Wilfried, 74: A dream becomes true - motorcycle tour despite cancer!

Wilfried, 74: A dream becomes true - motorcycle tour despite cancer!

In the Ruhr area, a special dream has come true: Wilfried, a 74-year-old passionate biker from Duisburg, has been able to experience his great passion for motorcycling despite health challenges. Due to cancer, he can no longer drive himself, but on May 1, 2023 he got the opportunity to do a motorcycle tour. This was made possible by an initiative of "Malteser Wohn & Kaltegen", which shared the story on their social media. Wilfried, who has been looked after on an outpatient basis for a long time, had a clear wish: a trip through the Ruhr area.

his dream came true when he broke out in the sidecar of a Honda VT 125 Shadow with the motorcycle club "Kneecheuffe Duisburg". The tour lasted about three hours and led over picturesque country roads from Duisburg via Oberhausen to Bottrop, where the group stopped at the popular "Grafenmühle". Wilfried met other bikers there and was able to share his joy in motorcycling in a convivial atmosphere. The initiator of the campaign expressed her gratitude to all supporters and emphasized the willingness to help of strangers who contributed to realizing this special day.

motorcycling in old age - challenges and possibilities

The desire to continue to drive motorcycle in old age is a topic that deals with many bikers. It is important to critically question your own physical fitness and the reaction capacity. Health restrictions, as Wilfried also experienced, are often the reason why a lot of motorcyclists become more careful when deciding on driving in old age. On a platform for motorcycle trips it is pointed out which considerations should be made to be safe.

• Do I still want to drive?
• Can I still drive?
• Is it still possible to drive?
• Are there any domestic objections?
• My motorcycle still fits me?

The decision as to whether you want to drive a motorcycle in old age should be made in accordance with the personal environment and with a view to the suitability of the motorcycle. An owner of a Yamaha FJR 1300 found that the handling became more difficult in old age and was therefore looking for a lighter model, the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT. These adjustments show that the passion for motorcycling through progressive age does not have to end, but can be adapted.

Wilfried's story is an inspiring example of how dreaming can be realized through shared support even in difficult times. The initiative of “Malteser Wohnen & Kaltegen” has given him and many others a piece of quality of life and shows that driving fun can be preserved as long as you take the right steps and considerations.

Further information about the support offers of Maltese living & maintaining can be found on their website.

For bikers who want to continue their motorcycle career in old age, the challenges and possibilities should be kept in mind. The essential aspects include not only your own will, but also the technical requirements of the vehicle and support from a family environment.

If you still want to maintain your passion for motorcycling, you should regularly check your own suitability and that of the machine. This procedure could also be important for Wilfried and other bikers to enjoy the feeling of freedom and community on two wheels.

Further information on this topic can be read at motorcycle travel journal .