LIVE TO RIDE FOR A LONG, LONG TIME
A recent post on this website explored the question “Why Do You Ride?” So much of the truly overwhelming response to that feature came from riders in their later years. This prompted us to put together this compilation of tips for older riders.
60 Is The New 30
In 1975 80% of all motorcyclists in the United States were 29 years old or younger. Today the age group of “50 and above” makes up the largest segment of motorcycle riders on the road.
A lot of reasons factor into this shift in motorcycling’s predominant demographic. Part of it is purely economic. Let’s face it, with your average American V-Twin or European touring bike costing $30-40,000 a lot of younger, less financially-established, folks are simply priced out of a market they might otherwise be inclined to join.
Retired baby boomers are the demographic that have both the time and the financial resources to take on long distance motorcycle travel adventures. Many of today’s older riders are returning riders. They rode decades ago and stopped riding to pay attention to their families and careers. They’re back in force now that they have more personal time and disposable funds on their hands. These tips for older riders are more relevant today than ever before.
Finally…and sadly…there is a declining interest in motorcycling among young adults. Today’s youth are much more inclined to use ride sharing apps like Uber to get around. Ownership of any vehicle, particularly one that is perceived as impractical, is simply not a part of this generation’s most important objectives.
Facing The Facts
So the pursuit of two-wheeled motoring is being left largely to us older riders. We’re certainly making the most of it, but we do have to acknowledge certain unavoidable impediments that come with advancing age.
Studies have shown that the average person’s reaction time peaks at age 24 then slowly declines over time after that. We simply don’t respond to potentially dangerous, emergency situations as quickly as we might have in the past.
One’s physical strength decreases as time marches on. Age-related muscle loss, called sarcopenia, is a completely natural part of the aging process. Muscle mass and strength will decrease by 50% or more between the ages of 50 and 80. Grip strength is one of the main strengths you’ll lose.
Vision deteriorates over time, starting at around age 40 in most people. Serious vision conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration will surface between 50 and 60 years of age and nearly every person over the age of 70 will experience some form of cataracts.
With advancing age comes decreased bone density, increased recovery times after physical exertion, a loss of balance and decreased cognitive function. It’s a wonder we can still climb in the saddle and enjoy this chosen pursuit of ours. Alas, we can. Especially if we take some of these tips for older riders and put them into practice.
The Good News
It’s not all bad news. There are a couple of great things that come with advancing age.
1. The Skills We’ve Acquired…from all of the countless experiences we’ve been able to accumulate over a long time.
2. The Wisdom We’ve Developed…that comes from combining all those skills and experiences with creative solutions; using them to overcome an extensive assortment of ongoing challenges.
Speaking with lots of other older riders we have compiled this list of things that we can do to make our pursuit of two-wheeled adventures safer, more enjoyable and maybe even unending. Not every rider will adopt all of these suggestions. I know I haven’t. But any of them that you do choose to implement will certainly have a positive effect on your Moto-longevity.
Listen To Your Body
One of the best tips for older riders that we can offer is “Don’t try to be a hero”. We may have gotten away with that mentality in our younger years, but it won’t serve us well as we age. Go easy on your body. It’s the only one you’ve got and it ain’t getting any younger.
Rest. Stretch. Hydrate. You’re allowed to stop and smell the roses between fuel stops, you know? Get off the bike, walk around, stretch a little bit and fuel your thirst. Hydration is more important at this stage of life than ever before.
I have no problem with this one. Being a photographer I tend to be stopping every 40-50 miles for a photo opportunity anyway. Even just a couple of minutes out of the saddle will do wonders to renew your comfort when you climb back onboard.
Stay In Shape
Nothing takes a toll on your lower back than carrying around too much extra weight out in front. It’s a condition made much worse when you’re doing it in the saddle of a motorcycle. Six years ago I made a decision to lose the weight I’d been carrying around for the better part of my adult life. I lost 80 pounds and have kept it off for six years now. Nothing…and I mean absolutely nothing…has done more for my ability to keep riding long distances painlessly. I reach my destinations with little, or no, fatigue. My lower back is never sore after a long day in the saddle.
A little strength training doesn’t hurt either. I’m no gym rat, but I do a short (10-15 minute) workout 2 or 3 times per week. Doing basic large muscle group exercises (Pushups, Pullups, Squats and Planks) helps build core muscle strength. Not only will this increase your stamina but it will enable you to easily right your motorcycle by yourself in the event of a tipover.
Another symptom that aging riders complain of is loss of grip strength and cramping in their hands…particularly in the left (clutch) hand. Squeezing an inexpensive grip strengthener like this one periodically helps immeasurably with this uncomfortable ailment. You can put this tips for older riders to work anywhere. Any time. While watching TV. Sitting at your desk. Anywhere.
Practice Basic Skills
Another casualty of the aging process is your balance. It is more important now, than ever before, to keep your basic motorcycling skills sharp. Balance is most important when executing your low speed maneuvers. I make it a point to practice my slow speed skills every chance I get. At least once a week I’ll spend just a few minutes practicing low speed turns, swerving and panic stops in a deserted parking area. When out on any normal ride I’ll intentionally make tighter, slower turns into parking spots than I really need to. Just to keep those skills, and my balance, as finely tuned as possible.
