The gear I wear

When I was much younger and dumber (yes, I know, improper spelling) I rode in jeans, T-shirts and sneakers. And gloves and a lightweight nylon jacket if it was cold (it doesn't get real cold in Tucson). I did wear a helmet "most of the time" but not always. I only had one occasion to experience a "get off" and it happened while I was being squidly on the one way road at Saguaro National Monument (east). I got a case of sand rash on my right palm, a slight cut on my right forearm, severe sand rash on my right thigh, and a sprained right ankle. And this was at slow speeds, probably well under 30 mph. My blue jeans were torn open for about 8 inches on my right thigh, and this was from hitting sand, not asphalt. I had to get my bike up and started and then ride almost 20 miles home with my right leg dangling down so that my girlfriend could take me to the hospital to get my ankle taken care of. Not fun. The Honda advertising slogan says it best... 

So what do I wear now? A lot more. The list below covers much of what I have and use. The best gear in the world is not going to do you any good if it is strapped to your bike when you go down. Remember... dress for the crash, not for the ride.

In June of 2005 I participated in a raffle benefiting Brian Montgomery, a Houston area rider that was involved in an accident that left him partially paralyzed. A $10 ticket put me into the drawing for a set of Frank Thomas leathers from Cycle Gear. Knowing that I wouldn't win (I never do) it was still towards a good cause and I was glad to throw a few bucks into the pot. On Sunday morning of Father's Day I opened my email to find that I was the winner of the two piece suit! So for $15 ($5 for shipping at my request) I now owned a $500 set of leathers in blue to match the bike.

Lots of thanks to Cycle Gear and to the folks that set up the benefit for Brian. This Brian sure appreciates it!

    The jacket is perforated and has a space for a spine protector, and they even included the knee sliders on the pants. Not that I'll ever have a need for them. 

Helmet(s)

Nolan N100E Flip-face with the VPS visor kit

HJC Symax Flip-face

Boots

Oxtar Matrix Gore-Tex

Clothing

Fieldsheer one-piece all-season riding suit

Fieldsheer Titanium Air mesh pants

Joe Rocket Atomic jacket

Joe Rocket Phoenix mesh jacket

Gloves

Held "Steve" Sport Touring (Kangaroo leather)

Joe Rocket Highside

Frank Thomas Highway-2 (mesh)

Olympia Gel Sport

A great poster that illustrates the difference between a well-dressed rider and someone who should know better.

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