Great thoughts Jerry. I am lucky to have had the chance to take voluntary redundancy at 55, with a small pension. My now wife worked in a hospice, which gave me an insight into how short life can be. I have enjoyed doing odd jobs since then, but through choice, not necessity. I have had motorcycles since I was 17, and am not about to give up. We also tour europe in our campervan, in between visiting family, including 12 grandchildren! We are both lucky to be healthy, although only 2 years away from our 70th birthdays. Keep on doing what you are doing, and fingers crossed for Mr Bill to get his retirement through soon.
@@fazerstorm-oap Your wife sounds pretty special, I've always thought her job to be one of toughest. Chris you seem to have found that important middle ground in retirement, congratulations
As a physical therapist that worked in skilled nursing facilities, I agree with this message. Take care of yourself. Healthcare is not here any longer to help you , you have to help yourself. Keep active, keep sharp with skills. I had seen even people my own age stop cooking, playing sports or exercising. It takes work and drive to grow old , because if you don't, you end up trapped in a bed or a home. I am not sure about retirement, but work less in something that keeps you waking in the morning and getting your day started. I think that's the hardest one to understand. Sleeping in is not retirement. Sitting in a chair and watching TV is something you do when the days activities have been done even at 89 y/o. I have seen too many men die quickly after retirements. They look at it as a reward to become lazy, but still have ideas for the future that the body can't perform. It is hard to remotivate a person that got the touch of afternoon TV, as they woke and walked in and got breakfast cereal and a news paper and afternoon TV and then it's eat and then bed time. So many I have seen go down that path.
What a beautiful ride, Jerry, and great advice. You can't plan on health, but you can sure work for it. Even then, do it today. I have 3 kinds of cancer, untreated blood clots,. I spent 40 years just putting the love of motorcycles out of mind for tomorrow, and that won't come now. I spent a long time debating myself about getting another motorcycle. Wish I had. Keep riding my friend, I'll ride along through here
I hear you Roger and your health issues along with some others were on my mind making this video. I'd pleased if you would continue riding along with me in my misadventures.
Thank you for speaking the truth to the people who need to hear it. Funny thing happens when you are on the down slope to 80 - you sometimes have to force yourself to do things you really enjoy.
Many can learn from this. Sadly I'll be working until I'm into my 70s, self employment here sucks for retirement options. On the flip side, I got to spend time with my kids when they were small and do the things I love like UA-cam. As one of my customers said to me "whatever you want to do, do it now" Very good video Jerry, helpful subject.
@@flatcapcaferacer who knows where UA-cam will be then, it's a nice thought though. Thing is the more people that do it, the more the money pot gets diluted so it's not a ideal situation.... Maybe though if it works then all will be fine. Crystal Ball time 🙂
I Yi YI, Jerry! There are some of us that have financial constraints that prevent us from retiring. I had to hold out till 70. But it’s all good. You were with me when I picked up the Tiger after a 42 year hiatus. You should have seen us, two 70 year olds and a 65 year old, when we went across the Thorn Creek Desert Road and came out Preacher Creek then finally to Johnny’s Country store. A Tiger 900, an old GS 1100 and a beat up KTM 690. Road stuff I never wanted to and pulled it off! You’re absolutely correct about staying in shape. I’m ok now after a lifetime of activity but a conscience effort needs to be made to maintain it.
Hi Jerry, I agree with every word you say here. I've not long retired at 59. I probably couldn't have carried on in my job after my operations, for much longer. As you know, this weekend just gone has shown my wife and I, that you never know what's happening tomorrow. If you got stuff you want to do in your life, get on and do it before it's too late. And believe me, "too late". Comes round way too soon. Stay safe everyone
@tojj29 Nige very sorry to hear about your mother-in-laws passing. Some occupations take more out of us both physically and mentally than others. Some lucky people have jobs that they really enjoy and don't even consider it work....but a very small minority. A lot of people nearing retirement know it's time to leave but they end up trading retirement time for more money. Unfortunately you can't get the time back as you know, most retirees develop a rapid understand that controlling their expenses is key not more money.
