My last moto injury was my last injury from moto. It was a pretty big hit that rattled the old melon. Again. So, at 60, I've decided that's it. I'm retiring in 5 years and I want my shit to work at least a little. I'm at the point that I enjoy wrenching for and supporting my son more than I like to ride. Besides, I can't do both anymore like I used to even just 5 years ago. And I'm fit: that's not it.
So, I'm done, and comfortable with the decision. Many of my Vet moto friends get it. Some aren't far behind me I think. I'll always miss it, just like I do playing football. I'm not done riding by any means - I'll ride my classic Yamaha RD 2T street bikes and our modern street bikes to scratch that itch. Frankly, I feel safer doing that anyway. I'm out in the country and only ride back roads on pretty days. Could be worse.
You've had a good run being 60 and it's easier to get hurt at that age. I'm 53 and I can't suck a injury up like I used.
Wrenching and supporting your son will give you a good satisfaction. Happy for you ol Hammer. Enjoy going forward.
I'm in the same boat your are and roughly the same age, but I haven't had that big one yet that has forced me to question whether or not I want to ride anymore. Riding dirtbikes makes me feel young, even though I'm not and when the day comes that I can't ride on the MX track, I'll settle for a good ol trail ride in the woods. I guess you just gotta know your limitations, but I just purchased this 2023 CRF450RWE and I still like to twist the throttle pretty hard on it, so I feel I still got it. Never had a surgery my entire life, but now in the last 7 years I've had 3 pretty major ones. I asked my doctor his opinion about riding and he told me he can fix what I mess up and he'd rather seem me wear out than rust out. Don't become a couch potato, get out there and keep having fun and if MX is what keeps you feeling young, don't stop. Should a guy at my advanced age be riding a bike like the one below, probably not, but everytime I grab a handful of throttle on that bike I feel 18 years old again, so why stop.
Just curious what bike it was that you were on?
That’s a tough call Hammer, and one we all wrestle with as we get older… I know I’ve debated it a few times in recent years and most recently through the stupidity of covid when the majority of my regular riding group all quit riding moto, sold their bikes & bought flippin’ side x sides (😵💫 👎❗️)
I’ll be 58 in three months, and I had been bummin’ pretty hard lately over the lack of buddies to go ride with, until an old coworker & his teenage boys decided to try Moto and all got bikes! It has reinvigorated me and like Big Red said above, I just can’t help but feel like a kid when I’m riding so…I figure I’ll keep hangin’ in till I just can’t hang it out no more and I’ll give it up finally once & for all.
Good luck in your new endeavors and trying to quit this moto addiction we all suffer from regardless of our age! If you’re at peace with it, it’ll hopefully be easier to step away with no regrets! Take care and keep posting here on Vital, you’ve always seemed like a really good Dude and have good insight & info to share! Cheers! 😎 👍❗️
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That day will come for us all. I gave up moto many years ago.
One way to stay in the dirt is to pick up an ADV bike or Dual Purpose. Less risk than moto. I ride with guys well into their 60's.
THIS!! I'm in the same boat. My 20yo brain couldn't slow down my getting old ass from breaking ribs in my 40's and having to sleep in a chair for 2 months,.... Nah, I'm tough, I'm not hanging up my moto-boats. Then breaking both my thumbs and having to have my wife button my pants because you can't do shit without your thumbs. Um.....ok, I'm getting ready to turn 50 so what the hell am I doing still chasing plastic trophies?
Luckily my son took to the sport and now I truly enjoy watching him progress and wrenching on his bikes more than riding. People say it sucks getting old but the knowledge and experience we gain through our youth can be passed on to the younger riders who can still take a beating out on the track while getting up the next day without feeling like they just went 5 rounds in the UFC lol.
Sorry about you getting hurt. Injuries are the worst and it seems anything after 50 just does not want to heal up 100%. I will be 56 in a few weeks, been going at pretty good since I was 16 only to stop for injuries. I need a knee replacement but will deal with the pain until it’s unbearable. I try not to think about what it will be like without riding Moto but I know a good woods or cross country loop is waiting for me. Dual sport or Adventure riding will also fill the void. 60 and still riding Moto is very respectable most guys threw in the towel a long time ago…
I turn 50 next year and I’m looking forward to being the young guy in the +50 class. I didn’t start racing until later in life, so by staying in shape, I actually get faster compared to my competition every year! Nothing makes me happier than blowing by guys half my age on my analog mountain bike. I’ve had my fair share of injuries (including one from last summer that is still healing), but I’ve never found a replacement for the rush I get when the gate drops. I used to race out at REM all the time, and those old guys that race every weekend just seem so much happier and healthier overall than any other older folks I talk to. I sure hope I can keep racing for a long time.
My dad did his Tib Fib when we were riding together recently, I was worried he might not ride again, he is mid 60’s
When I asked if he would ride again, he laughed at me.. I realise crashes are scary, but maybe just adjusting your expectations of yourself could work too.
why not buy a 2 stroke and just have fun doing easy rides instead of trying to be a hero (not saying you were) but when you realise riding is just about fun and not being the best or the fastest it can open new doors for you.
I am a guy that thought I would go pro at some stage that got burned out and quit for years.
my dad has won a ton of races and local titles, last month we both just rode a grass track on our 2 strokes and a fun but safe speed and it was more fun than any race I have been in.
Wrenching and helping your lads can certainly still keep you fit and active, so if you're getting your enjoyment from that, then so be it, only you know where to draw the line 👍
I'm sure you can squeeze in a few laps "just to check" once you finish a job when the mood takes you, given you'll have the time and space to do so.