Take a refresher course with a qualified riding instructor. This one was a real eye-opener for me. I took the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) Basic Rider Course at the beginning of 2022. It’s amazing how many bad habits you can fall into through four decades of riding. A couple of hours with a professional instructor can break you of those dangerous habits. I will do this again every year or two for as long as my riding career lasts. Priceless.
Complacency Kills
The longer we’ve been riding the more likely we are to become nonchalant about our basic skillsets and safety practices. Nothing will come back to bite you faster than a casual, lackadaisical mindset. I am “always riding”…even when I’m behind the wheel of my car. When I approach curves in the road I imagine what line I would be taking if I were on my bike. I scan the road ahead with the same care I take when I’m up on two wheels. I try to imagine how visible (or invisible) I’d be to other motorists if were on the bike.
Keeping that biker mindset, even behind the wheel of a car, will make you a better rider. You’ll also notice local road hazards and file that information away in the back of your mind. That information will be most helpful when you’re on those same roads on your motorcycle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that 70 percent of all collisions happen within a 10-mile radius of your home. Paying attention, even when in the safety of an automobile, could prevent you from becoming a motorcycle statistic later on.
The Focus Factor
In my Amazon #1 best-selling motorcycle travel book Road Work: Images and Insights of a Modern Day Explorer I stated “Safe motorcycling requires 110% of your concentration. Give it any less and you’re intentionally putting yourself in harm’s way.” As we get older we tend to lose focus easier. Sadly, the aging process includes a natural decline in certain cognitive functions.
Most notable are slower problem solving, diminished spatial orientation, slower inductive reasoning and declines in speed perception. None of these symptoms are good news for any motorcyclist. But just being aware of them, and recognizing them, gives you a tremendous advantage. One of the best tips for older riders is to simply respect your age and the natural mental handicaps that come with reaching this stage in your life. If you know you have to be more careful you will be more careful.
More To Come
We have a lot more tips for older riders to share in a follow up feature coming soon to the blog. Be sure to subscribe to Roadcraft USA to stay up to date. As always we welcome your comments below. If you have any specific questions you would like answered, please feel free to contact us directly via email.
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If you leal your bike over and you cant pick it up you might want to get something smaller I know it sucks but that what it’s what it means your not 20 anymore.
Yes. “Downsizing” will be discussed in the next installment.
Concentration – like not looking through a turn and realizing too late…and then locking up the rear brake. Don’t do that.
But, yes, as a 50+ rider (20 yrs riding), I’ve learned a bunch and am much safer than I was way back when.
They call that “Wisdom” Andy. One of the great benefits of aging!
As a younger motorcyclist I traveled to 49 of the 50 states on a bike and took trips that lasted a month or more. Now approaching 80, I am satisfied with shorter day trips. An hour out to a lunch spot with my wife and an hour back is just about right for me. Endurance is one of the things that goes and it is best to acknowledge that. Also check out Senior Motorcyclists on Facebook for lots of input from bikers on specific issues such arthritis, riding after joint replacement, dealing with Afib, and dozens of other ailments that seniors encounter.
Yes..different types/lengths of trips will be discussed in the next installment. We are members of “Senior Motorcyclists” on Facebook. Great folks and lots of great wisdom in that forum. Thanks for commenting.
The fact is, if I was riding a motorcycle when I was in my 20s, I wouldn’t be here today. I was much more frivolous than I am today, and I am in better physical shape today than I was in my 20s.
You and me, both, Joseph! And for both of the same reasons…LOL
What about the too frequent “urge’ – potty breaks? I seem to always see roadside vegetation in need of watering, immediately….
At age 75 & small in built (5’7″ & 145) I felt the need to downsize & I have – so much easier for me with a smaller bike now in slow turns & parking areas – I also am a exercise nut who does a power walk (with dumbbells) 6 days & am at the gym 5 days & have been this way since I was 15 – I firmly believe that it has put me ahead of the game (so to speak) at my age as far as strength & endurance for any endeavor & although I still do iron Butt Rides overall I have slowed down & am stopping more often to smell the roses – if there is one thing I think that is best for older riders I would say to get in shape & stay in shape – make it a lifestyle – not to worry as I still have my beer & piazza. 🙂
Downsizing is discussed in great detail in Part 2 of this series, Stephen. Great to hear about your fitness regimen. That does more for a rider’s stamina than any other factor. Good for you!
I am 76 and have been riding for most of my life. I can’t imagine not riding, so my life goal is to keep in shape physically and mentally. During the off season, I watch video on Motorcycle skills and safety, just to keep my head in the game. Thank you for your thoughts on aging and motorcycling.
Great attitude and activities, Greg. Thanks for reading and commenting!
I had open heart surgery at 76 years old, when I went back to riding, I was in a balance situation and kept dropping my bike. My cardiologist said to quit riding, I had been riding for 50+years and was not going to give up. So bought a Tri GLIDE trike, I’m it 83 now and still going strong. Do a trip every year, usually 3-4k. I thank the good Lord every day that I can keep going. Don’t give up, keep on keeping on.