[DanielDudley]

When I was younger, I knew I was invincible. Now I know I am not. You don't have to be fast, and you don't have to be crazy to ride. You just have to be safe. Don't goad yourself into something if it doesn't feel right or natural. Listen to your gut and work up to your dreams. Try a few short trips and see what works for you. Nobody but 20 year olds go into a trip halfway around the world cold. If you want to fly, you start on the ground. And stop comparing yourself to the kid you used to be. Chances are he took a lot of risks and got lucky more than he knew.

Keep riding, and have fun. You will get there if it is meant to happen. If not, you had a lot of fun and got out the door a lot more. FWIW, there is no way I would ever let my wife get on the back of a motorcycle with me long distance without a WHOLE LOT of practice on her part. Work up to it, and don't let anybody rush you, especially your significant other. You are the responsible party, you say when.