by Reg Kittrelle
www.motorcyclesand2nd50.com
$19.95
There is a long list of things that I’ve matured out of, or, more likely, had the grand luck to survive in spite of myself. I won’t get into it here, but you may know what I’m talking about if you dig into your own bag of memories and things you wish you could forget. Or wish your wife would forget…
Reg Kittrelle, founder of THUNDER PRESS, took it upon himself to write a book to guide the way to surviving ourselves after we’ve busted our first half-century. I got hold of it at 48; by the title of the book I’m officially too young, but for once in my life I’m studying well ahead of the test. Much of the book would have been relevant even in my 20’s, but I wasn’t much for listening or taking advice at that time. In this case, passing the test means actually enjoying my increasing age enough to keep going—and going—on two wheels.
Aimed at new and veteran riders alike, Motorcycles and Our 2nd 50 Years can be read in any order, depending on the needs and interests of the reader or rider.
While the book is backed by in-depth research on a number of topics central to the book, it is a very engaging read that inspires riders near and beyond 50 years in the saddle to find ways to really enjoy riding into the sunset. It includes content that works between reliable information and personal anecdotes from years of riding, so that the message is less clinical and more relevant.
Motorcycles and Our 2nd 50 Years lays out common as well as lesser-known consequences of aging, and considers hacks for the over-50 rider to work through and around these maladies. From obvious issues like back pain, fatigue and reduced eyesight to more obscure diagnoses such as deep vein thrombosis, Kittrelle challenges us to ride smarter and more healthfully in the miles we do in our later years.
Having to adjust to our aging selves beats the hell out of the alternative. Some of us get older out of pure dumb luck, but we also smarten up some by the time we’re in the second half of our century. Sometimes, anyway.
The wisdom of middle age and beyond can suggest we become teachable again. Reg, after all, isn’t some celebrity doctor preaching down his stethoscope at us; he’s one of us, who in his 70’s still hasn’t gotten the moto bug out of his system.
To that point, Reg points out the benefits of fitness, nutrition and safety for riders of all kinds, and makes detailed suggestions for improving our standing in all those areas. He includes perspectives from riders across the spectrum of bikes and bikers that strengthens the argument and the justification for following his suggestions.
Did I mention it’s a fun and interesting read? After all it’s about one of our favorite topics—riding motorcycles!
Your right about dumb luck. I started to ride just about 50 years ago when it was dangerous to ride anything but a harley. having been runoff the road once or twice, even had stuff thrown at me. But thats all over with, riders began to realize one thing, we’re on two wheels for the same reason. While Riding all these years, i’ve learn’t one of the most important thing is to stay in Good heath, and you do that by going to a gym on a regular basis, and quit Smoking. Two weeks ago, I bought a new XL1200T, the Heritage is getting a Bit heavy. When August rolls up, I’ll see 88. All due to, good booze, lots of sex, And dumb luck.