Hanging up the boots...

I was away for nearly 30 years while going to college and then flying off big boats in the Navy. I'm 49 now. A friend has a few bikes and loaned me one for a Budds Creek ride day and I really enjoyed it. Since then I've had a CR250R and then a CRF250R. The 250 2t was just too much for my limited riding time, and well, riding a heavy 4t with the added engine inertia feels like driving a big block '69 Mustang through an autocross course. Very recently I rode a YZ125, CR500 and CRF250R in the same day at Budds Creek. I realized that I really enjoy riding the 125 even if I may not be quite as fast. Although I'm probably faster on the 125 beyond two laps! But that's a different story.. And I believe the odds of a big get off are much lower on the 125. Anyway, don't discount riding again someday with a sole focus of having fun. I also really enjoy working on the bikes and rebuilding an '05 RM125 (144now) was fun. Enjoy school for now, but don't rule out putting the boots back on someday.

yeaht thats more or less what i was getting to haha

after work school and family its hard to get out even once a month, but its still worth it

Ive been in your shoes over the last few years and heres my story/perspective:

Motocross is expensive. For me to ride twice a week a track where I live, I was in it for about $600 (cad) a month with track fees, gas, maintenance and odds and ends. Thats a lot of money when you're young, single, have a mortgage, etc. and its hurts even more when you consider the long term benefits of investing that same amount every month into something that provides a positive monetary return.

Motocross is dangerous. Ive had my fair share of concussions, near death experiences (almost severed my carotid artery from an OJ last year), and broken bones. At 33, Ive got quite a few aches, but Im still in better shape then 90% of the people in my life because of enjoying the training to ride.

Motocross is irreplaceable. I sold my bike at the start of this season and decided to race and take Mountain Biking a little more seriously. Its still expensive, but its been a great substitute. Ive done a 8hr tag team race, a 24hr 3 man race and managed to bump myself up to the +30 expert level here, and its been a blast. That being said, I miss practice days with my buddies at the track, hanging out in the back of my truck and having a beer at the end of the day like you wouldnt believe. Itll happen again someday, but there other areas of life sometimes that require more attention to give you the stability to ride for years on end down the road.

Like many have said, taking time off isnt the be all end all to you riding. It a chance to recharge physically and financially which we all need with this sport every now and then. Im taking a break until I can pay off some debt, pick up a second place that I can rent out subsidize my monthly outlay for riding, and pay cash for a bike again.

Best of luck in your journey bud.

Get a MTB.

I quit MX after a back injury (fractures) at 35. Returned to the sport 10 years later to “trail” ride. Found it hard to go slow. 3 years later, gave it up again after another back injury (herniated disks).

After a year of no running, mountain biking, or lifting (doctor’s orders), I returned to road and mountain biking only. It’s not cheap! I’m still trying to figure out how I paid 6k for my last mountain bike. Where's the motor?

oh yeah...retired Army here.