at a crossroad

[rusty sr]

how do old racers do it? how do you stop doing one of the things you love most in life? several events have led me to this current dilema. (1) the crash. i had no time to re-act other than hitting the rear brake in an effort to make the front tire get traction again. that didn't work out well. while in the hospital it was more apparent to me, than ever before, how much fear and pain i was causing my wife. for those who know....that was more painfull than my injuries. (2) recovery took much longer than expected, and with lingering issues. (3) my recent birthday. the little voice in my head is telling me "you can't keep throwing youself down, because one of these times you will not get back up".
so this is my dilema, what do i do now? i know i am not the first one in this position. so what did you do?

[thedrizel]

I'll let you know when I get there. I guess when the bad out weighs the good, you just kinda walk away and don't look back.

[SimplyOrange]

i would imagine being as involved in projects as much as you are, you probably need to find a safer hobby to occupy your time.

[I_FLY_LOW]

Get busy living, or get busy dying...

What are you wanting to put yourself into?
Thinking about track days? Street riding?
The boat restoration thing is a neat route, for something to put yourself into, but is it exciting? Not really...
Hot rodding was cool, though not cheap...
What are you thinking about?

[Redbird]

Get busy living, or get busy dying...

That about sums it up for me too. You gotta do what makes you happy. Because who wants to go through life miserable. And I don't mean that in a selfish way, like "screw your wifes concerns... go riding if you want". I mean you have to look at the big picture and the long run. What's going to make you happier?
Maybe you and the missus can come to an agreement, something like a "limited riding schedule". That way you can enjoy yourself, and she doesn't have to worry as much.

[LAYNFRM]

Swap to riding/racing something with a cage and harnesses. That's what I'm doing, lol


Seriously, I have no real advice besides I know I thought the same thing when I crashed the last time.

[Shaq Diesel]

Shifting priorities.

Some things we just have to let go. When that time comes, you have to dig deep to see what truly made you happy. Was it the event? The people you met? The things you've learned? Once you sit back and truly identify what that is, just focus on how to mold that into something bigger.

[2Evil4U]

I bought a Jeep.

But Mom and Dad are finally bringing the '78 FX down here for me to restore.

I just need stuff to busy myself with. The last nine months since my accident with no real riding to do and nothing to tinker with, I started to get seriously depressed. I can't just sit around and listen as my wife watches her soaps. Before, I'd tinker with the bikes. Now I work on the Jeep.

[Juice]

Rusty,

When i was younger, i always felt that broken bones and bruises were a small price to pay for doing what we do. Now at middle age, i can hardly crawl out of bed everyday, do to self induced injuries, all caused by motorcycles. As i look back, I sure wish that i would have taking better care of myself. I stood at those same crossroads a few years ago. I did some soul searching and came up with an alternative that changed things but allowed me to keep the passion that i had for motorcycles. I will have to tell you the story over a beer. Don't want everyone here to see my cry like a little bitch. :-)

[rusty sr]

Rusty,

When i was younger, i always felt that broken bones and bruises were a small price to pay for doing what we do. Now at middle age, i can hardly crawl out of bed everyday, do to self induced injuries, all caused by motorcycles. As i look back, I sure wish that i would have taking better care of myself. I stood at those same crossroads a few years ago. I did some soul searching and came up with an alternative that changed things but allowed me to keep the passion that i had for motorcycles. I will have to tell you the story over a beer. Don't want everyone here to see my cry like a little bitch. :-)

name the time and place buddy.

[Redbird]

Don't want everyone here to see my cry like a little bitch. :-)
What? You think there's somebody on here that doesn't know you're a wuss? :P :D


name the time and place buddy.
I could tell you about the decisions my Dad made, to do what he enjoyed, before he died.
But then I'd have to blame Juice for poking me in the eye because of the Wuss comment.

[zeal]

my last big crossroads was divorcing my ex and leaving nearly my entire life behind. starting over from scratch was my living hell. especially after investing so much of myself into our home and having to leave that. i wonder myself how long i will be able to keep doing the thing that i think kept me sane during those times and if i thought i had to give up riding i would be seriously depressed. my thoughts and prayers are with you rusty. i hope it works out to benefit you the most and that you find great enjoyment in whatever you wind up doing.

[Juice]

I see that Bill has put his DL 650 up for sale. You should pick it up and make the ride out west with me next month. I don't think that you would have a problem selling it when your done abusing her. I think that a long two wheeled road trip is the medicinie that you are seeking.

[king4456]

I see that Bill has put his DL 650 up for sale. You should pick it up and make the ride out west with me next month. I don't think that you would have a problem selling it when your done abusing her. I think that a long two wheeled road trip is the medicinie that you are seeking.


just think of the gas mileage Sr could get with his size on the dl650

[rusty sr]

thanks for the thought juice. i would have a great time i am sure.

[PreJeaN07]

If you enjoy riding motorcycles, then you should ride motorcycles. There's nothing wrong with slowing down a bit, even if that means no more track days.

I've got a littel girl on the way. This is my first crossroad I've ever had to cross in my life. I decided to give up sport bikes, 160mph, and lane splitting. In turn, I picked up a dual sport, and I take it nice and easy. In fact, it's something I hope to get my little girl into when she's of age.

I don't agree with giving up something you love for something else to keep your mind off of what you love, but that's just my .02

[thedrizel]

I don't agree with giving up something you love for something else to keep your mind off of what you love, but that's just my .02


Sr. is in a different stage of life than you. You are very young and are just starting out. Sr. has grand children and while that doesn't mean he's old (because he's not), the facts are at some point in life, we evaluate the joy to consequence ratio more often and the requirements change. Sr. will know when it is right for him.

[PreJeaN07]

I'm just biased because I hate to see another rider go :(

I'm still a young Padawan. I have many years to learn.

[Zutopong]

So what did you decide?

[I_FLY_LOW]

How about that bar/grill you were toying with the idea of opening?

[rusty sr]

i decided that my wife and i would be better off if i continue doing what i love. i have been miserable since this delima started. she knows me better than i know me, so the knee dragging will continue with just a touch more care. i hope to have a replacement street bike in a little while, so i can go ride with you guys. sr.

[Rocky]

Rep points awarded!!
i decided that my wife and i would be better off if i continue doing what i love. i have been miserable since this delima started. she knows me better than i know me, so the knee dragging will continue with just a touch more care. i hope to have a replacement street bike in a little while, so i can go ride with you guys. sr.