Jerry...wow, I absolutely agree. Very good, very important things you pointed out. Often dismissed by old geezers like ourselves until it's mostly too late. We always tend to think that we somehow have more time. Well that just goes faster the older we get! I am glad that I understood this well before it was too late. I hope that others can realize this sooner rather than later and I am sure that this video will help. Thanks.
Roy your hard work and successful career has put you in a position to be able to fulfill your dreams. I'm sure you're in better shape physically, mentally and financially than 95% of your peers.
Ride safe, live long friend. I'm about to turn 67, and am planning a ride, here, in the land of OZ, totally 3,000kms. just like you, my Tiger variant, is the 1200 GT PRO. Been riding, for over 50 years, and can tell you, my story is not over.
At 76 I've started riding again. Wish I'd started when I was younger. No matter how bummed out I feel a ride always makes me feel good. My ride is a BMW 850r. A 1997. I can't wait for Spring to come. Ha ha! It's not even Winter yet. Dreaming about going to Baja. Cheers!!
Daivid I'm a little surprised at how many riders I've heard from who came back or started riding at 70+ years old. The first motorcycle I sold back as the sales manager was a green BMW 850R.
@@flatcapcaferacer Hey! Mine's red. I also have a 97 RT 1100 but it's in need of repairs. I got spoiled by it's excellent wind protection. I bought a Vetter fairing for the 850r. Now I have to figure out how to mount it. Around 1975 I had a 75/5 with a full Vetter fairing. Only my back got wet in the rain. I reckon why geezers like me ride is we're running out of time. A buddy of mine died and left a note. Last sentence read; 'try to enjoy all the time that you are given'. I'm trying!!
The only one I did not meet with the past was an out house. Never saw that. Knew it existed, but did not know specifically a person. Good list. And I wonder why the young are ADD today. 😊
Jerry very Wise words indeed. I have watched this video 3 times and will watch it some more. Certainly something I'm working on with Gusto. Thanks for the mention as it certainly is the best advice you could give to anyone, and I have taken Notes, Thanks Jerry. Will be checking back on this one for sure. Watch this space.
@@kimetogo Joe you deserve the very best. Everyone has different circumstances and aspirations. I think I have only a couple things left on my bucklist. You don't have to achieve 100% of a bucket list item to get the satisfaction you'll need.
I was blessed to be able to retire at 50, and have been riding for 56 years. I took Early Retirement, much to the chagrin of my Employer, because I had seen too many friends and co-workers work until 65 or 70, only to keel over soon after. I rode several Harleys all over this beautiful country, met thousands of awesome people, and I still dabble in bikes, I currently have 17. I really don't ride that much anymore, and I will be 70 years old in 6 months. I have been blessed with reasonably good health., and my home and hobbies keep me very active. Two days ago, I was up IN a tree with my chainsaw! I'm not rich, but I am a single guy and no kids, so, I can enjoy my modest home, my dogs, and my shop in the back yard. Good message, Guys, Retire as soon as you can, tomorrow is never promised!
Don I was with you until you said you were up in tree with a chainsaw. I did that once.....only once! You have probably stored up enough great memories to last you many cold winters. You are in a perfect position to encourage some younger folks to get into motorcycling . You might make a really good motorcycle safety instructor with your experience.
Sound advice. I retired at 58, it wasn’t my choice but I don’t regret it. That was nearly 10 years ago! My life is so full now, my only regret is that I don’t have enough time for motorcycling, when I worked the bike was great for my 35 mile commute!
@@OldManTony Tony it is funny how our dance cards fill up when we retire. I generally prioritize for family and friends and unfortunately traveling for funerals takes more time than I expected. You still got a good decade or so for riding if you choose to come back to it.....your not a rookie.
