Exciting hobbies once you get to 40…
Discussion
Hi all,
I’m after some interesting ideas of a new hobby.
Now I’m 40, so not really wanting to jump into things with a lot of kiddos (even though whatever it is they’ll likely be better than me haha)
I’ve had a hip replaced which spelt the end for martial arts for me - simply not worth the risk.
I do cycle a lot, and spend time doing that, but I feel I’m missing something, need some excitement! Even if it’s only something I can feasibly do every so often.
I was looking at getting another motorbike having not ridden in a couple of years, but in the main it’s going to just sit in the garage as life gets in the way of getting out on it regularly, and I already do a 50 mile ride of a Sunday, bit unfair on the family to then add a half day out on the motorbike too (at least not often)
Tempted to simply have a track bike and go to snetterton once a month for a blast, which I could do during the week without really disturbing family life.
But is this soemthing worth starting at 40? Or is it really the domain of the younger guys and gals.
Anyway, chuck me some interesting ideas, I know I could just use the bike once a month on the road instead of a track day but it’s just another possible idea of something interesting to do.
So, anything interesting I can do as a monthly hobby? Ans still feel like I’m able to “progress” (by this I mean simply do better, I appreciate whatever I get into someone will have done it longer and be better, but I want to feel able to get somewhere)
I did do karting a couple years back, but again, mostly it was the domain of younger, lighter people and the karts where simply faster with 30kg less weight on top. It got old pretty quick - might be worth another crack now I’m lighter though
I’m after some interesting ideas of a new hobby.
Now I’m 40, so not really wanting to jump into things with a lot of kiddos (even though whatever it is they’ll likely be better than me haha)
I’ve had a hip replaced which spelt the end for martial arts for me - simply not worth the risk.
I do cycle a lot, and spend time doing that, but I feel I’m missing something, need some excitement! Even if it’s only something I can feasibly do every so often.
I was looking at getting another motorbike having not ridden in a couple of years, but in the main it’s going to just sit in the garage as life gets in the way of getting out on it regularly, and I already do a 50 mile ride of a Sunday, bit unfair on the family to then add a half day out on the motorbike too (at least not often)
Tempted to simply have a track bike and go to snetterton once a month for a blast, which I could do during the week without really disturbing family life.
But is this soemthing worth starting at 40? Or is it really the domain of the younger guys and gals.
Anyway, chuck me some interesting ideas, I know I could just use the bike once a month on the road instead of a track day but it’s just another possible idea of something interesting to do.
So, anything interesting I can do as a monthly hobby? Ans still feel like I’m able to “progress” (by this I mean simply do better, I appreciate whatever I get into someone will have done it longer and be better, but I want to feel able to get somewhere)
I did do karting a couple years back, but again, mostly it was the domain of younger, lighter people and the karts where simply faster with 30kg less weight on top. It got old pretty quick - might be worth another crack now I’m lighter though
Being good at it (your domain comment) might be impossible but it could still be exciting.
Track days - you'd have to try it if you haven't. Might be a very expensive hobby, mind.
Karting. Cheaper. Just rent and play when you want. £25 a session? Try it again now that you've lost weight (well done!).
Tennis. Doubles. Stand at the net when you're partner serves. Not getting a ball in the face is quite exciting. How are your reactions? I crave excitement so stand at the net if I know the returner can hit hard. Yes, I've been hit a few times. Once in the eye. That was a bit concerning. Still, exciting it is. Also, when someone serves with pace, stand inside the court, preferably about 2ft from the service line. Yes, I've been hit. People do ask why I stand so close. I say, because I like the rush. There is no comment after that. Most people stand about 3-4m behind where I usually stand.
Track days - you'd have to try it if you haven't. Might be a very expensive hobby, mind.
Karting. Cheaper. Just rent and play when you want. £25 a session? Try it again now that you've lost weight (well done!).
Tennis. Doubles. Stand at the net when you're partner serves. Not getting a ball in the face is quite exciting. How are your reactions? I crave excitement so stand at the net if I know the returner can hit hard. Yes, I've been hit a few times. Once in the eye. That was a bit concerning. Still, exciting it is. Also, when someone serves with pace, stand inside the court, preferably about 2ft from the service line. Yes, I've been hit. People do ask why I stand so close. I say, because I like the rush. There is no comment after that. Most people stand about 3-4m behind where I usually stand.
If bikes light your fire, how about trials? Bikes are fairly good value and you can practice at home here and there among family life in not a lot of space. A morning event is £20 and you’re back home mid-afternoon ish. Boots and a lid and you’re away. Bikes don’t need anywhere near as much maintenance as track bikes so don’t sap too much other time bar the odd tinker.
I started a year ago with a couple of local clubs and can now wobble around half proficiently up and down terrain you can barely walk on and clearing some goodly size logs. Met a great bunch of guys and girls in the process who support and rib in equal measure. All good, not so clean fun!
Gotta accept will have anything from 10 to 70+ year olds on machines from the 1960s to modern day running rings round you to start with, spurs you on and impressive to watch though!
I started a year ago with a couple of local clubs and can now wobble around half proficiently up and down terrain you can barely walk on and clearing some goodly size logs. Met a great bunch of guys and girls in the process who support and rib in equal measure. All good, not so clean fun!
Gotta accept will have anything from 10 to 70+ year olds on machines from the 1960s to modern day running rings round you to start with, spurs you on and impressive to watch though!
Edited by foggy on Sunday 6th April 00:26
Hudson1984 said:
I do cycle a lot, and spend time doing that, but I feel I’m missing something, need some excitement! Even if it’s only something I can feasibly do every so often.
