Not cold turkey for me but more lik mission creep ove the last two years. Used to have three bikes, now down to one. Gettng older, the Deuce is getting heavier, my reflexes are not what they were five years ago and I don't feel as secure carving up the twisties these days. However, the desire to ride and that feeling of freedom that we all love lingers so a lighter bike and losing the urge to chase every knee dragger that passes me is the new path for me.
THAT sums up my feelings exactly!
Since my Deluxe fell over on me a couple of years back; and necessitated a back operation and a lot of rehab, I’ve ridden less and have been considering the unthinkable.
I’ve got 5 bikes and NEVER thought I’d ever consider selling any. Never! Way too much backstories with ‘em all.
Now I’m at the point where I often try to defer riding- especially if I can’t get someone to ride with.
It’s too much trouble. Or I can’t be bothered. It’s such a pain to remove the sheets and the bike covers to cycle the bikes for riding. And I absolutely refuse these days to ride without a camera fitted. I have only one and I adapted it to fit all my bikes.
It means though, NO short trips like to a bike shop or run an errand or go see anyone.
To actually ride, I have to move the Wife’s car. Uncover, check and move whatever bike.Mount the camera. Push it outside. Move the car back in.
Now days,I really move my bikes trepidly and with less assurance than previously. The downhill topple helped that- but so does infrequent riding having bikes sit for some time before being moved. I’ve lost the muscle memory.
I’ve ALWAYS been a defensive and courteous rider- but now I’m almost “car slow” through the twisties. Not quite,but almost. And I find I ride with clenched teeth: just concentrating and waiting for idiots to harm me.
In short, it’s become a hassle and a chore.
Funny thing is: when I’m out there arcing ( relatively slowly ) around the corners, I think how wonderful this feels: how great it is to be riding.