This is an arena for current events so: today I sold my Harley. Probably the last bike I will

[Augiedog]

Ever own. After 53 years of being a motorcyclist, a day I never envisioned arrived. I started riding when I was 15. Since 1976 I have been riding Harley Davidson, starting with a Pan Head. Miraculously I did it uninjured in any meaningful way. It has been one hell of an experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything other than peace for all.

Thanks for listening, now it's back to my beer and pity party.

[ornotna]

1. best wishes Augiedog

It's not the end of the line.

[Demsrule86]

2. It's is tough getting older...never been sick a day in my life...spent five

days in hospital in September.. I hope you feel better about this in the morning assuming you don't have a hangover! Good luck.

[jrthin]

3. Enjoy the beer and pity party. But

Don't stay too long.

[GP6971]

4. I started riding late

age 58. Really loved it, but it came a time to leave it. I didn't worry about my abilities...it was the idiots in cars that put you in jeopardy. But after 7 years of riding I noticed my reflexes were getting slower and that's not good.

Never found a Harley I was comfortable with. No matter what model, with the seat at the lowest level, I could never put my feet flat on the ground. So I had a Honda Spirit 750 Aero which I loved.

Still going to keep my license endorsement when I renew my license latter this year.

[Augiedog]

8. My riding abilities have little to do with it actually. I have had some unnerving moments with

people texting and driving. That has taken a lot out of the fun and zenness of my riding. I know how it is though to work at making something you want to do fit your reality.

[Phoenix61]

11. I have a Spirit 750 parked in my carport

I'm sole caregiver for my mom who has advanced Alzheimer's and is in a wheelchair. If anything happens to me, she's headed to a nursing home. So, while I still have her, I just dream of rides to come.

[GP6971]

12. Great bike!!

I absolutely loved mine.

[sharp_stick]

5. It's a change not

the end. Make a difference wherever you are. My rock and ice climbing life ended when I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and depression set in. It took awhile and and good friends and family. I hope you have them now, if not please reach out to those of us who might be able to help. I'm here if you need me.

[Augiedog]

6. That is avery kind response. Thank you. My wife will kick my butt if I don't behave, so no worries

[Ms. Toad]

7. Interesting.

A few years ago I bought the last bike (bicycle, not motorcycle) I expected to own. When, unexpectedly, I developed vertigo I decided i wasn't save on the road anymore - but I also wasn't ready to be done with biking. So I bought a recumbent. Still two wheels, but I can put my feet flat on the ground when I stop without maneuvering out of my seat so I'm stable (and the vertigo doesn't impact me when I'm riding - only when I transition from riding to stopped).

I'm not ready for a trike recumbent yet - but who knows. When that time comes, I may decide I'm not yet done.

Perhaps you're done - perhaps not. But getting older sometimes takes us places we didn't expect to go.

[Augiedog]

9. I have no physical limitations yet. Just rational ones. Texters who do so while driving have sent

me in this direction.

Note though. I too am a bicyclist. Even been in a couple of races back in the day. Didn't do well but still tried. I still will continue with that for sure. It's certainly a quieter endeavor.

[VOX]

10. I can't surf any more (inner ear problem), so I understand.

I grew up in Dogtown (Santa Monica/Ocean Park), and surfed up and down the California coast for decades. It was my passion, my escape, my near-palpable bliss. Had to give it up due to Meniere's Disease (vertigo, deafness), which also blitzed my other love, making music: guitars, etc. Have to wear hearing aids now!

I really understand how it is to give up something that's a piece of your soul. It hurts, and badly. I lapsed into a year-long funk and gained 30 lbs. But with the passage of time, I've become a bit more philosophical about the changes. I'm back at the gym, too. Hang in there, and enjoy the memories, they can be sweet sometimes!

[Augiedog]

13. Santa Monica! Love that place, and it's next door neighbor Venice Beach. My wife and I did our

honeymoon there. It's a wonderful place and I will always have a special place in my heart for you guys in California. If I was a minute younger I would move in with, well, whomever would put up with me. And trust me, that's a big order.

[VOX]

14. Yes! More people now, of course, but the vibe's still good.

We live in the Palm Springs area now, but my wife and I try to get back to Santa Monica/Ocean Park/Venice at least twice a year. Just *seeing* the Pacific Ocean is good medicine! My wife lived in Venice for several years before we got hitched. Insanely fun and benignly crazy place!

[Augiedog]

15. I roller bladed Venice Beach. It was totally cool seeing where " muscle beach" is. I envy your

desert existence. Been to Palm Springs too. In another life I think I was mayor of Palm Springs , or maybe it was street sweeper. Can't remember which. But I was important, just ask me.

[gibraltar72]

16. Rode actively

for 56 years. Started at 14 had just about every kind of bike including Indian. My last three were Goldwings. One of the toughest things I ever did was decide I couldn't man handle a big bike anymore. After knee surgery some fun was gone, then shoulder surgery made the decision for me. I immediately bought a smaller bike but had hip surgery last year and haven't rode since. As a matter of fact I started today to get it cleaned up to sell. Lots of miles lots of places lots of memories.