Too old to race?

I am not too old to race! As long as I am safe, I am going to keep racing damn it!

When I was a kid, I was a fast motocrosser. Those days are over. I started racing WERA vintage six or seven years ago and have LOVED EVERY MINUTE! I'm 65 now but still feel good! Racing is a reason to stay healthy.

Come on guys, loose a few pounds, do some stretching exercises and RACE! VMD is not that far off.

Please forgive me for starting this thread but I have been drinking 8% beer.

 

You guys are great. That's the beer talking.

 

At 45 I'm making an attempt to get back into racing this year. I some times wonder the same thing and get questioned from everyone I know if I "should be", "too old", "you have responsibilities", "blah blah blah". In all honesty I listen and I agree with them ... but I'll see ya at VMD!!

 

I m right with you Dave, I am 65 also and this racing keeps me young. I will see you at VMD again.

Now about this losing weight stuff, are you saying I am fat?

 

Keep on truckin Dave!

I'm 66 and getting ready to race again this year with 2 different bikes.

Charlie Young and I have been talking about going to VMD so we might see you there

 

Keep on rollin' Dave!......until you cant.....I believe the individual will know when, there will be indicators. When there are big indicators, you will get help from "others".

I'll be 62 in a couple weeks.

I also believe there are stages to this.....I find myself just not "allowing" the "red mist" to come into play like it used to. That's a double sided coin....the RM used to help me, but now it doesnt kick in like it used to, and that has an affect. One effect is im alittle slower (wiser), another effect is I believe Im alittle safer (wiser).

I'm still doing ok. I find myself mid-pack most of the time. I wind up in what I call "no mans land".....the front guy (or 2, or 3), check out on me, but I find myself somewhat checking out (several seconds) on everyone behind me, racing by myself sometimes. BUT I still have the "need" to try and get better, catch that guy, but it seems I pull the plug sooner......funny part is, im ok with that!

VMD is on my list.

James (Norton357), and guys like him inspire me.

I can distinctly remember being near Fzrkidd's age, and getting beat by a 72 or 73 year old Royce Eaton.....that showed me something. Its showing me something different (additional) now.

anyhow, just my opinion.

 

I returned to racing at about your age. I got the same commentary that you are receiving. My dad, in particular, just couldn't understand. He went to his grave having never taken a chance in his life. That makes me sad, but people are who they are.

 

I very much hope this thread pulls somebody back into racing!

 

I just ride bikes that are older than me, if they can still do it so can I !!!

I have a couple of friends, both in their last couple of years of the 70's who still ride tank shifters, one of them schooled me last year at a race and makes me try harder.

 

Charlie, you're a mere lad. What you wrote is pretty true though.

 

Hoping to meet/race/have fun with “other” (ahem) mature racers at VMD.

 

Suddenly 53 doesn’t seem so old…

SVs are at the tuners now, about 30 or so pounds down, leathers going to Bill soon for cleaning etc.

I’m trying dammit.

 

Celebrate that Medicare card !

 

63 here, my son and I are loving every minute! Hey Dave, what's up Mark...we'll see you guys in a couple months! And Charlie, I even resurrected the RD last year for Mid O. Yeah, it only made one practice lap before the piston holed, but dammit it made a lap!

 

On a related note, I'm currently enjoying building my vintage racer. When I get through, where am I going to learn to ride the damn thing? I can't imagine doing a track day on my 60 year old bike and sharing the straights with a CBR10000RRRR. If any of you see me wobbling around little Tally, give me some elbow room. I'll remember what I'm doing in a few laps.

 

Dang, what are you racing?

 

Ducati 250

 

You missed about seven "R's"

 

I have a complete narrow case 250 engine with frame and some other stuff. I'll sell if interested.

 

I'm quite interested. You are aware that you are enabling my addiction?