Might have to give up riding

[zman]

I`m just trying to imagine life with no bike. Ever since I was 15 years old I have ridden on the street, started at 10 in the dirt.
It appears my neck is going to be a problem for some time to come and putting on a helmet only makes it worse, I often wonder if years of helmet use caused my problem or helped it along, not that I had a choice but maybe it happens with all old bikers as well as the other afflictions.
The GL seems a little too heavy as well, maybe by 80-100 pounds...Probably just stop buying things for it, install the new tires and see how it goes, not sure if I can continue with it or have to get a smaller bike, or leave riding all together.
It seems to be a progression among GL riders, We get older and want comfort then we get too old to whip it around and end up moving on to smaller bikes or just retire from riding.
Do you see it that way too?

 

[Omega Man]

Yeah, I can see it. Personally, I'm going try a trike first.

~O~

 

[Steve83]

It really sucks to have to give up something you've spent most of your life doing and loving. Sorry to hear about your neck issues - I don't suppose there's a foam brace that would help support it?

I stripped my '83I down to naked, and it lost almost 150 pounds! It makes a huge difference in every aspect of operating the bike, and it seems like it goes onto the centerstand all by itself! It's done wonders for this old bad back!

Best of luck, Jeff, with whatever you decide to do!

 

[dan filipi]

It's a sad day when I rider decides he has to give up a passion. I hope you can work through this Jeff.

 

[joedrum]

jeff i can not hardly tell you all the problems i have and how it makes no sense for me to ride...opps push wrong button more to come....

i have no frame what so ever any more ....i live a very monitored life that is very hard the manage....i can can sick beyond endurance of any ones coperhension suffer huge fevers that can last weeks on in ..loose weight ...

im in constant pain to the point that ive become well practice .. people that know me know i suffer greatly ... but i fight and i fight hard with the thought of doing the things i like ...its what drives me ...right now i am basiclly hiding from the sun and heat and yes ...i am so close to falling out that my projects are on hold ...its like riding the edge of a razor blade and i must keep my balance ... but give up no ... if i do i loose my fight and will to live to.....

im sure ill loose or it seems so ...but jeff ive been living not rotting away and i will die doing so ... i will surely die if i do settle for less

i am into two decades of fighting plus pass when i was suppose to die ... i will not die on free will choice of my own ...

i am very poor cant work much but still live the life i want and have captured back some of things i did once give up ... if you give yourself the chance you can look for possitives if you take it off the table ...theres no chance .. ok im done ..

 

[zman]

Thanks guys, I couldn't see myself on a trike, I imagine it takes some of the fun away.
Steve, I thought about some kind of brace..Maybe there is something but I find my neck is on a swivel while riding as all of us should ride and when you cant be aware maybe more dangerous to be riding..Been lucky through it all my years with only 2 major spills.
Dan, I cant imagine it either, I have been bikeless for maybe 2 years of my life and that wasn't pleasant, one advantage I suppose is my insurance would drop because they don't recognize my bike as a multi vehicle, would get a discount with a truck or van.
Trying real hard to justify keeping it..If only for the occasional pleasure of riding.
Joe, you have the passion I think we all have for riding..If I didn't have the same passion for it I would have hung it up years ago..It is like an addiction.

 

[Ansimp]

I think the idea of a naked has a lot of promise in keeping riding if a smaller bike is a possible option. Unfortunately when you have a problem like neck, back, hips etc that create pain while you are riding( or when you finish your ride) it really takes away from the joy of riding. You need to decide Jeff when your restrictions are jeopardising your safety and enjoyment while riding. I know we will all be there someday but I really don't want to have to make that decision... That said I get out of the car with a stiff leg after a while driving now when I could drive as long as the gas/ fuel lasted and only use fuel and food stops for a break.

 

[brianinpa]

I gave up riding once because I thought it was the right thing for me to do physically. It was the worst thing for me to do mentally! I missed riding and then my dad bought a Helix. I would steal... I mean borrow it any time he went on a bus trip ( the life of the retired ).

That was just what the Dr. ordered. Then my health improved to the point where I decided I wanted another bike. Now I will not be without a bike of some sort unless I cannot walk. I don't care if it is a trike or a scooter, I will ride until I have my license taken away.

 

[Omega Man]

Jeff there are ultra light helmets out there, pricey but maybe that would help.

Now I know nothing about your pain/damage, I personally live with a lot of pain too but I know for a fact I have more mobility because I ride than if I did not.

Try what ever you have to man.

~O~

 

[dan filipi]

Omega Man » Sat Jun 21, 2014 3:56 pm[/url]":1d61z12c]
Jeff there are ultra light helmets out there, pricey but maybe that would help.

Now I know nothing about your pain/damage, I personally live with a lot of pain too but I know for a fact I have more mobility because I ride than if I did not.

Try what ever you have to man.

