posts
14815
Joined
8/3/2008
Location
💀, FL, USA
FastEddy 7/9/2009 2:35pm
7/9/2009 2:35pm
72kiteboarder wrote:
So I am 37 and just broke my back riding. I feel pretty lucky, I have a compression fracture of L2 and should make a complete...
So I am 37 and just broke my back riding. I feel pretty lucky, I have a compression fracture of L2 and should make a complete recovery in a couple months. But, is it time to give it up or should I hit the track again when I am healed up? the last time i got injured riding it was simply a broken wrist that required surgery and hardware to fix. But a broken back really makes me think, is it worth it? I know the wife would be happy if I gave it up but every time I throw a leg over the bike I love riding more.

What do you guys think?
Quit while you are a head and buy a high performance boat.
Or maybe just trail ride.
Craze
Profile picture for user Craze
Posts
1412
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Sin City, NV, USA
Craze 7/9/2009 2:36pm
7/9/2009 2:36pm
I'm 50 now and I get more joy out of trail riding now then the self satisfaction I got from racing back in the day. To me , theres nothing more therapeutic or relaxing as just riding along enjoying the scenery of the great outdoors, wether it be out in the desert or the mountains. .....I can go as fast as I want or vice versa, I have nothing to prove to anyone. Live to ride, Ride to live. It's your choice as far as quitting or not, but IMHO I'd just quit racing.There's alot more rding then there is racing on the track.
GuyB
Profile picture for user GuyB
Posts
35722
Joined
7/10/2006
Location
Aliso Viejo, CA, USA
GuyB 7/9/2009 2:39pm
7/9/2009 2:39pm
In my experience (some of my own, and also watching other racers retire and unretire), only you can make that decision. I've seen guys who were forced to retire be completely miserable about it. Some of them have come back from injuries, raced a bit more until they could end it on their terms, and then walk away happily.

Mostly, you need to be able to do it on your terms. If you're asking the question, you're probably already halfway to the answer.

And you'll also need something else to fill your time.

But whatever you do, just don't become a bitter, ex-riding know-it-all. Wink
trentmanracing 7/9/2009 3:18pm
7/9/2009 3:18pm
Here is my thought. I had a compression fracture on my T8 and T11 (still in the brace), and I was told I would never ride a motocross Bike much less a BMX Bike. When I went to the doctor he told me this, you cannot ride again. But how can you say that to someone who loves motocross. Luck ally I have a motocross team that takes up all my time. If I were you, I would stay in the industry and work at a bike shop or something. I plan to still ride my BMX Bike and get a KLX 140 (just to ride and not jump on) and that is something I would Recommend. I like what GUYB said, that it is your decision. I was lucky to have a successful mx team before I got hurt to have as a backup in the industry. Rider Down foundation has helped me out a lot too. I really Recommend them! Till then hang in there.

Brittany
FreshTopEnd
Profile picture for user FreshTopEnd
Posts
13292
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Sacramento, CA, USA
FreshTopEnd 7/9/2009 3:26pm
7/9/2009 3:26pm
Your call.

You can still have a lot of fun on a dirt bike without pushing it hard.
lumpy790
Profile picture for user lumpy790
Posts
11645
Joined
9/18/2007
Location
York, SC, USA
lumpy790 7/9/2009 3:31pm
7/9/2009 3:31pm Edited Date/Time 4/17/2016 12:50am
T4 & 5 here....and they told me I had done it before.....dont even think about it......moto on!
Ing
Profile picture for user Ing
Posts
3654
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Spring Hill, FL, USA
Ing 7/9/2009 3:54pm
7/9/2009 3:54pm
My problem- I don't know how to back it down. My brain says I can do it, my body says I can't. Learned the lesson the hard way by coming back after injuries several times and crashing my brains out. Now I just watch and ride my streetbike (08 ZX10R). The ZX still gives me plenty of thrills and I don't have to train or be in shape. Horray. Best wishes in whatever yu decide. Let us know what you come up with.
Nerd
Profile picture for user Nerd
Posts
6155
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
Nerd 7/9/2009 3:55pm
7/9/2009 3:55pm
GuyB wrote:
In my experience (some of my own, and also watching other racers retire and unretire), only you can make that decision. I've seen guys who were...
In my experience (some of my own, and also watching other racers retire and unretire), only you can make that decision. I've seen guys who were forced to retire be completely miserable about it. Some of them have come back from injuries, raced a bit more until they could end it on their terms, and then walk away happily.

Mostly, you need to be able to do it on your terms. If you're asking the question, you're probably already halfway to the answer.

And you'll also need something else to fill your time.

But whatever you do, just don't become a bitter, ex-riding know-it-all. Wink
Whatever, GuyB!