I think one of my regrets as to why I'm still working is because I waited too long to start saving and open a 401K at work. Don't wait to save. Start now. Open your 401K and a Roth account ASAP. Start young and you won't have to work past 62. God has blessed me with my job at UPS for the last 8 years. For me it isn't like work. You know ... ugg ... WORK. Because driving/riding is my hobby. I enjoy what I do very much. Working at UPS has allowed me to catch up on what I didn't have stash away for retirement. I feel as though the necessary funds are available now. So next year 2025 I'll be retiring after I have worked something a little over 750 hours. Should be done sometime late May or early June. Looking forward to being done and then having a whole lot of fun.
Sound advice Bill, I didn't really start saving for retirement until I was 50 years old. You roll me out in my wheelchair when you finally retire....I'll make motorcycle noises and droll a lot.😀😀
A very thoughtful and interesting video Jerry. I'm 60 and certainly contemplating retirement. I work for myself in quite a physically demanding job. This winter will be the first I take away from work. (December to March) We do have plans....... Carol is only 54 and doing very well in her career, so probably not yet ready to retire. Also our state pension doesn't kick in until Im 67 and I think 68 for Carol. It's just a case of deciding how much savings/investments you need to have a decent standard of living and still do all the exciting things you still want to do. Interestingly, I caught Carol reading a book called die with zero. Die with much here in England and the government will come after your kids for inheritance tax!
You and Carol are great examples of NOT waiting too long to enjoy your hobbies and travel. I think you guys dialed in your plans perfectly. You are budgeting for the travel now and also looking into the future.
71 female just bought a Honda Navi. No clutch no gears. Went to msf course an dropped my bike a Honda grom has gears a clutch twice. Dropped the class at end of day. Couldn’t manage the clutch friction zone. Iam determined to take msf course again. Hopefully I can take my Navi. I’ve been riding e-bike for 4 years
@@gllougreig9236 Years ago I was an MSF instructor and found women learn quicker because they listen better. The e bike experience will certainly help once you master the friction zone. Hang in there I've had riders that nobody thought would make turn out to be very good riders. I'll put a link to one my vids with one those riders. ua-cam.com/video/NAnfK8k6LZI/v-deo.html
I retired at 68 . I wish I had those 3 years back . Just sold my Goldwing and bought a GS . I just needed something different . I love it . six months after retiring the wife fell down a flight of stairs and I am her care . So don't waste time .
I'm sorry to hear about your wife's fall. One of my old friends wives became partially paralyzed after a chiropractor visit and he also is limited in his retirement. Hopefully over time your wife will improve so both of you can do more in retirement.
Great video. I'm 73. I rode a bike as a kid and stopped in my late teens after a pretty minor accident that scared me. I retired at 71. I immediately took the two day course to get my endorsement again and to see if I had the physical and mental make up to ride. I was encouraged by my performance in the course, and with some encouragement from the instructor I decided to start riding. I am a bit of a home mechanic and I enjoy tinkering on my roadster (Honda S-2000) and on my two bikes, (Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Triumph Bonneville T100). I ride around the back roads near where I live in rural Vermont. My hope is that I can ride a few more years and then, if I can, I will keep driving my S2K which is an absolute blast. I don't have many regrets right now. I am enjoying retirement a great deal.
Great thoughts Jerry. I am lucky to have had the chance to take voluntary redundancy at 55, with a small pension. My now wife worked in a hospice, which gave me an insight into how short life can be. I have enjoyed doing odd jobs since then, but through choice, not necessity. I have had motorcycles since I was 17, and am not about to give up. We also tour europe in our campervan, in between visiting family, including 12 grandchildren! We are both lucky to be healthy, although only 2 years away from our 70th birthdays. Keep on doing what you are doing, and fingers crossed for Mr Bill to get his retirement through soon.
