® Riding gear


Where I live it can get pretty hot in the summer. It's not the hottest place I have ever lived, but it can be uncomfortable. Because of this, I tend to feel a little self-conscious when I venture out on warm days. Because there is a cost to having safe riding apparel. To many, even other riders, you look odd. I feel it sometimes. It adds a uniqueness, a special dimension, to riding that I don't remember feeling in the old days.

But no matter the temperature, even in 103 degrees, I have to have a riding jacket. It's just the right thing. And sturdy shoes--boots, actually, of course. And full-length pants. Naturally. And of course a helmet. And gloves. Every ride.

I'm glad I came up in the business understanding the importance of these things. Because I see a lot of t-shirts and bare knees, inadequate footwear, and even bare heads all around me. I really can't quite relate to those folks. To each his own, but to me this is just common sense. Just the minimum of taking riding seriously. And that's it, isn't it? Many of todays riders haven't fully integrated basic safety into the experience. Haven't made it second nature. It's kinda sad.


Last updated October 2024
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