My friend Wes Taylor, who I’ve shared a few motorcycle adventures with (most notably in Zero Avenue to Peace Park) sent me this book all the way from Colorado. He was noting my recent milestone, crossing the boundary into my 50s in September, and encouraged me to continue mototcycling.
Author Reg Kittrelle is in his 70s, and has written a very good book about not only riding well into your second half, but how to go about it. From exercise routines, to diet recommendations, to making reasonable mileage (smelling those roses) as we slow down, getting enough sleep (spoiler alert: 30 mins nap is advantageous), motorcycle maintenance and rider training (being a lifelong learner), he covers a lot of bases to give us what we need to continue our two-wheeled travels. We may not be 20, or 30 anymore, but we have earned our mileage, and can make the most of our remaining years.
All this is delivered with a good sense of humour, perhaps one of the most important things to hold onto while aging and keeping the rubber side down.
So, thank you Wes for sending me this book. I enjoyed it thoroughly, and have taken the point which Kittrelle illustrates on the back of the book: “Old age is not a disease or pitiful condition. It is a status we’ve attained, and if we’ve lived properly, it is worthy of respect.” Indeed so.
Author: Reg Kittrelle
Book: Motorcycles and our 2nd 50 years: An owner’s manual for riders over 50
Publisher: 2nd 50 Publishing
Year of Publication: 2015
