What I Learned from My Time on the Road in 2024

[@murraycharters6102]

I am 81 in March 25, still riding my VStrom 650. Purchased new April 2018, done 59,000 km so far

[@davidtobergte8037]

I’m 75 and still riding. I really enjoy the philosophical aspect of your videos. They make me THINK. Thank you.

[@RYwoodview]

Great lessons for all ages--thank you! I'm almost 70 now. Rode for years, thought I'd given it up for good. 5 years later, I was having dreams about riding again. Couldn't help myself and bought a new bike. Enjoying it more than ever!

[@SophisticatedBob]

"I'm not going back to being in a hurry." I should have this tattooed on my forehead. I was a healthcare admin during my career, and hurry is how they live. I was the posterchild for being too busy to enjoy life. Thanks for the advice.

[@Robnord1]

Thanks for your summary Craig. We have much in common, especially regarding being natural lone wolves and being one to look at negatives (until our wives help redirect us). Acceptance of mental and physical decline and the fact that 99% of those around really don't care about us seniors (or what we think/know) in any way are my predominant issues now at age 70. Lacking the funds for a good shrink, my plan is to do more time on 2 wheels in 2025.

[@j.h.309]

I’m 55! So glad to see you riding at 65! We both still have time left to ride our bikes, and that’s simply great! Happy rides!💪 And yes, being humble is vital! Don’t take everything too serious, people aren’t perfect!

[@tomyoung3087]

Yep, lot of truth in what your saying buddy. Imm 72 still like to get out on my own, need the me time for all the reasons you mentioned. I also have to get out of my own head more often, like you I can easily go down a negative road with my thoughts, I work on it always. Riding cures all of that but I still have days on the road when I have to catch myself and stay positive.

[@iainmackinnon9620]

Again you hit the nail on the head with regards to your summary of this year in your life as a retired person. I so relate to what you said. Ride safe. And if you ever come to New Zealand the door is wide open

[@tigercoward]

Excellent message, Craig! This video was the perfect companion to my breakfast this morning. You know that I love your videos, but your philosophical vids that I love the most. Thank you

[@stephenrichie4646]

I appreciate your commentary. I have 20 years on you, still riding at 86. Fortunate I can do so. Agree solo riding teaches self sufficiency (at any age) and reinforces confidence. As to your perspective on reactions to various situations, I’m attracted more and more to the Stoic philosophy: you can’t control external events, but you can control your reactions. In my maturity I am much more flexible and forgiving, and strive to regard others with tolerance and kindness. It’s a nice place to be. Ride on, my friend.

[@AppleFanX2]

I always enjoy your take on things. Keep the videos coming! Regards, Lindsay

[@EZEEADV]

I have commented before, commenting again because your videos are so good! Thank you!

[@sherwincody5025]

Om 64 and getting a new knee next month and planning all kinds of rides for the coming year. Im also still working as a local truck driver. truly enjoy your videos, keep them coming

[@nickarpino9309]

I just want to thank you for your work on the videos, especially this one. I had a health scare va few years ago and stopped riding. I mostly commuted. I have been trying to muster the courage to at least start commuting again. Then hopefully do some trips as my retirement is approaching as well. This video was very encouraging, thank you

[@andrewpeter6128]

As an Alaskan resident, I’ve ridden the Dalton and Demeter. Both very nice, but there are other destinations in Alaska and the northland that are more enjoyable. Yes, I too follow the path less traveled. Similarly, earlier this year, my wife and daughter (8years old) lived in Colombia for 5 months. We put our daughter in public school. Prior to our trip I created a long list of all the reasons why this journey was a bad idea. Guess what, none of those bad things came to fruition. Instead, we made friends, built community, and I had an absolute ball exploring rural Colombia on a new to me Desert sled. Keep it up. Go fast, take chances.

[@joelandrade1630]

Me and my wife call it finding new roads. Thanks

[@roadtripper5553]

That's what I'm talking about.

[@NedRochford]

Perfect commentary to wind down the year. Much in common, but I am the optimist who does not care what others think or do. Being 69 helps keep my 'don't give a damn' attitude. I especially liked your "help others who are helping you." Sort of the Golden Rule, updated. Ned in SC

[@Motorcyclewindtherapy]