@@fazerstorm-oap Your wife sounds pretty special, I've always thought her job to be one of toughest. Chris you seem to have found that important middle ground in retirement, congratulations
As a physical therapist that worked in skilled nursing facilities, I agree with this message. Take care of yourself. Healthcare is not here any longer to help you , you have to help yourself. Keep active, keep sharp with skills. I had seen even people my own age stop cooking, playing sports or exercising. It takes work and drive to grow old , because if you don't, you end up trapped in a bed or a home. I am not sure about retirement, but work less in something that keeps you waking in the morning and getting your day started. I think that's the hardest one to understand. Sleeping in is not retirement. Sitting in a chair and watching TV is something you do when the days activities have been done even at 89 y/o. I have seen too many men die quickly after retirements. They look at it as a reward to become lazy, but still have ideas for the future that the body can't perform. It is hard to remotivate a person that got the touch of afternoon TV, as they woke and walked in and got breakfast cereal and a news paper and afternoon TV and then it's eat and then bed time. So many I have seen go down that path.
Blake unfortunately I seen the same more often than not. I'm not afraid of death but I'm afraid of not living to the fullest.
I too saw the man that got me into doing this hobby on two wheels 25 years ago. He retired and dead with in 7 years or so. Sad.@@flatcapcaferacer
What a beautiful ride, Jerry, and great advice. You can't plan on health, but you can sure work for it. Even then, do it today. I have 3 kinds of cancer, untreated blood clots,. I spent 40 years just putting the love of motorcycles out of mind for tomorrow, and that won't come now. I spent a long time debating myself about getting another motorcycle. Wish I had. Keep riding my friend, I'll ride along through here
I hear you Roger and your health issues along with some others were on my mind making this video.
I'd pleased if you would continue riding along with me in my misadventures.
@flatcapcaferacer and if you hear a voice saying ....buy that bike... That's probably me! Lol
love it Roger
Thank you for speaking the truth to the people who need to hear it. Funny thing happens when you are on the down slope to 80 - you sometimes have to force yourself to do things you really enjoy.
I appreciate you watching and commenting Ken. Hopefully there might be one person out there that this video will positively impact.
Many can learn from this.
Sadly I'll be working until I'm into my 70s, self employment here sucks for retirement options.
On the flip side, I got to spend time with my kids when they were small and do the things I love like UA-cam.
As one of my customers said to me
"whatever you want to do, do it now"
Very good video Jerry, helpful subject.
@exeterrider I'll be here when your one of big time UA-camrs, hopefully that will make it easier on you as you reach my age .
@@flatcapcaferacer who knows where UA-cam will be then, it's a nice thought though.
Thing is the more people that do it, the more the money pot gets diluted so it's not a ideal situation.... Maybe though if it works then all will be fine.
Crystal Ball time 🙂
I Yi YI, Jerry! There are some of us that have financial constraints that prevent us from retiring. I had to hold out till 70. But it’s all good. You were with me when I picked up the Tiger after a 42 year hiatus. You should have seen us, two 70 year olds and a 65 year old, when we went across the Thorn Creek Desert Road and came out Preacher Creek then finally to Johnny’s Country store. A Tiger 900, an old GS 1100 and a beat up KTM 690. Road stuff I never wanted to and pulled it off! You’re absolutely correct about staying in shape. I’m ok now after a lifetime of activity but a conscience effort needs to be made to maintain it.
Bob you cannot be 70... However, I think there exceptions and finances are important.
@ remaining immature and self indulgent helps
😆😆
Hi Jerry, I agree with every word you say here. I've not long retired at 59. I probably couldn't have carried on in my job after my operations, for much longer. As you know, this weekend just gone has shown my wife and I, that you never know what's happening tomorrow. If you got stuff you want to do in your life, get on and do it before it's too late. And believe me, "too late". Comes round way too soon.
