All the underdressed bikers out again

[BanannaMan]

Last year on this very weekend I had my first opportunity in over 25 years to do some serious tarmac body surfing. (rubs collarbone)
Some serious abrasions, twisted leather and busted stitches everywhere.
Any less gear and things would have been much worse.
Tore up everything but my boots.
In a remote mountain area, "All gear, all the time", most likely saved my life that time.

And let me assure you....
There's nothing like your a** sliding down the road to encourage you to ride in a bit more protective gear.
Er.... providing you live though it....

Be careful out there!

Ride smart, ride safe.

I had to take the bike for a service this week. Wednesday and Thursdays heat was most unpleasant but even for just the 5 miles to the dealers I kitted fully up. I swear I was slowly cooking by the time I got back as I was completely soaked inside leathers. These were supposed to be vented!

Shorts and T'shirt a bit silly IMO, but thats just my opinion, everyone is entitled to choice. The NHS still treats lung cancer free of charge does it not?

One of my first motorcycle crashes took most of the skin off the right hand side of my body, so I'm well aware of the risks, but I regularly ride in Jeans, old leather biking jacket from before the days of built in armour, and a pair of walking boots. I just limit my speed accordingly and keep in mind that I'm a bit more vulnerable.

It's a bit of a British obsession this, I'm in France and have been all week. Due to the weather the bikes are out in droves, but I've yet to see more leather than just a jacket, and loads of shorts and t'shirts. In how many countries do the cops ride like this FFS?



and when a cyclist bombs down a hill at 50mph dressed like this, nobody says boo

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

Shorts and T'shirt a bit silly IMO, but thats just my opinion, everyone is entitled to choice. The NHS still treats lung cancer free of charge does it not?

One of my first motorcycle crashes took most of the skin off the right hand side of my body, so I'm well aware of the risks, but I regularly ride in Jeans, old leather biking jacket from before the days of built in armour, and a pair of walking boots. I just limit my speed accordingly and keep in mind that I'm a bit more vulnerable.

It's a bit of a British obsession this, I'm in France and have been all week. Due to the weather the bikes are out in droves, but I've yet to see more leather than just a jacket, and loads of shorts and t'shirts. In how many countries do the cops ride like this FFS?



and when a cyclist bombs down a hill at 50mph dressed like this, nobody says boo

yes, but cyclists shave their legs for the very good reason, that if they do crash their leg hair doesn't trap all that road dirt, which causes infections and all manner of nasties. Plus a Carbon fibre bike weighs 15lbs which won't hurt as much as the bloke I saw riding a CBX1000 prolink wearing flip flops, shorts etc.

Tour de France rides don't have to worry about traffic coming the other way, or Doris Blindspot pulling out on them. Plus the Doctors are part of the race covoy, so they don't have to wait for the meat wagon to turn up

Originally Posted by maviczap

yes, but cyclists shave their legs for the very good reason, that if they do crash their leg hair doesn't trap all that road dirt, which causes infections and all manner of nasties.

Tour de France rides don't have to worry about traffic coming the other way

Oh, shaved legs, perfectly safe then, just like having leathers on...

Given that in most accidents with a slide long enough to create serious gravel rash, the rider separates from the bike, weight ceases to be a factor.

The picture may be from the race, but it's only to demonstrate the clothing worn, I didn't mention the Tour de France. Plenty of times I've followed cyclists down a long hill through the middle of London, Birmingham or Edinburgh.

Second worst skin loss injury I've ever had was the surface of both my hands, plus various other bits and pieces.... from falling off a bicycle at speed.

As the hot weather continues so do the shorts wearing bikers, in colchester today, saw a bloke coming the other way on a large older bike, couldnt tell what it was, but shorts and trainers, although was bothered about his upper body with a decent coat on, or the guy in clacton this avo, cbr 600, t shirt, but decent boots, least his ankles would be ok

I can't bear leathers in the heat. I'd rather not ride at all. So, I have just bought some Weise mesh stuff. I know it offers rather less protection but otherwise the bike is staying in the garage.

just my two pennith, but speaking as one who does the picking up and working out which bit came from where.....

PLEASE WEAR YOUR PROTCTIVE STUFF.

if you dont i have three kilos of salt in my truck , to "clean wounds with".........(its a personal choice apparently)

seriously , ive seen one too many bikers hurt , that the only reason they are in one piece and alive is due to their kit. its not just the road you have to worry about its cars , people, trucks , road furniture....all of which hurt i assure you

Originally Posted by madness

I personally don't agree with that statement. Who has to pick up the tab for all the hospital care and the numerous skin grafts that must be required. The tax payer. Plus there's always a shortage of hospital beds for people who have no choice about being there.

Do you smoke or are overweight?

As i've yet to purchase any leathers, i'm in textiles at the moment and fail to see what the fuss is about! All my textiles have zip out warm liners so those are sitting in the wardrobe at the moment.
It's by no means cool but i'm not sweating buckets or wishing I was in shorts and t-shirt. It seems silly to wear unprotective gear when there's plenty of hot weather motorcycle clothing out in the shops.