We always wore motocross style helmets to protect your teeth from stones getting kicked up. Motocross boots, knee pads and a padded Joe Rocket jacket. Always eye protection and a dust mask as required. Any emergency room doctor will tell you motorcycle accidents are the most serious they see. We were first responders to one watching a guy lay his theme bike down at 55 MPH. A bear jutted out in front which caused him to grab too much front brake. He laid the bike down. The bike slide down the center of the road and he went ass over heels and ended up in the middle of the road unconscious. Luckily no oncoming traffic. He did have a helmet on which was worn down to his head in one spot. He also had appropriate leather gear on. Which got torn up. I didn't appreciate being but in that position to save someone's life as I don't have the medical training. But we managed somehow to get him up and about and get his bike off the road and parked. Had he not been wearing a helmet, I'd guess his head would have been cracked open like an egg.

Helmet laws vary and currently CO has none. Some years back a fellow from Australia weighed in on this. He said the riding culture there includes a helmet which becomes part of the riding image. Anyone showing up without one is deemed an idiot and excluded from the group. Here we're still stuck on movies like the Wild Ones and Easy Rider.

Around here we get some real "doozies" both in terms of riders and accidents. I've also spoken with riders that are extremely responsible, safe, considerate, quiet and skilled. As always, ride safely.

Welcome!

Thanks onceona50!

It sounds like that fellow who went down was very fortunate that you were there to help, Muniac. I intend to ride motorcycles until I’m no longer able to. As far as proper riding gear, the pros far outweigh the cons for me. I admit that I do occasionally wear jeans and tennis shoes; usually when putting around camp in the dirt. I always wear a helmet without exception.