Help from the ladies

[TKD-MX]

OK...so I'm 40, new baby, new YZ125 after a 24 year layoff,and back to mx. My mom started me at 6 and I raced an RM 125 in '76. Anyway, the lady hates anything about it and refuses to come to the track after she witnessed me pullin of small whips and no handers off the tabletops. My parents (god bless them), who started me at age 6, are calling me names not suitable for print. My old riding buddies tell me I'm nuts. I have been back since April 2000 and want to live and breath MX. What's one to do? I look, feel and move no older than 20, although my recovery time is MUCH longer. Your comments are appreciated, and please, don't tell me I'm going through mid life crisis . Thanx
:eek:

 

[Ms. Badlands]

Good for you!

I think it is great that you have rekindled your joy for riding, even at the young age of 40. As long as you ride responsibly and don't try to ride/race over your head you will be okay.

I understand where your wife is coming from. When our youngest was 6 months old, my husband tore his ACL and fractured the bones above and below the knee. He was on crutches for 2-3 weeks. It was very hard on me, becuase not only was I the only one who could carry the 6 month old, but also be responsible for carrying all the groceries, mowing the lawn, and taking care of my hubby and other daughter. It was extremely difficult on our marriage.

Seeing the stress he caused, he almost quit riding all together. I didn't let him. Instead he moved down to a 125cc bike, promised to ride in the "over 30" class IF he raced, and vowed to always wear full gear and ride within his limits. Every once in a while he tries to jump BIG, but he swears he sees the pictures of his children's faces on the takeoffs of the jumps.

Just stress to your wife that you will ride responsibly, if she still doesn't give in, then wait until your newborn is a little older and the family life settles down. I play indoor soccer and I could get hurt just as easily, but I waited until both kids were old enough to help around the house before I signed up.
Good Luck,
Mrs. B:)

 

[smoody]

Well, I am 40 (female) and just rode in the ISDE in France. My husband is 48 and still racing. What's sick is we stay up at night and discuss compression and rebound set ups. We have been racing enduros and HS for almost 30 years. My Dad is 72, started riding when he was 42. He is still riding and just bought my old KTM 200. Cool.

Keep riding. It will keep you young and healthy, give or take a few broken bones, cuts, scratches. Make sure your insurance is updated.

S.

 

[bbbom]

I agree with the keep riding sentiment and Suzy's advice on making sure your insurance is adequate, but I feel you should have adequate insurance no matter what you do.

You can get seriously injured or killed in anything you do. Just sitting around eating pizza & drinking beer can kill you! Yes, accidents can happen when riding but, if you wear your gear and use your head you minimize the chances of a serious accident.

Maybe you need to tone it down a notch until they get used to the idea that you want to ride, you will ride and you will be fine and still uphold your end of the responsibilities. Worse thing you can do is get hurt while they are all still doubting your sanity.

Explain the benefits of riding - mental and physical. Explain how you minimize the risks with the gear and by practicing.

Smoody, that's great that your dad is still riding at 72! My parents both gave up bikes years ago but they keep their snowmobiles and we all go out when we can.

 

[Yamaholley]

that's great that you are riding again!
I rode as a kid too, then picked it back up 2 1/2 years ago..and I'm 38.
I'm going to start racing in GP and HS...possibly some MX as well.
People think I'm nuts as well....
Luckily, I know ALOT more people that ride, so they understand.
I'd just take it easy if I were you, you want the wife's support, not enmity
Good luck!
Holley

 

[TKD-MX]

Thanks for all the support. I actually printed out your comments and showed them to my wife and the p's.

Well, nothing has really changed yet, but as my son grows older each day, I hope that we can ride as a family someday; that is if HE wants to.

Other than that, each time I go to the track, I am getting closer to clearing the 50 foot table jump! Practice makes perfect; wish me luck.

BIG AIR....TKD-MX