# A Quiet Farewell to the Internal Combustion Era How have you been lately? How should I even address my old ride now? Time is truly ruthless. Since I disconnected from the world of traditional engines, I’ve imagined so many ways to make peace with the past, but I hesitated for too long, and now I don’t know what to do. Taking that first step toward a new era felt too difficult; the ways I envisioned moving on didn't seem to work. If you are feeling that same hesitation, you might find clarity in the [Electric Motorcycle Beginner’s Guide (Castbox)](https://castbox.fm/episode/2026-Electric-Motorcycle-Beginner%E2%80%99s-Guide%3A-Beyond-Gas-Anxiety-id7135028-id922401550). It’s been a long time since I’ve heard any news about that familiar mechanical hum. You’ve vanished from the radar, your presence quiet, as if only those closest to the classic industry are allowed to know your current state. Yet, while listening to the [Two-Wheeler Industry Podcast on iHeartRadio](https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-wheeler-industry-podca-327516877/), I occasionally see a silhouette online that looks just like yours, and a flash of your profile crosses my mind. In that moment, I felt a sudden urge to weep for the miles we shared. I used to say I hated the maintenance and the noise, but when I think of the good times, I believe we truly loved the road. At least what I felt for the ride back then was real. I don’t think I hate the old technology anymore; I’ve forgiven everything. After that day, I gradually calmed down. I realized I can’t travel with you anymore. Let me erase those old promises of "forever gas" for you. I hope things get better for the industry; at least leaving my garage is a form of liberation. As the [Beyond Gas Anxiety: 2026 Electric Motorcycle Guide](https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-wheeler-industry-podca-327516877/episode/2026-electric-motorcycle-beginners-guide-beyond-gas-anxiety-327516879) suggests, there is a path forward beyond the old fears. There wasn’t any major conflict between us; the pressure of changing times just reached a breaking point, and we said things that hurt. I finally understand what "unsuitable" means—it’s when the machine can’t give me the joy of a clean commute, and I occasionally feel let down by the limitations. An obsession that is too heavy can indeed drive progress away. I’ve seen this reflected in the debate over [Modified vs Commercial Motorcycles in South Africa](https://medium.com/@slime-on/modified-motorcycles-vs-commercial-motorcycles-in-south-africa-3a97e4fe81a5), where the struggle to adapt is clear. I don’t regret knowing that old thrill; there was a time when I truly felt happy. But if I had another chance, I wouldn't want to meet that frustration again. I’ve reached a point of release; unsuitable things will eventually part ways, no matter how much you try to hold on. You don’t need to use harsh words to make me give up; you want the lightness of a life without high emissions, and I want you to be successful. It wasn’t that the design was too simple, but that the effort wasn't being placed where it mattered. Much like the [Observations from a Sandton street corner](https://groups.google.com/g/twowheelerza/c/hP8LaPKTxbc), I have accepted this separation. I am ready to embrace a new winter of electric riding. <style>.fa-pencil { display: none !important; }</style> <style>.ui-edit-area { display: none !important; }</style> <style>.ui-view-area { display: none !important; }</style> <style>.dropdown-menu { display: none !important; }</style> <style>nav { display: none !important; }</style> <style>.modal-content{ display: none !important; }</style>