When things turn to custard

Long-term readers of this blog will remember several posts (the first being in November 2011) about the older motorcycle rider and upskilling to prolong one's riding in safety. It generated a lot of productive discussion and even ended up as a chapter topic in one of US motorcycling guru David Hough's motorcycle safety books.

As a brief reminder, I joined the NZ branch of the UK Institute of Advanced Motorists, learning Police Roadcraft and progressing from raw recruit to Examiner before retiring from riding at 75 years of age in 2022. The benefit was massive and still is, not only in terms of riding and driving skills but also interpersonal aspects of life and much more besides.

The question of when to stop riding altogether became a regular discussion topic and the answer very much depends on individual circumstances. My retirement took 2 distinct steps.  As an IAM Examiner/mentor, I'd regularly cover 500 km days from our rural home and as I got older and several years of doing it in all weathers, I retired from official duties and just did social riding in our area which is a rider's paradise.  The final step followed the inevitable acceptance that old bodies don't bounce too well in an accident, irrespective of who was at fault. Sooner or later, there was a good chance of a serious "off" occurring.

My last ever motorcycle ride

The decision to stop wasn't particularly traumatic, perhaps surprisingly as it had been a passion for not far short of 60 years.  That was down to a deliberate act on my part to have some decent fall-back interests to replace the void left by riding bikes.  Where we live had some bearing on this.  A runabout for sea fishing was purchased as it was something that Jennie and I could enjoy together, particularly as we can launch within a couple of minutes of home.  It was Jennie's suggestion that we bought a classic car as the classics scene is particularly active in our area and the roads are a perfect fit.  After a rocky start when we couldn't agree what to buy, our 1972 MGB GT has worked out perfectly.  Serendipity actually, as it also happens to be the year we married!  The Coromandel Peninsula also has great bike trails so an e-mountain bike was purchased for a bit of fun and as a nod to staying fit.  So there we are - plenty of fall-back activities to replace motorcycling or whatever your long-term passion has been.

The Giant Talon e+1 MTB

Over the last 12 months, I've had both knees replaced, the last one only a few weeks ago.  That's down to sport when I was younger but cycling has been good for them, as well as being part of rehab.  Also great for cardio health and as an extra bonus, I've lost over 12 kg in the 2 1/2 years of ownership.  Visited some great out of the way places too.  What could possibly go wrong?

Less than 2 weeks ago, I continued my rehab with a decent off-road ride involving altitude changes through farmland and forest.  Riding on an uphill part of the trail, the clay surface had turned to marbles as we haven't had rain for some time. Without warning, the bike developed wheelspin, snapped sideways on the pronounced trail camber and spat me off.  I knew I was in serious trouble as my leg just flopped about and the pain was off the scale.  I didn't know then but I'd broken my femur just below the ball.  I always carry a phone and made the call to Jennie for help.  After giving me an earful, she got onto the ambulance service who accurately located me with an app which they emailed.  Fortunately, I was less than 1km into the trail at that stage. A couple of passers-by were able to offer initial assistance, then Jennie turned up, followed by my local doctor and one of his practice nurses who had been notified by the ambulance service.  The local ambulance wasn't available and one from the next town was an hour away so some happy juice was administered to help with the pain, especially major muscle spasms.

A number of other locals turned up to help and as it wasn't possible to get the ambulance to the crash site, a local fishing charter operator carefully drove his Toyota Hilux utility up the narrow trail.  More happy juice and I was lifted onto the back of the Hilux - something I never wish to experience again!  Transferred to the ambulance which then drove 160 km to Waikato Hospital, which had all the required resources.  To shorten the story, I was operated on to reattach the ball, being sent home a few days ago to begin painful rehab. 

Looking like Frankenstein's Monster in hospital

Relieved to be home

With the festive season upon us and lots of outdoor activities in the warmer months, there's plenty of incentive to put the effort in to getting fit again.  Getting in and out of the MG is likely to be a stumbling block for a while.  Less so for our daily drivers.  Robust negotiations with Mrs J have been concluded (and by probable default, our daughter).  Mountain bike ownership will continue to be permitted as long as I stick to sealed roads or level gravel trails which aren't goat tracks.  As there are no level gravel trails within 50 km of home, Jennie has me neatly cornered.  Our sons have wisely not taken sides, at least publicly. They don't want to antagonise their mother but I suspect that privately, they might entertain the thought that slightly risky pastimes when reaching the same age as their father is what life is all about.  I don't intend to fan those particular flames.

I'd like to acknowledge the local Coromandel residents who appeared as if from nowhere to rescue me.  I feel pretty emotional about that and am working on a plan to recognise their wonderful assistance.  Community care is alive and well!  All countries on Earth appear to have challenges with their health services and NZ is no different.  However, the ambulance staff and hospital team from orderlies to surgeons couldn't be faulted in the care which they gave to me - delivered with grace and good humour too.

Just to round things off, there are a couple of noteworthy thoughts to take away.  Firstly, knowing when to stop doing things isn't a bad thing. In my case, age dictates that pastimes involving potential injury is going to have consequences.  I don't have any difficulty in cutting challenging off-road trails out of my future.  Secondly, have a fall-back plan for when something which has been a lifelong passion has to be flagged away.  I've still got a few fall-backs which makes life well worth looking forward to.  I hope that you have too.  My over-riding plan is never to have to say "If only....."

Every good wish for a magnificent 2025!