SPYGUY
Profile picture for user SPYGUY
Posts
2174
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
USA
SPYGUY 7/9/2009 4:36pm
7/9/2009 4:36pm
The Virgina / NC area has great hare scramble circuits. You should give them a shot.

Lots of fun and typically much safer than pure MX.

drmarkr
Profile picture for user drmarkr
Posts
3226
Joined
8/21/2006
Location
Tucson, AZ, USA
drmarkr 7/9/2009 4:59pm
7/9/2009 4:59pm
GuyB wrote:
In my experience (some of my own, and also watching other racers retire and unretire), only you can make that decision. I've seen guys who were...
In my experience (some of my own, and also watching other racers retire and unretire), only you can make that decision. I've seen guys who were forced to retire be completely miserable about it. Some of them have come back from injuries, raced a bit more until they could end it on their terms, and then walk away happily.

Mostly, you need to be able to do it on your terms. If you're asking the question, you're probably already halfway to the answer.

And you'll also need something else to fill your time.

But whatever you do, just don't become a bitter, ex-riding know-it-all. Wink
Nerd wrote:
Whatever, GuyB!

Dude, he wasn't talking about you.....he was talking about me.
FLmxer
Profile picture for user FLmxer
Posts
7310
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
SouthWest, FL, USA
Fantasy
344th
FLmxer 7/9/2009 7:12pm
7/9/2009 7:12pm
I am back at the track after over a year of recovery from a severely fractured back. I was sure I would never ride again but went back when I was feeling ready and it has been great. I have had no pain and believe me i have tested it with huge flat landings and other good times. Just listen to your body and make sure you are healed. Moto on.
andymoto
Profile picture for user andymoto
Posts
4771
Joined
11/28/2007
Location
Carmichael, CA, USA
andymoto 7/9/2009 7:29pm
7/9/2009 7:29pm Edited Date/Time 4/17/2016 12:50am
Sounds like a very good prognosis to me.

I'd say do what makes you happy. If you choose to hang it up especially at your young age, you will possibly regret losing those years of riding you won't ever get back.

I have regrets quitting riding to help out another from the years I gave up riding/racing in my mid 30s; now I'm 50 and have too many health issues to count..

Can't change what's done...if you walk away, think if you will ever regret it. Only one life we have.

Lightning78
Profile picture for user Lightning78
Posts
6353
Joined
12/12/2007
Location
Huntington Beach, CA, USA
Lightning78 7/9/2009 7:39pm
7/9/2009 7:39pm
I compression fractured my T4, T5 and T6, Feb 20th of this year Doc told me last week that I am ok and should just be careful I asked about riding (scared to hear his tone and answer) He said after August I could go back to whatever I was doing but I will back it down a bit I just want to get back on two wheels and riding them up and down the street isn't satisfying ..lol

I am just going to wait till it cools down in the fall and get back at it....WITH A LEATT!!

Since I won't be as aggro as I was before Im going back to the 2 stroke as well
ASH510
Profile picture for user ASH510
Posts
640
Joined
2/11/2009
Location
USA
ASH510 7/9/2009 7:40pm
7/9/2009 7:40pm
i quit to early i shouldnt have!
i still wake up dreaming of it. all i think of is racing i was going to start back
this year and snaped my left achilles tendon had to have surgery. i think i
am gonna wait till next year to start racing it is that burnning desire inside i
just have to give it a go one more time. if you dont have that burn inside you
probably should not do it any more heck just trail ride and enjoy it.

Pit Row

See All »
JOHN CHOATE
Profile picture for user JOHN CHOATE
Posts
2024
Joined
9/18/2008
Location
Dallas, NC, USA
JOHN CHOATE 7/9/2009 7:43pm
7/9/2009 7:43pm
72kiteboarder wrote:
So I am 37 and just broke my back riding. I feel pretty lucky, I have a compression fracture of L2 and should make a complete...
So I am 37 and just broke my back riding. I feel pretty lucky, I have a compression fracture of L2 and should make a complete recovery in a couple months. But, is it time to give it up or should I hit the track again when I am healed up? the last time i got injured riding it was simply a broken wrist that required surgery and hardware to fix. But a broken back really makes me think, is it worth it? I know the wife would be happy if I gave it up but every time I throw a leg over the bike I love riding more.

