A little over 2 years ago I almost retired after almost 40 years of self-employment, but instead I was offered a cherry job by an architect friend. Because I was planning to do a lot more touring on my 1st Gen. FZ-1, I decided to try to negotiate some decent time off into my work agreement. I committed to a minimum of 5 years of employment at 30 hours per week and will probably work longer than 5 if I can go on 4 day weeks where I can combine a Friday with the Monday of the following week. I wish I would have thought of that earlier - dammit man!
I've owned and ridden motorcycles for 50 years now. I do 2 one week long trips to the mountains every year, spring and fall. No Interstates, no chain restaurants, mostly old mom and pop motels. I'm starting my spring trip Monday as noted in this thread. I'm off 10 days for Bike Week camping or motor homing in the infield at the home of the Supercross and the Daytona 200. Followed by 4 days, again at the speedway, for Fall Cycle Scene in October. I'm also a member of 2 professional associations that have several events all around the country that I take time off to attend on a yearly basis. I've put 70k+ on several bikes over the years (the FZ-1 is currently showing 72) so my butt is tough (stock CB seat is just fine, thank you) and evidently, I've long forgotten what annoying vibration consists of (CB1100 vibration? really?)
I'm not married, but with no shortage of lady friends, so have no permissions to seek, negotiations to be made or begging to engage in
Have 2 grown sons, 1 granddaughter and no longer have pets.
I sold my now too big and expensive for my lifestyle house and lots of life long accumulated crap 2 years ago anticipating retirement. Now I share a great big old house in an awesome neighborhood, walking distance to down town in Winter Park Florida with 2 other guys. Non-gear heads unfortunately. That said, it's great not to be possessed by possessions. I can't tell you how liberating it is not to have a bunch of bills, to live, own and maintain "stuff" I don't really need. My current lifestyle costs about 1/3 of my old one
Have half a double car garage for my bike(s). Started a club 15 years ago when I bought a Guzzi Jackal, which is currently approaching 550 members from all over the country on FB, (Central Florida Cycle Riders - hook it Up!) Locally I have about a dozen well skilled hardcore rider friends, a few are x-racers including myself (motocross in the 1970's). My best buddy Lee who, back in the day, was a road racing champ in the southeast division for several years and who rides a pristine Honda RC-51 that has logged well into 100k miles, retired from being an employed Honda mechanic. The last 10 years working on cars, the rest of his employed years on bikes.
He started his own busy bike repair shop and collects his Social Security!
Living in Florida we ride all year, even in the rainy season (just takes a good rain suit, gloves and boots) and summer time, in what most would consider extreme heat (keep moving, you only melt when you stop!) a few days in winter (maybe starting out in the low 30's) it usually warms up nicely by 10am. And in spite of the misconception of many, including a lot of riders that live here, Florida is not comprised only of long, straight, flat roads!
Well, I see that this has become way too long of a bloviation, but hopefully a somewhat enjoyable read.
I'm super lucky to have created an enjoyable lifestyle for my later years in life. At 66, I don't ever envision stopping riding. I look forward to a lot more miles filled with fun, travel, meeting great people, including the friends I've made on this forum. I plan to be seeing many of you on our upcoming meet up in the mountains very soon
