New York Chapter "W"

Gold Wing Road Riders Association

Rochester, NY

Rash Decisions

Summer is officially here, as least the meteorologists tell us that. Now that they made it official, we need to assess our summer riding gear. When it is hot out and we are going for a 'short ride' we are temped to wear short sleeve shirts because 'hey, it is only a short ride, what could happen?' Most accidents occur within a couple miles from your home. We need to view our riding gear not as much as what we want to ride in, but what we want to slide in. Road rash is more than skin deep.

Helmets

For the best protection, a full-face helmet is the best. Some think their side vision is impaired, but most DOT or Snell approved helmets give the same view as a ¾ helmet. This type of helmet is the best protection if you are involved in a get off at speed with your face up close and personal with the pavement. While some may think this facial augmentation is an improvement, the medical bills may far surpass a good face life. Your choice.

Jackets

Leather is the preferred gear as it fits the bad boy motorcycle image, but it also serves as the most protective material. However, in hot conditions unless the leather is vented, it may be too hot for summer riding. Textile gear has almost the same amount of protection but most have venting and removable lining. Mesh gear has less protection but is even more comfortable in extreme heat. What ever you choose, make sure your arms and upper body are protected with textile gear with armor or leather. If your gear is too hot, you may be temped to ride with insufficient gear. Choose your gear for the right time of the year.

Pants

Leather is the preferred gear, but textile gear with vents and armor are available and are cooler. Jeans are often worn but serve little protection in a slid. Don't even consider shorts unless you have really knobby knees to drag.

Boots

Most footwear is leather but some have breathable material as well. What ever you choose, make sure the footwear at least covers your ankles. If the footwear has laces, make sure the laces are double knotted and tucked into the boots. If the laces get wrapped around the brake pedal or shifter, it makes for a humorous looking stop followed by an unsuccessful violation with the law of physics.

Gloves

Full-fingered gloves should be your only consideration. Most gloves have additional padding in the palm area. Fingerless gloves will leave you not needing a manicure for the rest of your natural life. Consider this, when you fall, your natural reaction is to put your hands out to cushion your fall. This may eliminate future visits to the local carnival palm reader.

When you go out for your ride, consider what you are wearing and how a crash may 'impact' what you are wearing. Unplanned get offs at speed are one way to determine which gear is more protective, but too late to reconsider what you should have worn! Don't make your impulsive decision a rash one, a road rash one! Consider sliding gear for your riding gear.

Practice Safe Riding

Gary Mandak

Chapter 'W' Educator

7-05