I was looking at getting another motorbike having not ridden in a couple of years
As you are bored of cycling, get rid of the bicycle and buy the motorbike you clearly want and ride that instead.I was looking at getting another motorbike having not ridden in a couple of years
Clay pigeon shooting? Different variants include Sporting, Skeet (very fast and high pressure) and Trap (same).
Or perhaps it’s slightly more ‘full on’ cousin, Practical Shotgun Shooting?
https://youtu.be/As1JIkrSh0k?si=j5XDBst96ahDGevf
Or perhaps it’s slightly more ‘full on’ cousin, Practical Shotgun Shooting?
https://youtu.be/As1JIkrSh0k?si=j5XDBst96ahDGevf
My motorbike mileage dwindled into a few hundred a year once the little ones arrives but could you commute on it? It’s a nice way to put a bit of excitement into an otherwise mundane activity. I only go out for an hour at a time and not that often but an older 600 is quick enough and isn’t expensive to buy or maintain. I have toyed with the idea of getting rid of it but that silly idea disappears with the next ride.
I think it’s got to be the way to go really, appreciate the comments and I think I’m putting too much thought into getting the use out of it. The bike can be a toy, I can use it every so often and still enjoy it and I can do a monthly track day and progress and enjoy it.
So I think the bike is still the right option - I’m keeping my pedal bikes, the fitness provided from having them isn’t something I can get shot of, I don’t want to go back to the weight I was, so that’s gunna stick around.
But yeah, I think a bike I can ride when I can, and track when I can is the easiest option.
I’ve got a skills park for mountain biking, and likely hit that up with the lado when he’s a bit more confident on his.
Trials in s a good shout too though, but not sure where I’d be able to practice easily. At least with a standard track day I can practice bike handling loads of places…but then I guess those skills are also of use in trials, it’s more the off road ability I wouldn’t be able to hone easily.
Additionally with track days, they do them during the week, so I can get one in and not effect family weekends - ideal.
I’d be keen to give karting another go but the local track doesn’t have owner driver events - which takes away some of the interest for me, the hire karts whilst effective, are a bit dull
So yes - bike it is, good to explore the options but seems this is the best way to go
So I think the bike is still the right option - I’m keeping my pedal bikes, the fitness provided from having them isn’t something I can get shot of, I don’t want to go back to the weight I was, so that’s gunna stick around.
But yeah, I think a bike I can ride when I can, and track when I can is the easiest option.
I’ve got a skills park for mountain biking, and likely hit that up with the lado when he’s a bit more confident on his.
Trials in s a good shout too though, but not sure where I’d be able to practice easily. At least with a standard track day I can practice bike handling loads of places…but then I guess those skills are also of use in trials, it’s more the off road ability I wouldn’t be able to hone easily.
Additionally with track days, they do them during the week, so I can get one in and not effect family weekends - ideal.
I’d be keen to give karting another go but the local track doesn’t have owner driver events - which takes away some of the interest for me, the hire karts whilst effective, are a bit dull
So yes - bike it is, good to explore the options but seems this is the best way to go
What motorbike have you got? I had a 17 year old SV650S that was really scabby. I didn't ride it. Bit uncomfortable on the joints, intermittent starting issues, flat batteries because of the alarm, paint flaking off the engine case and forks.
I replaced it with a CB750 Hornet... More upright / comfortable, modern electronics, reliable (touch wood). And that got me back into it. I mostly commute on nice days and rarely get a chance to go out at the weekend due to house renovation... Which will get better soon.
Getting a modern bike got me back into motorcycling.
Garage workshop refurb project, sort it all out and do the floor, build a workbench etc
Or how about electronics/3D printing. I got a raspberry pi and some ESP32 boards and program then for stuff, design cases in CAD and 3D print them. It sucks me in after the baby is in bed and I have to remind myself to stop and go to bed. chat GPT helps with the coding.
Or how about some sort of university course. Might be less fun but you have to do assignments etc and they engage the brain and take time.
I replaced it with a CB750 Hornet... More upright / comfortable, modern electronics, reliable (touch wood). And that got me back into it. I mostly commute on nice days and rarely get a chance to go out at the weekend due to house renovation... Which will get better soon.
Getting a modern bike got me back into motorcycling.
Garage workshop refurb project, sort it all out and do the floor, build a workbench etc
Or how about electronics/3D printing. I got a raspberry pi and some ESP32 boards and program then for stuff, design cases in CAD and 3D print them. It sucks me in after the baby is in bed and I have to remind myself to stop and go to bed. chat GPT helps with the coding.
Or how about some sort of university course. Might be less fun but you have to do assignments etc and they engage the brain and take time.
I got back into sim racing in lockdown. I used to race a lot years ago but then would never have the time.
Back in the 90s I was racing on a cheap Argos desk, with a huge 17 inch monitor so big it was 45 degrees to my left, so I'd be racing looking to one side. Not that I cared.
Now I've got a full racing rig, triple 27 inch screens with bass shakers. It's great. 😁
You can join a league or look up the Stoopid challenges thread and join us for a bit of time trial fun.
On top of that I've got into smart home stuff, so I can gradually build a home that's like I imagined the future would be (albeit no hoverboard).
And more recently, I got a 3D printer, which is extremely useful.
Back in the 90s I was racing on a cheap Argos desk, with a huge 17 inch monitor so big it was 45 degrees to my left, so I'd be racing looking to one side. Not that I cared.
Now I've got a full racing rig, triple 27 inch screens with bass shakers. It's great. 😁
You can join a league or look up the Stoopid challenges thread and join us for a bit of time trial fun.
On top of that I've got into smart home stuff, so I can gradually build a home that's like I imagined the future would be (albeit no hoverboard).
And more recently, I got a 3D printer, which is extremely useful.
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