Good stuff and congrats on a great year! Definitely been thinking of different Alaska destinations myself - as far as distance from Arkansas... that will be the farthest 'there and back mileage' trip I'm loosely planning. This year was a little different - less than 10,000 miles by a little bit. No overnight trips and 99% weekend riding. 2 toddler grandkids and my wife's health challenges... for now this is where i am. For a guy who rode 15, 25, even 35k miles a year and not riding to work...just fun trips... that was a big change. At 57 I'm Blessed to still be 100% fit and healthy and i work to maintain that so i can ride well into the future. I work for myself and a great vroup of clients, and as long as God wants me there, I'll be there... i work at a desk and it's not physically demanding and i really like my clients and the interaction. Most are older than i am - I'm a financial person - and I'm not one to sit around the house anyway. No plans to get rid of the 2007 Road King Custom on my channel...but i have been looking at small dual sports to enjoy some fire roads and light trail riding... i live within minutes of 2 huge national forests to the north and south. I used ro ride a lot of dirt on motocross bikes back in the day...said I'd had enough of that (jumps, crashes, etc) but maybe just wandering around on dirt for a day here and there might be fun (probably got that from your channel this past year!) I rode in a group exactly 2 times this past year. I think that part of my riding is all but over. It's been a few years since i resigned from being an officer in CMA and while i love those folks... i now just plan my own rides, start much earlier than most would.... and go until i want to stop, eat where i want, and turn around when it feels like i should. I find myself just praying and talking things out with God in my helmet... just the sound of my pipes. It was a different but beautiful year. Here's to many more for all of us. Enjoy every ride, we are Blessed to get to go!

[@eddie8279]

Craig,again you have shared your wisdom with us and many thanks to you! I am just as young as you,and many bumps on my life road but I keep going. Thanks for sharing another great inspiring video!

[@richardmourdock2719]

Good comments Craig. I too retired at 62. Nine years later I have days when I wonder why. I'm one of the few who did what I loved and never really worked a day in my life. But, even at 73 I make up for any regret when riding. I wish I'd gotten on a bike before age 58... but in another way, I don't know I was ready before then. Oddly, I love it most because it requires my total attention all the time. I have to concentrate on it... and to me, that is relaxing because of mentally processing one hundred things, there is only one. My best to Kathy.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thanks Richard, Cathy says hi!

[@Doug_Morgan]

Like you stated it can be the unexpected non motorcycle routes that can be the most memorable. That has held true on almost every trip my friend and I took over the years. Back in 2019 our most memorable day travelling was a day we were expecting to be just a boring day with nothing to do but make miles. We roughly pre-plan our trips on Google Maps and that day looked like it was just a ride through nothingness. Wow were we wrong, it was the best day of the whole trip. This happened several times over the years and sometimes the part we looked forward to the most was the most disappointing. Sadly he passed away suddenly a little over a year ago so my future adventures will probably be solo like yourself. Coming across a friend that shares the same riding style etc is hard to find, especially at our age when we are retired. Even the simple things like rising early to hit the road and not having to sit and wait on someone that likes to sleep in all the time. A trip is so much more enjoyable when people are in sync.

[@802726504]

I'm now 71 and last year for my 70th, I got a new bike. A 2021 V Strom 650 to replace my ailing 2006 Triumph Scrambler, which I rode for 12 years and 40,000 miles. The V Strom was something of a bargain and, although different, turns out to be a very good bike. Excellent for touring Brittany this year with my mates. I also went skiing in the Alps, which confirmed my shoulder injury from skiing the previous year is now nearly back to normal. I was T boned at a junction whilst riding the V Strom on Dartmoor and was extremely fortunate to survive the encounter with the pick up truck with only a few scratches on me and the bike. I have just been diagnosed with prostate cancer, which is a bummer. My point being you do not know what may happen, good or bad. However, I like your philosophy and intend to carry on riding and enjoying myself as long as I can - one of my pals is 79 and still riding his BMW 1200 RT. And have fun! Thanks for the video.

[@NedRochford]

Been a year since my prostate cancer surgery. Was off the bike for three months ... that was rough! Back riding and going forward! Ned

[@dcijams]

I guess, like a few of use, I love to bench read. like you I ride about 350 a day, and if there is something in the area, I say an extra day, and check it out., and say off the highways, I love traveling back roads. & totally support small businesses. campout where I can, and KOA when I can't. 62 here and downsizing my bike. from a wing & trailer to a mid-range bike. (the wife doesn't want to ride anyone, so, I no longer need the trailer). I've always thought, it was better to learn, from other people mistakes, and fangle it into my lifestyle. enjoyed your views, and a few I've takin to heart. I'm going to taking a friend with me this coming year. He hasn't ridden since we were kids. He raised two boys on his own and never got the chance to travel. now 60, I'm taking him with me, to see, America & Canada, in the coming years.

[@MinnowMoto]

Great info. On multi day trips on the road, when you check into the hotel how much gear do you take in with you. Do you unpack your paniers or have go bag?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I have small bags with clothes and personal care items...then of course there is the electronic stuff. It is not a big deal other, but when you do it 40 or times...

[@TheYorkie1954]

trying to keep up with the lemon squeezing but actualy prefer lime in my G&T, is that acceptable

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Of course!