When to stop racing?

I'm sitting a home recovering from a crash this past weekend. I have several face fractures, minimal vision out of my left eye after lid reconstruction surgery. About half my face is scabbed over and some staples. As well as some minor brain bleeds and bruising.

Part of me wants to get back out there and finish achieving the goals I set, while the other half wants to walk away just being glad to be alive. What was the deciding factor for those of you that have been in similar positions?

 

I my case I walked away from racing offroad + MX when the injury recovery began to affect my ability to make a living. It was a hard decision at the time but I don't regret it.

I still ride offroad a little for fun and since then have done a good bit of supermoto and trackdays. I even ran a few road races, but as soon as I start placing riding ahead of my livelyhood I back off.

 

How did you hurt your face so badly?

 

+1

Sorry to hear about your crash, heal up man.

 

agree, let "your" heart be the deciding factor. Also, take into consideration the advice of those very close to you.

 

I would get back out there if/when you're ready, so it can end on your terms.

Whether you do one more race or 100, I would want the satisfaction that it ended on my terms - and the memories of a final, successful race.

 

My helmet got caught between another bikes rear tire and frame. I'm not sure what happened, but my head may have popped out at some point while tumbling.

 

:wow: Glad to hear you're ok.:wow:

 

yikes

 

WOW!

wish you a speedy recovery.

stop when the fear is stronger.

 

Most here know my story. I have been cleared by every possible specialist and the only things permanent are one of my lungs is half scar tissue and I am better looking than ever. (a regular Johnny Rock doncha know!)
I feel good, kids are grown, and the wife is hesitant but knows how much riding is a part of me.
It is not simply racing: it is the holistic experience. My friends and families of such; the process: setting up, registration & tech; warmers on; 2nd call get ready and so on. I was an official some the last few years and really enjoyed being at the track and those folks are the best, but I still miss racing. My need to make a living wouldn't allow me to officiate enough, but can allow a race here and there.
If I return my schedule will be way cut back: any Barber round, the Vintage Festival and the GNF. Should satisfy my need to race while not breaking the bank and limiting my on-track chances of crashing.
A decision you have to make and you alone.

 

Daaamn! :wow:
Glad you're still here to even ask the question! Wish you a speedy recovery.

 

Well said. Couldn't agree more.

 

I decided last year to hang up my leathers from road racing. I had been kinda backing out of it for the past few years when I was having less fun and more stress due to my competitiveness....don't get me wrong I still enjoyed the hell out of it, but I put in 10 hard years without so much as a few bruises.

I also found out last summer that my first child was on its way. I had already decided to hang things up, but that sealed the deal for me.

Then, I go trail riding in December and as a result, my wife spent her third trimester feeding and bathing me. My worst injuries were from a crash while casually headed back to the cabin on a dirtbike. I sold the racebike but still have the dirtbike....haha Oh and my ex pitbike has my son's name all over it!

 

Goals do not play a role for me. Being part of the experience is the attraction. Of course my first roadrace was in 1970 so I have a very different perspective.
Why not take the rest of the season off and see where you are at?

 

Money - both the ability to continue making it, and the financial costs of racing. "How fast do you wanna go?" is a real question with dollar signs attached.

Kids - and other responsibities that you need and want to take care of.

Injuries - how willing are you to accept the risks?

I wanted to be all-in, or not at all. A combination of the above moved me to the sideline. Sold my last race bike a week or so ago, so I'm not even harboring any illusions any more. Does leave a big hole, though.

 

When I read the thread title...my instant answer was, "when you run out of money".

I quit bikes when I got hurt and was getting married, then I raced RC cars, and karts.

I suspect someday I may race a bike again, but mama doesn't really want me to do that. She would rather I race karts, drag race again, or race cars. I just know I can't afford to race anything, with two kids in college, and a son that wants to race.

 

What it all boils down to is pussy.

There is really no other reason to race than to get tons of chicks,

When you are just tired of getting laid all the time and you wish to trade your nards for a man-gina, that's when you know its time to quit.

the end