06-07-2019, 02:18 PM
You know, it's the quality of life that matters, how much you enjoy and can pack in in a lifetime. If you do some of it on two wheels, some on four, maybe some in hiking boots - I think it's more important that you just do it and not get too hung up on the how. Gotta be flexible.
I took the XR650L on a dual sport ride Tuesday and Wednesday with two riding buddies. We trailered the bikes to just east of Globe Arizona, rode down the highway a bit then headed east up to Point of Pines (on asphalt). It was dirt, rocks and sand with three water crossings - two rather nasty. We eventually T'd into highway 191 then up to Alpine for the night. Just north of Alpine we took 8845 to 270 (oh man, what gorgous country!). 270 to 260 to 73 to 60 and back to the truck. Sid is 79, Phillip is a younger 82. Sid rode a tired DR650 and Phillip was on bored out DR350. I barely stayed up with them on the dirt (not my wheelhouse for sure).
Both of the guys suffer from the wounds of accidents from years ago; I'm really not sure how Sid even rides anymore; but he's a tough ol' bugger. Not sure I could the same.
We didn't see George come down from Seattle to the Guzzi rally; he'd be 84 this year. I hope he's well, but fear the worst.
Not really sure where I was going with this.
I guess some of us can ride a lot longer than others; just the cards you're dealt. Do what you can do, make adjustments where needed and have no regrets. You've earned bragging rights already.
I took the XR650L on a dual sport ride Tuesday and Wednesday with two riding buddies. We trailered the bikes to just east of Globe Arizona, rode down the highway a bit then headed east up to Point of Pines (on asphalt). It was dirt, rocks and sand with three water crossings - two rather nasty. We eventually T'd into highway 191 then up to Alpine for the night. Just north of Alpine we took 8845 to 270 (oh man, what gorgous country!). 270 to 260 to 73 to 60 and back to the truck. Sid is 79, Phillip is a younger 82. Sid rode a tired DR650 and Phillip was on bored out DR350. I barely stayed up with them on the dirt (not my wheelhouse for sure).
Both of the guys suffer from the wounds of accidents from years ago; I'm really not sure how Sid even rides anymore; but he's a tough ol' bugger. Not sure I could the same.
We didn't see George come down from Seattle to the Guzzi rally; he'd be 84 this year. I hope he's well, but fear the worst.
Not really sure where I was going with this.
I guess some of us can ride a lot longer than others; just the cards you're dealt. Do what you can do, make adjustments where needed and have no regrets. You've earned bragging rights already.