~O~

That's a good point.
Stop doing a physical activity and I get less physical. Counter-productive in a way.

 

[zman]

I`ll look into a lighter helmet, using a half helmet now..Pretty light but it is a budget type so maybe there is a lighter material I can ride with.
Been down that road a few times Brian, I can last about a year till I NEED to ride, even with a bad back I can get some enjoyment but with the neck going out boy it is getting hard to enjoy sometimes.
Still go for rides around town at least once a week to keep the fluids moving, handy for when I am working on the car and still need to get around just a bummer when your mind wants to go but your body says no.
Might be right about it being worse not riding..Maybe I am not riding enough :doh:
I`ll keep riding till I cant ..I just hope the time doesn't come too soon.
Looks like the lightest DOT helmet is 30Oz..about 4Oz lighter then my current at 2Lbs 1.8 Oz. Not sure if 4Oz would make a difference but I need a new helmet anyhow.

 

[Joep]

I wonder if a labatt neck brace like off roaders use might help? .I have thought about trying one because of my neck pain now and then... they are ugly and bulky... but may work..

 

[zman]

Joep » Sat Jun 21, 2014 9:43 pm[/url]":1097fr4c]
I wonder if a labatt neck brace like off roaders use might help? .I have thought about trying one because of my neck pain now and then... they are ugly and bulky... but may work..

I looked them up and it seems they are good for limiting radical movement of the neck but really doesn't brace your neck.
Going to try a 4Oz lighter helmet then if that doesn't work try and find a full neck brace and see if that helps.
Would be brutal using a neck brace in the California heat though but there might be something out there for my purpose, something that looks good and flows air.
Thanks for the advice.

 

[Joep]

Yeah I understand about the heat.. especially in the basin and city.. ( grew up in Oxnard)... and now in Texas.. where we get the added effect of near 100% humidity and high heat.. sometimes wish I was back there but then reality sets in and for the discomfort of the heat/humidity I can take it here..

 

[Omega Man]

zman » Sun Jun 22, 2014 7:20 am[/url]":24husbzu]

Joep » Sat Jun 21, 2014 9:43 pm[/url]":24husbzu]
I wonder if a labatt neck brace like off roaders use might help? .I have thought about trying one because of my neck pain now and then... they are ugly and bulky... but may work..

I looked them up and it seems they are good for limiting radical movement of the neck but really doesn't brace your neck.
Going to try a 4Oz lighter helmet then if that doesn't work try and find a full neck brace and see if that helps.
Would be brutal using a neck brace in the California heat though but there might be something out there for my purpose, something that looks good and flows air.
Thanks for the advice.

a foam collar wouldn't be cool but it would offer support and some side to side movement.

 

[tom foreman]

I,understand.my health,went bad .sold it all.and started the doctor-is,right thing.my ,doctor was wrong.on the can,t ride no-more.its in us.why give up,something we all love so,much.so,it hurts,and vision,is a problem,but just going,threw the neighbor-hood.most of the time.for me.is,enough..sorry to hear,about your neck..wish,you a speedy,recovery...when I go ,blind..my wife will ride up,front for a change,and a trike..priceless.. :music: :hi:

 

[Ansimp]

:good:

 

[ianstaley]

Jeff, I like many on here belong to the senior riders (63 next month), I have cervical spondylosis of the neck and back. I have had cancer a lymphosarcoma in my left thigh and had 6 muscle groups removed, diabetes so now my life revolves around pain control. I have to take 12 tablets in the morning, 6 at might, 72 units or 4.mmols/Lt. plus short term during the day anything up to 30 units over the day. I could take more tabs to control the pain but they knock me out so I live with some pain but hey I am alive.

I have started to rebuild my GL1000, when it is finished I WILL BE RIDING. I don't know you personally, but I know that pain can be overcome. So don't say I am giving up just now, why not wait until your 90, then okay. But riding a trike is no shame, maybe you should look at the drop down outriders that are made for 1800's what can be made for one bike can surly be made for another. Many years ago I knew a midget, serious who worked for BSA in Birmingham in the UK, he rode a BSA Rocket 3 ! I kid you not, how simple he had great balance, when he stopped at a traffic light he flipped the side stand down. When he sat on the saddle, his feet could just reach the foot pegs. The moral is there is always a way. So keep on rockin Jeff :music2:

 

[OldWrench]

You all make me count my blessings. I had knee replacement that went south for a while. It was nothing compared to what a few of you are dealing with. My orthopedics doctor told me since I now have had the knee replaced, I should give up ridding, well that isn’t going to happen, I just love it too much.
I’ll be 66 pretty soon and now that the knee has healed I’m back in the saddle everyday. I can’t imagine the frustration you all feel not being physically able to ride, my heart goes out to you all. I have no advice because I haven’t walked in your shoes, but only wish you the absolute best.

 

[Ansimp]

Good to hear you will be back in the saddle soon OldWrench :yes: