Hope you can get back on that horse.

There are clutch options around, and you know, my old tank shift Panhead was pretty easy on the clutch...pedal.
Look at the pingel shifter, it shifts gear with a push button and uses an ignition cutout so the clutch needn't be used.

and look, you got a fantastic touring bike ( whether you keep the old or go with the new) and if you take time away from work and do some touring, you can run hundreds of miles between gear shifts- a nice day in the saddle can be very restful.

but then only you can judge if your control of the bike may be compromised and safety is more of an issue.



mike

 

As I said before everyone has been great.
Just dawned on me though how old are the guys with all the nice comments? Around my age? I just turned 58 last weekend. Much to young to feel as bad as I do on a daily basis. Alot of hard work over the years I guess. And 2 hitches in the services in the early 70's. Let me know I would be interested.
Thanks again for the kind comments.

 

the trades really kick your @$$. I was sore 24/7 when I walked away from the trades 11 years ago. after a couple years of white collar work I felt good (but packed on the lbs). pamper youself & give it some time - you'll prob be ok? best wishes

 

I'm only 36 so take it for what it is but DUDE! You're only 58 and if you think that's old and worn out you've got another thing coming. I plan on being around for another 50+ years so I ain't gonna lay around thinking about taking it easy. You need to see what options are out there for holistic medicine and look into a change in diet. I don't know your weight but just b/c someone is within their weight range doesn't mean they are healthy. You really need to understand how certain foods and bad habits can have a huge negative affect on the body and how you feel. You aren't going to get an education on it from the medical community most likely so you'll have to seek out alternatives...either people in your area or on the web or heck, read a book. I used to work at the bank and would see people your age come in with walkers and crap. 58 MAN, you are not that old! I know this probably sounds like a load of crap but I've seen how bad food habits in particular can lead to ailments of the body and just a change in diet can have on your mental and physical state. I'd hang on to the bike and look into some other options (holistic, green, tree huger or whatever you want to call it) but that stuff can make a diff.

I'll echo sentiments from above, find a job that isn't so demanding/hard on the body. Sounds like you've worn your body out pretty good so it's super important that you take the right steps to lead a healthy lifestyle.

 

I agree. I've been a stay at home dad for over 2 years now and work out every day (60-80 min cardio on elliptical), eat well etc ... result is (@ 43) I'm in the best shape of my life. it's a ton of work but worth it. you owe it to yourself to try it (getting fit). you'll feel amazing when you get there. it only took me approx 5 months now it's all maintenance exercise

 

Im with you guys on this .IT will make a big diff. Hope you dont give up..

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZ2HcRl4wSk

 

Totally off topic but now I know where Obama got his slogan of Yes We Can...

 

I really never thought that this wold turn into a thread like this but to just give an FYI:
1. I worked out for basically everyday for 20 years. Weights, swimming and light running or bike riding.
2. chicken, fish, brown rice basically rocks and dirt.
3. No I do not consider myself old. My body has taken a heck of pounding over the years and I know for a fact I can no longer do that type of work.
Turns out I have Rheumatiod Arthritus and some sort of bone difficiency that is causing my bones to thin out, weaken and just cause pain.
I feel like a real puss just for complaining about the way I feel, but it has gotten so bad I no longer can eat the pain the way I use to.
Thanks for the comments and keep the thoughts coming. I am really learing alot and feeling better about myself and the way I feel.

 

Dude...I feel your pain, I am 49...I have had 2 back surgery's...2 neck surgery's and 1 on my left elbow, all from wrenching and racing through out my life. I hurt everyday when I wake up. But like you I have that 20 year old in my head telling me to keep on trucking and try not to let it drag me down. A few years ago I seen this quote in a buddies shop;

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the
intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming -- WOW-- What a Ride!"

I have it hanging on the wall in my bedroom now and read it everyday I wake up.

Good Luck Bro!!!