What do you guys think?
Your question can only be answered by the man you see in the mirror. Good luck!!!
Sully
Profile picture for user Sully
Posts
9456
Joined
8/24/2006
Location
JP
Sully 7/9/2009 7:44pm
7/9/2009 7:44pm
Your wife's input is important, but another factor to consider is Mother Navy. It's been my experience that she doesn't take too kindly to her Sailors getting hurt in extracurricular activities. Give up racing and take up trail riding.
bullpen58
Profile picture for user bullpen58
Posts
4399
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
Fresno, CA, USA
bullpen58 7/9/2009 10:49pm
7/9/2009 10:49pm
Only do it if you're "in it to win it". Otherwise, just continue posting on here. The second you hand up your leathers forever you become 10 times faster than you ever actually were. Remember to factor that into your equation when making the decision.
mx757
Profile picture for user mx757
Posts
2275
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Pueblo, CO, USA
mx757 7/9/2009 11:03pm
7/9/2009 11:03pm
Heres my deal. I broke my leg pretty badly a couple years back, which resulted in me sitting in a reclining chair for about 3 months. I was all gung ho about hopping back on the bike and going racing again. The problem was, when I did get back out there I just had no heart for it. The little things about riding that I loved were overcome with remembering sitting in a chair for months. I just wasnt into it at that point (plus it hurt like hell every time I would land) and so I decided it was time to hang it up. I sold my bikes and liiked for a new hobby. Now I am not saying that is going to happen to you, but feel things out and see where it goes. if youre into it then cool, but if you dont feel it anymore then maybe its time to move on.
The Rock
Profile picture for user The Rock
Posts
8758
Joined
3/21/2007
Location
HAIKU, HI, USA
The Rock 7/9/2009 11:54pm
7/9/2009 11:54pm Edited Date/Time 4/17/2016 12:50am
andymoto wrote:
Sounds like a very good prognosis to me. I'd say do what makes you happy. If you choose to hang it up especially at your young...
Sounds like a very good prognosis to me.

I'd say do what makes you happy. If you choose to hang it up especially at your young age, you will possibly regret losing those years of riding you won't ever get back.

I have regrets quitting riding to help out another from the years I gave up riding/racing in my mid 30s; now I'm 50 and have too many health issues to count..

Can't change what's done...if you walk away, think if you will ever regret it. Only one life we have.

Great post......aging does have its advantages and the perspective you shared is a sterling example.


BTW, when I was bent over with a stabbing pain in my back three months ago from a cracked rib and a bunch of bruised ribs I retired on the spot. Fortunately i came to my senses within a couple of weeks and raced again three weeks ago and will race on Saturday.

-eagle-
Profile picture for user -eagle-
Posts
1610
Joined
5/9/2008
Location
ZW
-eagle- 7/10/2009 5:56am
7/10/2009 5:56am Edited Date/Time 7/10/2009 5:59am
SPYGUY wrote:
The Virgina / NC area has great hare scramble circuits. You should give them a shot.

Lots of fun and typically much safer than pure MX.

I was going to mention this and supermoto.

Once again, anyone within 4 hours of athens, ohio should try a Grand Prix at Fast Traxx. THese things are the berries.
DirtyFilter75
Profile picture for user DirtyFilter75
Posts
6915
Joined
1/9/2009
Location
Evansville, IN, USA
DirtyFilter75 7/10/2009 6:07am
7/10/2009 6:07am
I have quit before and always end up going back! I sold everything once even my boots and helmets, bought a boat and headed to the lake. It turns out boating is boring after a while. There is nothing like the energy of the track at 8 am when lining up for first practice!!!! It really just depends on how much you love it. Your on this site so I am guessing your more than a caual fan.
calimxer91
Profile picture for user calimxer91
Posts
5077
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Lancaster, CA, USA
calimxer91 7/10/2009 9:04am
7/10/2009 9:04am
Definitely have been through this stage.Only to come back,better ,stronger,faster.Really enjoying it at the moment and am looking at the 2010's with serious consideration.Sell it for now but I think you'll be back.That injury will take some time.
perumx
Profile picture for user perumx
Posts
157
Joined
12/14/2006
Location
Los Angeles, CA, USA
perumx 7/10/2009 9:50am
7/10/2009 9:50am
I've tried to quit before.
If you love it, you'll be back.
I know I did.
See you at Morgans Corner soon.


Titan
Profile picture for user Titan
Posts
1743
Joined
8/30/2007
Location
Lehi, UT, USA
Titan 7/10/2009 10:01am
7/10/2009 10:01am
SPYGUY wrote:
The Virgina / NC area has great hare scramble circuits. You should give them a shot.

Lots of fun and typically much safer than pure MX.

Yup...when I felt MX was to dangerous/not worth the risk, I got into desert racing (hare and hounds)...actually I got into trail riding first, then when the competative nature in me came up, I tried desert racing and absolutely love it.

Much safer...in my opinion...and the racing is fun, over 100 miles you're almost always going to end up racing the guys that are going the same speed as you...and that is what is the most fun, racing...doesn't really matter if you're going to warp speep or spode speed....just passing, getting passed back etc.

Worked for me...

Post a reply to: Time to sell?