Reading this thread has been interesting as well as entertaining.
Every time I ride a modern bike race, my illogical and easily misguided brain tells me that I need to quit beating on my old equipment and finally get with the modern age and get my ass on a 4 stroke. Especially when I get waxed in a race by the competition.
But then something really strange happens: On the way home from the race, I begin thinking back over the day, and how much fun I had. I think about how I finally railed a corner, or how I finally mustered up the balls to clear a jump, or even how I got into a really good challenge on the last lap with another racer,
and at that moment realize that is when the racing (and riding) was the funnest. Oh... and the scream of a 2-stroke, there's not a greater sound in the world knowing that it's you that causing it, right as your getting into the powerband.
At 50 years old I don't really need to be any faster. I also don't really need to jump any higher or farther. (even though I still like it and it causes my wife anxiety
). And I definitely don't need my hobby to be anymore costly than it already is. I don't even need to come in first place, although I'm going to race and push as though I do need it. So, I'll likely be a 2-stroke rider/racer till the end and without regrets.
Good thread.
Carry on.