Ride Your Own Ride
Ride Your Own Ride…Drive Your Own Drive
If you’ve followed this site for a while, you know that Pat and I enjoy both RVing and motorcycling. Whenever we can, we combine the two.
Since we don’t own a toy hauler, getting the motorcycle to our destination takes a little planning. Thankfully, Pat enjoys driving and has become very comfortable towing our fifth wheel. We communicate using CB radios, take our time, and plan our routes so neither of us has an exhausting day behind the wheel.
We really enjoy having the motorcycle with us once we reach our destination.
We’ve looked at toy haulers more than once, and if we ever find the right one at the right price, we may make the switch. For now, though, we’re very happy with our Cougar.
A Social Media Post That Got Me Thinking
Because we enjoy riding, we’re members of several motorcycle groups on social media.
Recently someone posted a question asking members to recognize the oldest rider still actively riding.
At first it seemed like a fun topic, but the more I thought about it, the more it concerned me.
We all know people who try to prove they’re still young by doing things they probably shouldn’t be doing anymore.
That’s not something I want to celebrate.
Many RV owners are seniors as well, and the same principle applies whether you’re riding a motorcycle or driving a forty-foot motorhome.
Large RVs require skills that are very different from driving your everyday vehicle.
The lesson is the same.
Knowing When It’s Time
I don’t necessarily admire the person who keeps riding simply because they can say they’re still doing it.
I admire the person who recognizes when it’s time to make adjustments.
Maybe they no longer have the strength to handle a heavy motorcycle.
Maybe their reaction time isn’t what it used to be.
Maybe their eyesight or hearing has declined enough that riding has become risky.
Or perhaps they simply realize they no longer enjoy riding in heavy traffic or after dark.
There is no shame in adapting.
In fact, I think it deserves respect.
Ride Your Own Ride
I’m 67 years old.
Over the years I’ve ridden with people much older than I am, and I’ve ridden with people much younger.
Some older riders have adjusted their riding style, shortened their daily mileage, or avoided difficult roads. I applaud them.
Others have decided it was simply time to stop riding altogether. They still enjoy motorcycles, help friends work on bikes, and meet the group at lunch stops or events.
I applaud them too.
They’re still part of the motorcycling community. They’ve simply recognized that their role has changed.
Advice I’ll Never Forget
When I first started riding, I had the privilege of learning from one of my best friends and motorcycle mentors, Bob Hoeben.
One day we were riding through the twisty roads of Wisconsin.
Bob disappeared around the curves while I struggled to keep up.
Trying to match his pace, I came far too close to running out of road in a couple of corners.
My “pucker factor” quickly told me to slow down.
Bob would wait.
When I finally caught up, I started apologizing and asking questions about cornering techniques.
Before I could finish, Bob smiled and said,
“Ride your own ride. Your skills will improve, but always ride your own ride.”
He then spent time explaining cornering, braking, and riding techniques.
That simple piece of advice has stayed with me ever since.
Bob and I eventually rode together from coast to coast on many unforgettable trips.
Sadly, I lost my friend several years ago, but every time I climb on the motorcycle, I still hear those words.
“Ride your own ride.”
The Same Lesson Applies to RVing
I think the same advice applies to RV travel.
Drive your own drive.
If you’re more comfortable staying off the interstate, do it.
If driving after dark no longer feels right, don’t.
If 300 miles is a comfortable travel day instead of 500, that’s perfectly fine.
Plan routes that match your skills and comfort level.
Those aren’t signs of weakness.
They’re signs of good judgment.
Final Thoughts
One day, all of us will have to make difficult decisions about driving or riding.
That day may be years away, or it may come sooner than we’d like.
When it does, remember that recognizing your limits isn’t giving up.
It’s protecting yourself, your family, and everyone else sharing the road.
Whether you’re on two wheels or four…
Ride your own ride.
Drive your own drive.
Your family will appreciate it.