Had a mini-bike when I was a kid (5hp lawnmower type). Swapped my car for my friends Honda 750 (for a month) when I was in my early 20's. Had a Honda Elite Moped for a couple of years in my early 20's.
Always had the bug!
Bought my first bike in 2016 at the age of 55. BMW R Nine T (1200 cc) and bought a 2nd bike last year - BMW G 310R. The big bike now has 18k miles and the baby is up to 800 miles.
Most of my miles are commuting but I do get an occasional ride up the mountains and I took a trip to Utah a couple of years ago.
I agree it's more dangerous today than it used to be and I keep that in mind everytime I ride. I'm always watching for idiots and assume they don't see me. Riding is a blast, it somewhat reminds me of skiing.
Me on my RNineT and my friend on my G310R:
