[smileyman]

OTB is a wise rider. He presented 4 facts, all true. But there are ways to mitigate their effect.

With slowing reactions and physical abilities many "older riders" make up the difference with a little thing called anticipation. They anticipate and then their more practiced and reliable reactions, although slower, are usually correct and in the correct amounts to avoid trouble.

Yep we still take longer to heal no way around it, but being older you get the benefit of the doubt from doctors and way better insurance coverage. And willingness to let it all hang out is offset by knowing exactly what terms we are playing on and having the wisdom and self control to back it down when the chips are stacked the wrong way.

I still feel an older experienced rider has the better of the odds in most riding situations...At least in my experience I am still as fast as I once was, and have presence of mind to know my limits...