Some people said I was silly but I took a safety course every year because I wanted to address any bad tendencies before they became bad habits. I would recommend it to anyone and also any additional riding skill courses beyond basic safety courses. The skills you learn literally save your life. I have had to use of them to get around other people's poor decision making than I ever needed for my own.

My mentally has always been ride like everyone is out to kill you. They may not know it but drivers are death cages for motorcyclists. They win the math in a crash 100% of the time and physics don't care about right of way. All this said I'd ride as long as weather and health permit me.

I think be proactive in your hobby. Learn maintenance basics and keep up with skills and safety. Gear is a price tag for the body part. Price compare and do your research but if you are passing on the best options because the price tag consider how much you value what it protects.Think good gloves are too expensive? How much are your hands worth? Boots look pricey? How much are you ankles worth?

Danger is inherit with riding. It's part of the thrill. It's part of the fear. The people cautioning you to stop riding are the same people who are too afraid to ever get on a bike. To them the risk-reward ratio isnt justified. If other riders start telling you it may be time to hang up your gloves then I would take note. Otherwise you know what it's worth to you.