31 Comments
User's avatar
Jody Lisberger's avatar

Great writing and great experience. I'm impressed, and of course I love the bike!

Expand full comment
Marina Osipova's avatar

You are a bit of an adventurer, Richard!

Expand full comment
Brian Willson's avatar

Hey, if you could do it at 73, I can do it at 72!

Expand full comment
Richard Goodman's avatar

A bird? Or Jack?

Expand full comment
Leslie Griles's avatar

A gentle reminder, this falls under the call/text “Hey, Les! I have news…” rule. I’m engaged. I’m married. I’m moving. I got a tattoo. We will discuss this soon. xo 😉

Expand full comment
Catherine Lane Diehl's avatar

Learning more about the “Prof” and I must admit I would have never guessed this blog! Unabashedly an adventurous septuagenarian! Kudo’s!👏

Expand full comment
Richard Goodman's avatar

Trying, Catherine, trying.

Expand full comment
Judith Harmon Miller's avatar

I ever did.

Expand full comment
Judith Harmon Miller's avatar

Oh,no! My hero writer succumbed to popular culture 🚴‍♀️. This the only issue that someone could rightly label me an ultra-conservative. The bravest thing I ever done is put holes in my ears. At age 30 something . Whoa. I forgot. In my 70s I succumbed to adding a third one in my left ear and I love acupuncture. That is as far I could go, even if Sarah urged me. But at 86 there is no hope for me to become radical on this issue. It was only when I saw the bike 🚲 that I began to forgive you. Your fan still, J

Expand full comment
Richard Goodman's avatar

Judy, if you moved to New Orleans as I did, you might have a change of heart. It's almost required to live there. I actually felt very liberated after getting the tattoo, precisely because of my own prejudices. No one ever sees it unless I go swimming or get a checkup. Everyone loves it. Let me just ask you--IF you were getting a tattoo--IF, mind you--what would you choose? Go ahead! Let your mind fly!

Expand full comment
Brian Willson's avatar

Ah, you know me well. (Jack.)

Expand full comment
Roy Burkhead, MFA's avatar

I have one in the same location on my arm: an eagle with USN under it. Had it done in Florida when I was in Navy crypto school. Yeah, it hurt. Your tattoo is pretty cool.

Expand full comment
Richard Goodman's avatar

People seem to like it!

Expand full comment
Teresa B Engebretsen's avatar

Another great story. I just had my third one done! Yep, I was the old lady in line with all the young things. I felt pretty badass. Yours looks great. Félicitations!

Teresa

Expand full comment
Richard Goodman's avatar

PS, what are they?

Expand full comment
Richard Goodman's avatar

Thank you, Teresa!

Expand full comment
Margaret Keeping's avatar

Gosh it really is good. A proper Raleigh like I used to have. You were very brave.

I wish I could get a copy of your Bicycle Memoirs here in the Uk but neither that or the New York book are to be found. ( Or is it one book?)

Expand full comment
Richard Goodman's avatar

I wish those books were more readily available. The Bicycle Diaries is a fine arts book, quite expensive. It's available!

Expand full comment
Elizabeth Godfrey's avatar

Ha! Look at your Badass self! That Raleigh was the perfect, meaningful choice. Rick and I got ours (Ferdinand and butterfly, respectively) at the beginning of this craze. And yes, PAINFUL! Folks who go back for more must be nuts.

Expand full comment
Richard Goodman's avatar

Young people!

Expand full comment
Pat Willard's avatar

Marvelous! An inspiration! And hug you're daughter for my. My sons, one full sleeve, one half, would be horrified....all the more reason to follow in your footsteps!

Expand full comment
Richard Goodman's avatar

Why not? Go for it.

Expand full comment
Kelly Estilette's avatar

I love this 🚲

Expand full comment
Richard Goodman's avatar

I'm pleased!

Expand full comment
Gary Gruber's avatar

We, my wife and I, have talked about a small tattoo for each of us. She's 76, I'm 86. A few of our kids would think we're very cool, a few others who already think we're a little crazy and went off the rails years ago would think it confirms their impressions. So, we have some ideas we're exploring, a small heart with an important date in the middle, something that symbolizes our peripatetic life together for the past 28 years, and who knows what else might emerge. Regardless, thanks for your story. I loved it!

Expand full comment
Richard Goodman's avatar

So glad you enjoyed it.

Expand full comment
Janna Zonder's avatar

"It’s titled “Heathen Child” by Grinderman. Play it when you’re getting a root canal. You’ll see what I mean." So funny! I don't want a tattoo, but I am fascinated by them and the people who choose to get them. I always want to know why. What does it mean to the person? So, now you know your daughter's pain tolerance is a lot higher than yours! Thanks for sharing.

Expand full comment
Richard Goodman's avatar

I'm not sure she was telling me the full truth. 😂

Expand full comment
Janna Zonder's avatar

Maybe she's getting you back for all those years ago when you told her the vaccination would only hurt a little bit!

Expand full comment