one of ours hit and run - okay but hurting

[Tricky Mike]

People get hurt mountain biking and snowboarding too.

--mark

Yup. I had a near miss at Mt Snow today that would have been a trip to the ER for sure.

[OreoGaborio]

not shying away, delaying till more appropriate to my responsibilities considering recent statistics.

track days would be too expensive and what not, I would have to get a new bike, only ride it 4 or 5 times a year at best, trailer it there..... stay overnight at a hotel. meh. sounds wicked fun if there was a place here in town, but there is not.
there ARE however, some of the best mountain bike and snowboard trails on the planet earth, right (literally) in my backyard. I live at the base of mt mansfield, there are few better places to ride, hike, and bike. motorcycling was a hobby, a nice way to hit work and identify with a culture, all that can be had with these other hobbys, and I have more time in them than riding, I've ridden for 6 years, mtb for 20, and snowboarded for 17. I'm also much better on pedals and snow than twisting a throttle, you can go wide open, not hold back in those. the sportbikes can NOT be wide open, HAVE to hold back on streets, and trackdays are too few and far between.

Sounds to me like you just GOT yourself a track bike
Trailer is 300 bucks from Harbor freight
Zero insurance per month.
Sleep in a tent or SUV.
There's a lotta ways to cut costs w/o cutting enjoyment.

[Trouble]

I'm glad you're ok. That's a crappy thing to have happen to you, especially if its the straw that breaks the camels back as far as riding. If you do get your bike back together and want to give the track a shot let me know. I'm not so far away and usually have space in the trailer for another bike.

[Dichotomous]

People get hurt mountain biking and snowboarding too.

--mark

shattered everything NOT bone in my shoulder, tore off a nipple, loads of scars, tweaked and sprained ankles close to a dozen times, almost broke my back more times than I can count, gravel and snow rash almost everywhere, sprained wrists, almost concussions..... and thats just me with those two sports...... I have had a sore leg and chest and foot from motorcycling.

but, I dont have to attack the hill or the trail with the aggressiveness I did as a teenager.

[Garandman]

sadly enough, I dont think I will. 2 hits in 1 year, well... dont wanna be there for the "3rd times a charm".....
My kids are 5 and 9, and they need a daddy, once.... I could reasonably get back on the bike, twice in a year..... not so much. I'll be back, 15 years or so from now.
I'll persue "less" dangerous hobbies, you know, knife throwing, russian roulette, lion taming, fire walking, naked glass blowing..... or just mountian biking and snowboarding like back in the day, though honestly I have been hurt worse doing those than motorcycling, but there are less SUV's on the trails.

so I'll see you guys again when we have flying hoverbikes and what not in the future, hopefully they dont ban bikes during my sabatical.

Just give it some time, you may change your mind.

My kids are 9,10, and 12 and I have a business to run as well - and live in Boston. I take every hedge I can: at least one rider training course a year, white helmet, high-viz jacket, ABS brakes, don't ride Friday or Saturday nights, and anything else I can think of. I've found,. ironically, that the more I ride the safer I feel, because my skills are sharp. When I start riding in February or March I feel like I'm operating the bike in molasses.

I have some relatives in Underhill (Mullen Road) and what I worry about there is different than Boston: suicidal deer!

[BostonSVkid]

+1 I did this.

What about getting a track only bike? Trackdays will let you get your fix and are safer.

[JohnCVermont]

Glad to hear that you are OK. Whatever you decide to do, Do it well and with a passion for safety, skill and fun.

Hang tough and stay loose... I also took a break from motorcycle riding during the formative child rearing years... including a break from skiing and snowboarding (over 25 straight years of snow filled fun) (due to the expenses and time)... but... the net result ... I should have stay with one of those activities (..or two out of three) Whatever you decide, remember ...be a Fun, Interesting & Active Dad ! ...the kids will appreciate it...even more when they get older and can do stuff with you. It will also keep you sane.

[Huffer]

Track days are more affordable than you think. I used to feel the same as you about the cost but honestly its not that bad. The savings in annual motorcycle insurance would cover a couple trips to Loudon. Find a buddy and split a room (71.00 including tax, Red Roof Inn), gas etc. and its pretty cheap.

[ZX11D]

Just get better Dan.

[Dichotomous]

check out the for sale section, I am putting out a feeler for interest before I decide if I will take their crap ass offer

[RunLongVT]

I'd be interested in checking it out. PM'd you. -Paul at the Daily Rider. 802-497-1269 is the number here at the shop.

[scottieducati]

Just glad to hear you're OK Dan. Everyone needs a break after things like this, I'm sure you'll be back on 2 wheels (with a motor, that is) at some point soon! In the mean time, enjoy all that life has to offer beyond motorbikes.

[Doc]

not shying away, delaying till more appropriate to my responsibilities considering recent statistics.

track days would be too expensive and what not, I would have to get a new bike, only ride it 4 or 5 times a year at best, trailer it there..... stay overnight at a hotel. meh. sounds wicked fun if there was a place here in town, but there is not.
there ARE however, some of the best mountain bike and snowboard trails on the planet earth, right (literally) in my backyard. I live at the base of mt mansfield, there are few better places to ride, hike, and bike. motorcycling was a hobby, a nice way to hit work and identify with a culture, all that can be had with these other hobbys, and I have more time in them than riding, I've ridden for 6 years, mtb for 20, and snowboarded for 17. I'm also much better on pedals and snow than twisting a throttle, you can go wide open, not hold back in those. the sportbikes can NOT be wide open, HAVE to hold back on streets, and trackdays are too few and far between.

Track bike $2000. Trailer to the track... Gas money with a friend, Trackday $200x5 $1000, Camp at the track FREE. So about $1000 or so a year...

OR get a pitbike and we can try to revive the VTPBR!

If you want to MTB and drag and old guy along with you let me know.