I called it after a bad pilon fracture back when I was 30 years old. I tried riding again after but it was just frustrating and painful! So I decided to put 100% attention into my kids racing he was progressing rapidly it gave us both the best memories a father and son could have! I tried and still do ride MTB to fill the void LOL! Fast forward now I'm 53 and after multiple injuries on the mountain bikes I decided to pick up a little 150 2-stroke so I can ride with my kid again! I'm pathetically slow but it's okay the little bike reminds me hey you don't have to jump that lol! I still get a smile cracking the throttle and spending time with the kid at the track on a Sunday! Just saying it's hard to get this s*** out of your blood there is no wrong choice supporting your kid enjoy the memories👍
Hammer, consider racing Vintage Moto. You’ll still get the same adrenaline rush, it’s super competitive and much safer than racing on modern tracks. I’m 64 and raced 16 times last year. Won 2 AHRMA Mid Atlantic titles and finished #2 Nationally in the +60 . It’s a BLAST.
My dad passed away last year and left me his 2002 YZ250. Is it old enough to race in any classes at a vintage event?
I'm 62 now and have my own track, so fortunately, I can mitigate the danger factors to suit my courage. You can only ride the loop by way of an invitation from someone I trust, and only for as long as you make a good impression on me and the other riders. That strict control has made all the difference. I'd be long gone from riding/racing if not for those factors. The land here has steep hills and lush grasses that keep the dust down, and that too, helps.
Having said that, two weeks ago I went out to the track for the first time since December....... and man, I just was not feeling it. So much work, so much time, so much risk, etcetera, etcetera. I felt like I was right on the edge of "calling it done" too, and then I looked up at the top of a hill and wondered why I hadn't designed a loop that went up there - and that was that. Two weeks and a bunch of Bobcat work later, there's totally new track design that I can't wait to ride and share. So here I go, ready to go for at least one more year, but with a firm understanding that the day is fast approaching when I'll no longer "feel it." And when it comes, I will simply let go and be grateful for the time I had with this sport - the best sport there is, the best sport there will ever be.
Kudos to you, Hammer 663, for hanging on 'till the big six-oh. God knows, it's a rare feat, and it ain't easy.
You gotta know when to fold em' Hammer and it sounds like you are doing just that. Walk away with the good health you have and cherish all the great memories made and many more to come. God bless brother 👍
Depends on the organization and promoter. We race mainly AHRMA events, and they do have a “Millennium 250” class that your 02 YZ would qualify for. The tracks are reminiscent of the Mx tracks of the 70’s/80’s and are typically all natural terrain. Some events are even grass-track like Unadilla used to be.
I consider myself lucky to have raced with Hammer for years.
Great competitor and an even better person.
Good on you Hammer.
Popoff and I are gearing up for another run to Glen Helen next month.
Pit Row
Interesting question. 2018 FC350 that I am very familiar with - have 120 hours of practice and race hours on it. I was racing a local series, had a great start in 40+ Expert and just missed the rut in turn 2. The front went and I hit the ground so fast I never got my hands off the grips. Knocked me right out for a few moments.
I completely understand & agree with…
Both of you.
Hammerman, I have 2 of the new KLR 650 Adventures and would be more than stoked to take you out “exploring” the 2 track and forest roads of your Cascades or my Sierras. Just say,”When”. It’s “moto” enough to utilize the funnier dirt-bike skills WITHOUT the risks we take at the track,
I’ll see you both out there at the races or on the trail.
Manny
I'm sure this will be the case. My boy will be getting on a 250 soon, and we will keep the KTM 125 too for a while. My boots and helmet will still be in the garage. Who could turn down a couple laps at Washougal on a private ride day, right?
To quote a certain Jim Carrey movie, "So what you're saying is, there's still a chance."
Well, I hope you still ride on occasion with the 125. You guys are always fun to ride with!
Hopefully the last part there means you'll still come out and ride for the wife and I's wedding anniversary ride day!
Once you get on the 125 and start riding for fun you won’t be able to stop.
Thought about this many times. Got the bug early in life when On Any Sunday came out. At 63 I love all things Moto and get really depressed if I think I will never ride again. Sometimes I just sit in my garage with my bikes and wish I had a Time Machine. Have passed on the passion to all 3 of my sons and now my Grandson. My race days are over so following my Grandson on a Ttr125 and making memories with him still has me smiling under my helmet
Got it just curious
100%
This is what I thought, "just do easy rides". Was going well until I cross rutted and got pitched over the bars on a downhill. I ended up tearing the ligaments at the AC joint.
That was 2 years ago. I just sold my bike last weekend. Not sure what I'm doing to do. I don't want a side by side and quads aren't super fun. Maybe jet skis.
It’s a good question. I see a lot of guys having a second run at it on the 125’s. Arguably safer and the lack of power keeps you out of trouble. It slows things down and is a good option for this. But….if you don’t ride…..you are always one of us until the end.
Yeah stick to riding the 125. Sell the Ktm & pu a 04 cr125 by far the best handling bike ever made & there really fun to ride. Jumping is even easier. You might as well Live your life because life is short. I spent 3 + months of injections in my destroyed back & neck. Knees & shoulders too. Everything in my body pretty much is destroyed. Last summer I rode after 12+ yrs off. I couldn’t ride a bicycle but I did a lot to be able to ride my 125. The back blows the hip, it band - more painful than a fractured femur. And massive pain in the back of knee & other areas. Worse than a blown out knee. I found a way to ride. I can only ride in warmer weather which means 2 1/2 months a yr but it beats nothing.
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