Officially down to one.

[HaulinAshe]

Not that it matters to anybody here. But a few of you that I met at EOM probably know of my love for MX racing.

Well, the neurosurgeon says that I either have to give up MX racing or go under the knife for lower back surgery. So at age-46, I quit. Sold my YZ450 and officially retired.

It sucks being old. :angry:

Only saving grace is that I love the FJR soooo much, and Slappy is helping me be a fast old fart.

 

[Bounce]

It sucks being old. :angry:

The options suck worse.

 

[dcarver]

Well Jeff, this topic hit home. I faced a similar situation with a kidney issue in my 30's. My decision was different and so far all is OK but what a decision to make. Fortunately, the world of motorcycling is multi-faceted so you can still choose other genres.. trials, enduro, even simple and gentle dual sporting. Sorry to hear no more mx... after awhile, it MX becomes a part of life’s fabric... the training, eating, riding, loading up the truck, and the joy of competition are all addictive. I suggest you *quickly* find a replacement.. or else you'll be like me... and getting some hospital time performed.

 

[Mogambo]

Not that it matters to anybody here. But a few of you that I met at EOM probably know of my love for MX racing.
Well, the neurosurgeon says that I either have to give up MX racing or go under the knife for lower back surgery. So at age-46, I quit. Sold my YZ450 and officially retired.

It sucks being old. :angry:

Only saving grace is that I love the FJR soooo much, and Slappy is helping me be a fast old fart.

I understand how you feel. I did martial arts for a number of years and loved it. I loved the militaristic enviroment of our doJang. I loved the conditioning of the sparring. But..after a torn biceps tendon repair and then an injury to my C7 vertebre which caused a loss of power in my left triceps, that they thought would require fusing (miraculousy healed on it's own), I decided to retire from active sparring at an age of 44. I sure do miss it. But, as you, I had to channel myself in other directions at that point in my life. Those day's are gone forever. But, one chapter closes and another one opens.

 

[smitty141]

Fell in the same boat last year. Went under the knife in Jan. to repair my left shoulder. This makes 4 shoulder surgery for me, 1 on the left and 3 on the right. Along with 15 broken bones, MCL,ACL injurys over a 30 year span from riding MX, national enduros, hare scrambles, ect. I have not rode dirt since Jan., and really miss it. What bugs me the most is I am alot better rider in the dirt than the street. I would like to get back on a dirt bike, but not sure if I ever will.. I am having a blast with the FJR, and the guys who ride them. If you look at the bright side, you can be ready to go for a street ride in 15 minutes.... dirt is a lot more work..Good luck with no dirt in your face.. It will be a battle with the withdraw... Smitty

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

i quit playing soccer for my knee's sake. I have played for 35 years and played pro in Portugal for two years. Now I'm on the sideline. I've still got the skill and speed, but the knees sure ache and hurt while going up stairs after those games. Oh well...we lose something, we gain something. Maybe I'll coach now and find out what I get from sharing my knowledge with kids.

 

[HaulinAshe]

I appreciate the kind words of encouragement.

I am a bit amazed at how many people with similar backgrounds in motorcycles are on this forum (and own FJRs). There is definitely a "theme" at work here.

 

[dcarver]

Jeff, the surgery.. really risky/bad or maintenance or?

 

[HaulinAshe]

Doc said (and he seems to be a REALLY super doc, listens and explains)...

"The back is a structural element. We have never improved anyone's back i.e. made it stronger, by performing surgery. Back surgery is for eliviating pain and making pain manageable. If you can withstand the pain doing normal acitivities, then don't have surgery."

He went on to say that MX is not considered normal acitivity and that if I have the surgery, there's a chance that I would never ride anything with two wheels again, and that MX would be out of the question.

The surgery is for two herniated discs, L4-L5 and L5-S1. The big ones way down low. When aggravated (like hard landings, riding after being on the injured list for a few weeks, that sorta thing) they swell and pinch off nerves to my legs enough, that I lose some muscle control in my feet. Can't shift, walk funny etc.

So the short version is that surgery required is VERY close to nerves that enable me to walk, and is therefore risky, but common.

So here I sit typing on a forum, instead of spinning my MS3s. I just don't like the odds.

 

[Mogambo]

Doc said (and he seems to be a REALLY super doc, listens and explains)...
"The back is a structural element. We have never improved anyone's back i.e. made it stronger, by performing surgery. Back surgery is for eliviating pain and making pain manageable. If you can withstand the pain doing normal acitivities, then don't have surgery."

He went on to say that MX is not considered normal acitivity and that if I have the surgery, there's a chance that I would never ride anything with two wheels again, and that MX would be out of the question.

The surgery is for two herniated discs, L4-L5 and L5-S1. The big ones way down low. When aggravated (like hard landings, riding after being on the injured list for a few weeks, that sorta thing) they swell and pinch off nerves to my legs enough, that I lose some muscle control in my feet. Can't shift, walk funny etc.

So the short version is that surgery required is VERY close to nerves that enable me to walk, and is therefore risky, but common.

So here I sit typing on a forum, instead of spinning my MS3s. I just don't like the odds.

Keep those stomach muscles strong. Many people don't realize how much strong stomach muscles help to support the back. O.K., I'm done preaching.

 

[jwit6]

Sold my RM 125 4 years ago when I turned 47. Number plate read 46 when we parted ways. Discretion is the better part of valor so I've been told. I still remember my last high side. Think I need a Yamaha 225 now...

 

[hoham]

Sold my RM 125 4 years ago when I turned 47. Number plate read 46 when we parted ways. Discretion is the better part of valor so I've been told. I still remember my last high side. Think I need a Yamaha 225 now...

I was doing something at home for years until I started to go blind. Dr. said I had to quit doing that. Haven't found an available alternative , yet. Also, nothing so willing!!!!!!!!!

 

[Rickster]

Jeff -- don't sell the MX -- just convert it to a SM and have a fun street bike!! Clicky for parts