Motorcyclists Nook

Motorcycle Boots, Anyone?

2005-11-19T05:54:00.000-08:00

When we speak of motorcycle footwear trend, what comes first to our mind is boots. Wherever we go, we observe that people are fascinated with this footwear.

If we are to trace its origin, we can say that it started from humble beginnings. Hides were first used in Egypt. They are tied around the foot to give warmth and protection. Nonetheless, the first boot was known in Greece and Rome.

Nowadays, boots have already established its significance in the fashion industry. Not only that, boots also invaded the motorcyclist communities. In fact, online motorcycle apparel stores are putting emphasis on this footwear apparel. Some of the renowned stores are Alpinestars, Agvsport, Icon and Double H. If you are into classic boots, Harley Davidson’s footwear may be the one you have been long waiting for.

Boots come in different colors, styles and fit. Some have what we call ‘supertech boot’ that has removable liner. In addition, its inner structure is biochemically designed. Some boots are even made waterproof. Others come with aluminum heel slider and ventilated heel guard. All these features redound to the durability, comfort and elegance of motorcycle boots.

Boots protect you, they can make you shine. Keep kickin’, enjoy ridin’, potent boots are just a few kicks away!

Why I still Prefer Leather?

2005-11-11T13:36:00.000-08:00

I love leather. It’s perfect for my motorcycle apparel. I guess this is not only true to me but to the majority of riders, if not all.

Leather, as we know, is animal skin. Basically, since it is skin, it needs oil to keep it supple, flexible and soft to prevent it from cracking or chaffing. It differs with live skin in the sense that leather is not renewed from within and does not produce its oils to take care of itself. Nonetheless, leathers are treated with similar processes for skin like cleaning using soaps, conditioning and drying up.
There are a lot of materials in the market today like nylon, pleather, vinyl-based materials and mesh but they did not spoil my fascination for leather. Why?

First, because leather has a very high abrasion resistance compared to other materials. Every time I come off my bike and slide over a gravel-strewn stretch of asphalt, I know that I will need something that will abraid to shed speed without tearing.

Second, leather is pretty durable. The more you use it the more it gets better. In fact, it can last a lifetime. Compared to other materials, they can only last for 5 years – the most.

Third, it is not flammable unlike vinyl-based materials and pleather.
Fourth, other materials can lead to heat stroke. Unlike these materials, leather produces same rate of heat with the human skin, thus, it can less likely produce the same.

Actually, this is not the end of the list. There a lot more reasons to use leather but as for me these are the topmost reasons.

5 Steps in Maintaining Leather

2005-11-11T13:02:00.000-08:00

To retain the optimal condition of leather, there are 5 steps to consider: They are the following:

Sealing

It is the process of waterproofing the leather. In doing so, seams, edges and holes are fastened with the use of sealers. Sealants come in few varieties and brands. For apparel that is not so critical with oil exposure or that has 1 day absorption, products which have high mink oil content. Mink oil is a good moisturizer and softener.

Stripping

Stripping is the act of removing all oils from the leather. Light petroleum-based solvent is used to remove the oil and sealant to expose the raw leather beneath them.

Dying

Dying is the process of staining or restraining leather to achieve its desired color. Leather dyes are available in a wide variety of colors. Usually, it can only be dyed to a darker color or back to the color it was originally dyed.

Conditioning

Conditioning is the act of adding oil and wax to moisturize the leather in order to make it supple, shiny and pleasing. Dry leather cracks when flexed. Thus, we must moisturize it to avoid damage. Be aware though that that leather conditioners often darken the appearance of most leathers.

Cleaning

Finally, we clean the leather. It is the process of washing and soaping the leather to remove dirt, excess oils and stains. Saddle soaps are great for this job. Don’t soak the leather, just clean its surface.

Those are the five indispensable steps to a supple, durable and healthy leather!

ROSSI’s Racing Suit was on eBay

2005-11-10T17:01:00.000-08:00

It’s amazing! Valentino Rossi, the 7-time World Motorcycle Racing champion, together with Dainese, auctioned the former’s racing suit which he wore at the GP race in Sachsenring, Germany. The incredible offer of 38,850 neuro on eBay started last October 27 and ended last November 3 at 12 o’clock noon.

Dainese website made the following write up:

“The process of the auction was captivating, with vertiginous bidding managed by eBay.it which always watched over the correctness of the publications, checking the data of the potential buyers in real time.

In the last few minutes the neck-for-neck race between the British user wj15 and a user in Australia saw the victory by 50 euro of the British bidder who also has an additional reason to be pleased with his purchase. Dainese Spa will devote the whole proceeds of the auction to the financing of a scholarship for a project on motorcycle safety, in collaboration with the mechanical engineering department of Padua University.

