Last weekend, it was unseasonably warm for January, especially in certain parts of the country and as a result, the ride scheduled for the Ownesboro, KY chapter of OBRC had a real good turnout. I figured the large turnout was a combination of reasons, but mainly because the warm temps (high 40's, to low 50's) would allow us to ride farther and more comfortable then we have for the last 3 to 4 weeks. The other reason is because most of us know there is a good chance we MAY not see temperatures this warm on a weekend again for another 3 to 6 weeks, and for SOME bikers, that can be a long time, especially when it comes to NOT being able to make a short road trip or ride.

As we were waiting for the last members to top off their gas tanks, I noticed that EVERY male attending the ride, had gray whiskers. That little fact caught my attention for multiple reasons.

First off, we do have some younger members (in their 40's and 50's) that belong to the chapters that showed up for this ride, however there was only ONE male member that showed up that day, under the age of 60 and he was in his mid 50's, leading me to feel the "older" members are more aware and appreciative of the chance to make what could become, one last warm ride. After all, the mentality of the over 60 crowd of bikers is what got this club started, because by the time we turn 60, many of us have discovered how fragile life and our health is, thus making us realize that while some people may life to be 100 years old, none of us will be able to hold up a big heavy touring bike at that age. As a matter of fact, several of the members that showed up for the ride last weekend, have already made the conversion over from riding two wheels to riding three wheel trikes.

The other thought I had when noticing all the gray facial hair is wondering WHY so many older bikers are sporting facial hair. I have to admit that my beard is the longest in the group, however I have been wearing a beard for over 40 years, so my reason has nothing to due with my age. I also know of one club member that didn't start growing his goatee until he retired from his job. So, being the curious type of person that I am, I would like to hear from other "Older Bikers" especially the over 60 crowd, to find out how many of you STARTED sprouting facial hair AFTER you got into your 50's or 60's and why you started. I would also like to hear from anyone that didn't have facial hair until they started riding a bike or until they retired.