Stay safe everyone
@tojj29 Nige very sorry to hear about your mother-in-laws passing. Some occupations take more out of us both physically and mentally than others. Some lucky people have jobs that they really enjoy and don't even consider it work....but a very small minority. A lot of people nearing retirement know it's time to leave but they end up trading retirement time for more money. Unfortunately you can't get the time back as you know, most retirees develop a rapid understand that controlling their expenses is key not more money.
@flatcapcaferacer Thanks Jerry, I'll see you next Sunday all being well
Jerry...wow, I absolutely agree. Very good, very important things you pointed out. Often dismissed by old geezers like ourselves until it's mostly too late. We always tend to think that we somehow have more time. Well that just goes faster the older we get! I am glad that I understood this well before it was too late. I hope that others can realize this sooner rather than later and I am sure that this video will help. Thanks.
Roy your hard work and successful career has put you in a position to be able to fulfill your dreams. I'm sure you're in better shape physically, mentally and financially than 95% of your peers.
Ride safe, live long friend. I'm about to turn 67, and am planning a ride, here, in the land of OZ, totally 3,000kms. just like you, my Tiger variant, is the 1200 GT PRO. Been riding, for over 50 years, and can tell you, my story is not over.
If you don't slow down it will take awhile longer for the clock to run out.
@@flatcapcaferacer Better to wear out, than rust out.
At 76 I've started riding again. Wish I'd started when I was younger. No matter how bummed out I feel a ride always makes me feel good. My ride is a BMW 850r. A 1997. I can't wait for Spring to come. Ha ha! It's not even Winter yet. Dreaming about going to Baja. Cheers!!
Daivid I'm a little surprised at how many riders I've heard from who came back or started riding at 70+ years old. The first motorcycle I sold back as the sales manager was a green BMW 850R.
@@flatcapcaferacer Hey! Mine's red. I also have a 97 RT 1100 but it's in need of repairs. I got spoiled by it's excellent wind protection. I bought a Vetter fairing for the 850r. Now I have to figure out how to mount it. Around 1975 I had a 75/5 with a full Vetter fairing. Only my back got wet in the rain. I reckon why geezers like me ride is we're running out of time. A buddy of mine died and left a note. Last sentence read; 'try to enjoy all the time that you are given'. I'm trying!!
@davidcox8961 That was exactly the message I was trying to get out in the video.👍👍
@@flatcapcaferacer Good on ya mate! As the Aussies would say. 😁
The only one I did not meet with the past was an out house. Never saw that. Knew it existed, but did not know specifically a person. Good list. And I wonder why the young are ADD today. 😊
I remember my grandmother and great grandmother had out houses. A big shock to kid using them for the first time.
Jerry very Wise words indeed. I have watched this video 3 times and will watch it some more. Certainly something I'm working on with Gusto. Thanks for the mention as it certainly is the best advice you could give to anyone, and I have taken Notes, Thanks Jerry. Will be checking back on this one for sure. Watch this space.
@@kimetogo Joe you deserve the very best. Everyone has different circumstances and aspirations. I think I have only a couple things left on my bucklist. You don't have to achieve 100% of a bucket list item to get the satisfaction you'll need.
I was blessed to be able to retire at 50, and have been riding for 56 years. I took Early Retirement, much to the chagrin of my Employer, because I had seen too many friends and co-workers work until 65 or 70, only to keel over soon after. I rode several Harleys all over this beautiful country, met thousands of awesome people, and I still dabble in bikes, I currently have 17. I really don't ride that much anymore, and I will be 70 years old in 6 months. I have been blessed with reasonably good health., and my home and hobbies keep me very active. Two days ago, I was up IN a tree with my chainsaw! I'm not rich, but I am a single guy and no kids, so, I can enjoy my modest home, my dogs, and my shop in the back yard. Good message, Guys, Retire as soon as you can, tomorrow is never promised!
Don I was with you until you said you were up in tree with a chainsaw. I did that once.....only once! You have probably stored up enough great memories to last you many cold winters. You are in a perfect position to encourage some younger folks to get into motorcycling . You might make a really good motorcycle safety instructor with your experience.
