Free Wheelin'

  As a constant creator of drivel, bunkum, crock, and overt blatherskite, I still am often flabbergasted when I am reminded that my words were read, digested, but then deserved comment.

Even if 99% of the letters, messages, and discussions were totally off the mark on the point of this article.

So as not to confuse this tommyrot as well, I am referring to September 2025’s Welcome to the Jungle safety column titled Retire.

There was a huge mis-read on this article, which was really about changing your tires voluntarily, rather than having the issue forced upon you. If it were just the words we’re discussing now, I might be okay with the lack of interpretation, but for the 3.5 X 4.5 inch image of two Dunlop Mutant tires.

The repeated feedback was “Good for you, Brian. For admitting you are getting older, and dodgier, and maybe a smaller bike, or no bikes would be a good thing for you.”

Hmmm. What?  Sorry. Nah, that ain’t happening anytime soon.

What I think was happening here is what people who have diplomas and letters after their names call Confirmation Bias. Basically, it means the tendency to interpret new evidence as confirmation of one's existing beliefs or theories. Regardless of what an article was really about, you consider it and understand it to be about what has been on your mind, maybe for a good while.

In this case, a good number believed this article was about facing the facts that, as we grow older, our skills, reactions, and overall strength take a whackin’ from Father Time - Dat bastard.

So, for those of you who thought this about that, here is an assignment for you. Go reread it. It was about tires.

But, while we are talking about motorcycles and growing old, let us stick around this chapter in our lives and talk about it a bit. One thing I know, for a fact, is that motorcycles keep us young.

We have all heard the saying “you are only as old as you think.” Which one of you has finished an excellent ride, and then gotten off the bike, not thinking better, more alert, and happier? Younger.

Yup, a good ride can be the road to a great day.

But… there is that gnawing darkness that hovers just beyond all this ‘feel good’ blah blah. Some hidden succubus that stalks us, and slowly drains our riding skills, our youth, and vitality.

Oh, you can put up a fight against this, and you should. Some of us do.

Better living habits – and focused exercise will let you put up a better defense, but the reality is that even the best of us will eventually falter a bit.

Since so many have thought Retirewas about my own motorcycle mortality, I will be honest here and say that I see things changing. Seeing – for one. I have eagle eyes for distance, but more like Henry Bemis close-up. There are cheaters all over the house. Strength might be getting whittled down just a smidgen. Yet I still have the strength of ten, because my heart is pure. (Ye gads – is he quoting Tennyson?) But where I once easily strolled my tall BMW GS out of the barn, I now think about what I am doing and try to watch my steps.

So far, so good. But I never had to think about it before.

This has led me to start talking about downsizing next time I feel the need for a new machine. Maybe a Triumph Tiger 800, or the like. Great machine, that will handle all my needs… and 75 pounds lighter.

Hmmm… maybe down the road, as my GS has that magical quality of being paid in full.

Other Sirens have called my name. Riding the Ducati Multi-Strada V4S in Japan was an eye-opener, but not that big a jump from my present and paid-for ride. Then I rode the new BMW R 1300 RT, spending almost 4,000 miles on this machine. Wait, isn’t the RT a larger touring rig that weighs about a buck and a quarter more than the Tiger?

Well, yes, it is. But it did make me feel younger, and maybe that's what