[50133]

Parks, now 85, is continually held as a role model by many less-adventurous motorcyclists. When other riders say they want to be just like him when they get to be his age, he shrugs off their accolades and says, "If you're not like me now, how can you expect to be like me later?"

Point taken!

 

[10380]

I quit racing last summer after deciding the injury bill was getting too high (ripped out two shoulder tendons during an enduro - on top of numerous other big injuries over the years. Once (if) I hit 80 (29 years from now), I plan to start racing again. Any one over 80 ought to do whatever they [email protected] well like! Cheers to Parks.

 

[44510]

...role model for "less-adventurous motorcyclists"? Huh? What about motorcyclists that can't take 17 or 29 consecutive days off. I can't afford to be like that guy now and will only be able to be like him later; i.e., retired with no obligations. But I probably won't ever be like Parks. Droning on the superslab for days on end sounds boring as hell.



Yeah, the thrill of the "Ironbutt" eludes me...

 

[blitz]

A little bitter are we? Jeesh.

 

[Buzglyd]

I think he can do this because he's too old to have any feeling in his butt anymore.

 

[sarnali]

Probably has alzhiemers and got lost

 

[pdad13]

I'm not like him now. And I won't be like him later.



Especially not in 50 years.



But I say congrats to Charlie. Stuff like this reminds me that there is life after 60, although, the Iron Butt will never be my cup of tea.

 

[imported_softail_1]

Way to go Charlie!! I have been wondering about you and if you were able to do this one since your other four corner ride last year. In case you don't know Charlie said he was going to do the four corner ride clockwise when he turned 85. CONGRATULATIONS CHARLIE!!!!

 

[39970]

Way to go Charlie! That sounds awesome. The Iron Butt, 50CC, 4 Corners etc. have intrigued me for a long time. The old time/money issues come into play but they don't preclude, they delay. My personal record is 1185 miles in a 24 hour period (two wheels), I could do more. I still feel I'm a way from guys of VWW's caliber but the endurance, logistics and RIDE sound like fun. For me it's not about what others would think, it's about pushing the boundaries of my limitations, making my world bigger.

 

[gearider]

You can ride the four corners in 7 days if yur really pushed it. Iron Butt all the way.

 

[44510]

I just blew nearly 3 grand on kitchen appliances....I'm VERY bitter!!

 

[seruzawa]

A great accomplishemnt.



But, what I really want to know is who actually calls riding on their bike "The Open Road"? I mean, I've been riding for 40+ years and to be honest I can't ever recall calling it "The Open Road". Nor can I recall anyone who ever did. Is this some sort of special thing that only reporters are privy too? (Using the word "privy" in conjunction with reporters is a purely intentional pun).



Oh, honey. I won't be home this weekend because the "Open Faarking Road" is calling! Sorry boyz but because of "The Open Road" I won't be in to work this Friday. Jeeeez. Give me a break. Are we all going to ride around 7 days a week now with glazed looks on our faces as we contemplate "The Open Road"? Are we required to read "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" or some such now in order to be considered cool?



Are we going to be inundated with stupid HD chromed engine covers that say "The Open Road" now, to replace those overdone "Ride to Live, Live to Ride" ones? Not that almost anything wouldn't break the monotony of that cliche'. Should I start a line of "Open Road" jackets and nipple rings? Would Buzglyd put up the capital?



Answers to these and other burning questions on next week's installment of "THe Open Road Soap Opera and Gift Shop".

 

[longride]

I think you have your niche. Run with it!

 

[Buzglyd]

We could change the chrome covers to say "Ride to Live, Live to Eat" which is more appropriate for most of the Harley types.



I can't put up any capital because I just made an offer on a house so I'm going to be broke for the next 30 years or so.

 

[seruzawa]

A house in ****? Tee hee hee. Did you have to put your first born down as collarteral?

 

[Buzglyd]

No you put down your first house!



Let's just say if the deal goes through there won't be any more frivolous Italian motorcycle purchases. In fact one of the motorcycles might have to become furniture!

 

[seruzawa]

I bet that both of my homes cost half of one of your's. LOL!



I just can't help teasing SoCal homebuyers.

 

[Buzglyd]

It cuts both ways. The house I paid 122,000 for ten years ago is worth over 500k now. You don't get that kind of appreciation in Mormon-land you know!

 

[seruzawa]

Stop now before you start sounding like a Carter Administration apologist.

 

[Buzglyd]

I was too young to vote for Jimmy (or Reagan the first time around) so I won't be apologizing for anyone.