Watch: 86-year-old rider does trials in classic BSA

86-year-old Sammy Miller rides his BSA to keep in shape

Here in the Philippines, we have a saying, “Wala yan sa lolo ko” (my grandpa can do better than that). The phrase usually precedes a joke or an exageration about some of our grandparent's exploits.

In a YouTube video posted by the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum, we see how the 86-year-old Sammy Miller, a former road racing and trials champion, still does a couple of rounds trials every now and then. In tough terrain where most young motorcyclists won't dare ride, Miller happily rolls through to keep sharp and fit during the lockdown.

The very active senior rides his equally capable BSA trials bike, showing us that age, whether for the rider or the bike, is just a number.

“I try to get out, maybe ten minutes a day, [to] keep fit, keep on the pace, keep my hand in, keep my eye in,” said the 86-year-old Miller. Amazingly, he does his rounds every day!

Miller was an accomplished rider in his time. He started racing motorcycles in both dirt/ grass track racing, as well as observed trials when he was only 16 in 1951. His motorcycle career spanned decades and he has racked up more than 1,400 wins during his competitive career. Sammy Miller was also inducted to the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2007.

So, can your lolo do this?