bushrat
New member
To LifeLongRider:
Is it really an elephant in your room? Or is it actually more of a mouse that you have unfortunately imagined to be larger than it really is? I believe that BajaRon is right when he suggests (above) that it's all a matter of perspective. Glass half full, or half empty sort of thing.
I'm a very senior citizen too, within spitting distance of my 80th birthday. Bought my Spyder for many of the same reasons you did. However, I have nowhere near the two-wheel experience you have, nor anywhere close to the mechanical abilities to work on my bike or carry out repairs. That doesn't stop me from wanting to ride it, or dream about taking a long trip. Hell, if that gal SpyderAnn can put over a quarter-million miles on her Spyders, I'll be damned if a few negative experience comments from others are going to hold me back. Love her attitude!!!
You say you're enjoying your Spyder and love being on it. I love mine, and hate when I'm not in the saddle. And while I have yet to do any long-distance touring, I have trailered, then ridden it well out in the 'boonies' far from home in totally strange territory. Truly love being back in the mountains and hills with not many others around except for beautiful scenery. If I had a breakdown, it would surely be a major PITA, but likely I'd find a solution and/or a way out. Actually, I've grown to trust my Spyder so much that I have to remind myself every now and then to check tires, oil, etc.; usually, I just switch on, mount up and go.
Perhaps I'm too naive to recognize the danger; I do still often think and act like I'm closer to 19 than 79. Yeah, I should know better, but I'm not about to turn down a challenge or to forego a pleasure. Maybe I'm selfish or self-indulgent that way. Hey, I paid my dues along the way; it's my life and I want to enjoy the bit that's left... without hurting others... and posing risk only to myself.
So, as the French might say: "Courage, mon vieux"....(Be brave, my friend)
Take that Spyder out and enjoy it to the MAX! Don't let a few negative reports get in your way. If necessary, turn off your computer and turn on your Spyder. Hey, I'll soon be back down in FL with my F3L, and not far from you. Want an old fart riding buddy to terrorize the mid-Florida countryside with? Just let me know. And if you want to meet up with me on my way south for several days of 'twisty' riding in the hill country and mountains of TN, NC, SC, GA, I'll have a trailer with me and be glad to haul any breakdown to a competent repair shop.
There are just too many interesting roads beckoning not to answer their call. Your Spyder needs exercise, and you (and I both) need the thrill and enjoyment. Ride On, and be safe.
Is it really an elephant in your room? Or is it actually more of a mouse that you have unfortunately imagined to be larger than it really is? I believe that BajaRon is right when he suggests (above) that it's all a matter of perspective. Glass half full, or half empty sort of thing.
I'm a very senior citizen too, within spitting distance of my 80th birthday. Bought my Spyder for many of the same reasons you did. However, I have nowhere near the two-wheel experience you have, nor anywhere close to the mechanical abilities to work on my bike or carry out repairs. That doesn't stop me from wanting to ride it, or dream about taking a long trip. Hell, if that gal SpyderAnn can put over a quarter-million miles on her Spyders, I'll be damned if a few negative experience comments from others are going to hold me back. Love her attitude!!!
You say you're enjoying your Spyder and love being on it. I love mine, and hate when I'm not in the saddle. And while I have yet to do any long-distance touring, I have trailered, then ridden it well out in the 'boonies' far from home in totally strange territory. Truly love being back in the mountains and hills with not many others around except for beautiful scenery. If I had a breakdown, it would surely be a major PITA, but likely I'd find a solution and/or a way out. Actually, I've grown to trust my Spyder so much that I have to remind myself every now and then to check tires, oil, etc.; usually, I just switch on, mount up and go.
Perhaps I'm too naive to recognize the danger; I do still often think and act like I'm closer to 19 than 79. Yeah, I should know better, but I'm not about to turn down a challenge or to forego a pleasure. Maybe I'm selfish or self-indulgent that way. Hey, I paid my dues along the way; it's my life and I want to enjoy the bit that's left... without hurting others... and posing risk only to myself.
So, as the French might say: "Courage, mon vieux"....(Be brave, my friend)
Take that Spyder out and enjoy it to the MAX! Don't let a few negative reports get in your way. If necessary, turn off your computer and turn on your Spyder. Hey, I'll soon be back down in FL with my F3L, and not far from you. Want an old fart riding buddy to terrorize the mid-Florida countryside with? Just let me know. And if you want to meet up with me on my way south for several days of 'twisty' riding in the hill country and mountains of TN, NC, SC, GA, I'll have a trailer with me and be glad to haul any breakdown to a competent repair shop.
There are just too many interesting roads beckoning not to answer their call. Your Spyder needs exercise, and you (and I both) need the thrill and enjoyment. Ride On, and be safe.
