I had breakfast with a former work college and friend who was looking for a heads up on a couple of items. He is much younger than I am and at 26 is still painfully it seems trying to make the transition from teenager to adult.

I once or twice thought I wished I knew then what I know now, but thats not how life works.

One thing I like about the whole process is that I am taking less things as a challenge. Also I know what I like and what I don't like and am not worried much if that fits with other people. Unlike my younger friend today.

When riding I no longer feel I have to make it a challenge. When younger I used to always feel the the road or motorcycle calling me out to try my bravery and luck in a test of speed and skill.

I think when your younger you are looking for challenges in all sorts of ways, it need not be a motorcycle. Competing in a team sport or solo Surf, Ski, Climb, your energy is high, your appetite for risk strong.

Some roads I used to ride when younger I could tell you the radius of every corner but not much about the places along the way. Now that I no longer feel compelled to try and arrive at the top 10 seconds quicker the next guy I see all sorts of things I never noticed before. The way the early morning light illuminates the hills, the panorama presented over ever crest, how lush the cool mountain dairy fields are, the way time can almost seem to 'hang' in the haze from a high vantage point with a long framed outlook.

Some old print advertisements I came across. Warning one contains nudity.