Sound advice. I retired at 58, it wasn’t my choice but I don’t regret it. That was nearly 10 years ago! My life is so full now, my only regret is that I don’t have enough time for motorcycling, when I worked the bike was great for my 35 mile commute!
@@OldManTony Tony it is funny how our dance cards fill up when we retire. I generally prioritize for family and friends and unfortunately traveling for funerals takes more time than I expected. You still got a good decade or so for riding if you choose to come back to it.....your not a rookie.
I think one of my regrets as to why I'm still working is because I waited too long to start saving and open a 401K at work. Don't wait to save. Start now. Open your 401K and a Roth account ASAP. Start young and you won't have to work past 62. God has blessed me with my job at UPS for the last 8 years. For me it isn't like work. You know ... ugg ... WORK. Because driving/riding is my hobby. I enjoy what I do very much. Working at UPS has allowed me to catch up on what I didn't have stash away for retirement. I feel as though the necessary funds are available now. So next year 2025 I'll be retiring after I have worked something a little over 750 hours. Should be done sometime late May or early June. Looking forward to being done and then having a whole lot of fun.
Sound advice Bill, I didn't really start saving for retirement until I was 50 years old. You roll me out in my wheelchair when you finally retire....I'll make motorcycle noises and droll a lot.😀😀
A very thoughtful and interesting video Jerry. I'm 60 and certainly contemplating retirement. I work for myself in quite a physically demanding job. This winter will be the first I take away from work. (December to March) We do have plans.......
Carol is only 54 and doing very well in her career, so probably not yet ready to retire. Also our state pension doesn't kick in until Im 67 and I think 68 for Carol. It's just a case of deciding how much savings/investments you need to have a decent standard of living and still do all the exciting things you still want to do.
Interestingly, I caught Carol reading a book called die with zero. Die with much here in England and the government will come after your kids for inheritance tax!
You and Carol are great examples of NOT waiting too long to enjoy your hobbies and travel. I think you guys dialed in your plans perfectly. You are budgeting for the travel now and also looking into the future.
71 female just bought a Honda Navi. No clutch no gears. Went to msf course an dropped my bike a Honda grom has gears a clutch twice. Dropped the class at end of day. Couldn’t manage the clutch friction zone. Iam determined to take msf course again. Hopefully I can take my Navi. I’ve been riding e-bike for 4 years
@@gllougreig9236 Years ago I was an MSF instructor and found women learn quicker because they listen better. The e bike experience will certainly help once you master the friction zone. Hang in there I've had riders that nobody thought would make turn out to be very good riders. I'll put a link to one my vids with one those riders.
ua-cam.com/video/NAnfK8k6LZI/v-deo.html
I retired at 68 . I wish I had those 3 years back . Just sold my Goldwing and bought a GS . I just needed something different . I love it . six months after retiring the wife fell down a flight of stairs and I am her care . So don't waste time .
I'm sorry to hear about your wife's fall. One of my old friends wives became partially paralyzed after a chiropractor visit and he also is limited in his retirement. Hopefully over time your wife will improve so both of you can do more in retirement.
Great video. I'm 73. I rode a bike as a kid and stopped in my late teens after a pretty minor accident that scared me. I retired at 71. I immediately took the two day course to get my endorsement again and to see if I had the physical and mental make up to ride. I was encouraged by my performance in the course, and with some encouragement from the instructor I decided to start riding. I am a bit of a home mechanic and I enjoy tinkering on my roadster (Honda S-2000) and on my two bikes, (Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Triumph Bonneville T100). I ride around the back roads near where I live in rural Vermont. My hope is that I can ride a few more years and then, if I can, I will keep driving my S2K which is an absolute blast. I don't have many regrets right now. I am enjoying retirement a great deal.
@@robgerety You have great combination there. I have a Royal Enfield Classic Chrome 500 and had a T100 too.