As all fans are well aware, the seven times World Champion Valentino Rossi is very jealous of his racing suits and keeps nearly all of them. This is the first time that Dainese, who have provided clothing and protection for their favourite since the beginning of his career, have relinquished such an important memento. As if all this were not enough, the Sachsenring suit has an even more special significance: “The Doctor” returned it to the Dainese Racing Service on 29 July 2005 after his fall at 150 kilometres per hour during the free trials on the German circuit. Protected by that perfect suit, the champion walked away unharmed after flying into the gravel, then took first place in the race to win his 76th success in the top racing category, thus equalling the record of the unforgettable Mike “the bike” Hailwood.”

This is the first time that Dainese, Rossi’s motorcycle apparel sponsor, has given a racing suit with historical interest. The reason behind the auction is to support the study grant dedicated to a motorcycle rider safety project which is in collaboration with the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Padova.

Hail the modern heroes!

Riders: Next Target of Impotence and Loss of Libido

2005-10-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

Stupefied. That was what exactly happened to me when I read the study on riders regarding the possible loss of libido or impotence of riders. For a couple of minutes, I wasn’t able to move. When I return to my normal reflex, I think it over. Getting injuries and feeling numb at times are manageable and ordinary. However, when you say impotence and loss of libido – no way! It means ‘death’ in the bedroom and on the fields of escapades.

Dr. Steven Schrader, a reproductive health expert at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, said that it was no longer a question of "whether or not bicycle riding on a saddle causes erectile dysfunction but what are we going to do about it?"

The studies conducted by researchers at Boston University and in Italy, found that the more a person rides, the greater the risk of impotence or loss of libido. On one hand, researchers in Austria have found that many bikers experience saddle-related trauma that leads to small calcified masses inside the scrotum.

Dr. Goldstein said, when a rider sits hard on a narrow saddle, the artery and the nerve are compressed. Over time, a reduction of blood flow can mean that there is not enough pressure to achieve full erection.

Whoa! Quite alarming… Great efforts must be therefore exerted so as to possess the protective (not destructive) saddles.

A Kit to Remember..

2005-10-26T16:11:00.000-07:00

Life’s full of surprises. And most of these surprises are not even wanted. They oftentimes catch us off guard. Defenseless as we are, we have no other recourse but to suffer life’s cruel aftermath. However, there are times when we can preclude things from getting worse. Or better to preclude them from happening.

In riding, there are instances when you wish you have done something to save the day. This situation has also happened to me several times already. I’ve experienced injuries and fractures that could have been prevented if I have the right things. Now I’ve learned my lesson so every time I travel on my bike, I always bring with me my very precious motorcycle accessory – my first aid kit.

My kit has antiseptic and burns ointments, latex gloves, a pair of scissors or shears, distilled water, pain reliever, sterile gauze pads, muslin triangle bandages and ice bag. In cases where one is wounded, it is easy for one to cleanse the wound with water, apply some ointment and cover the wound with gauge or bandage if said materials are accessible. If in case, there is bleeding, latex gloves can be used to avoid contamination. Gauge and bandages can also be used to staunch the bleeding. If in case there is fracture or limp, careful handling is necessary. It is better if riders have knowledge in first-aid. Emergency hotlines must also be familiar to riders for quick assistance.

Now, I’m more active and confident!

Taking Rider Course

2005-10-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

Taking Basic Rider Course can be pretty exciting. They teach you the importance of driving smoothly, maturely and safely. They also impart to you the significance of protecting yourself by wearing helmet and motorcycle apparel to reduce the gravity of possible injuries.

Aside from being exciting, it can also be tough at times especially when you are required to do the tests continuously. Lack of sleep, exhaustion, being hungry and other causes like the penetrating heat of the sun will test how tough you can be. However, when you finish it all, whew - it’s overwhelming!

Andy Wismar said in his blog entry Learnin’, Learnin’,Learnin’, “Spending 16 hours in full-length shirts and pants, with a helmet on, sitting on a running bike, on a giant, shadeless slab of parking lot, in 95 degree heat, is a great recipe for the meanest back-of-the-neck sunburn you can imagine. And heatstroke, but I avoided that one. Other than that, I had an absolute blast, and feel tremendously better on a bike now. I had previously mastered going fast in a straight line, which I have to believe is the easiest of the motorcycle skills. Turning, braking, swerving, and about ten other things really needed work, and I think I got that this weekend. Things started a little slowly, but they do have to cater to the lowest common denominator. I'm glad I did it, it was worth the sunburn”.

Gas Mileage and More

2005-10-20T13:57:00.000-07:00

What attracts me most about bikes is its performance. The horsepower and the torque must really excel in order for it to be considered a good bike. Other important things to consider are the following: engine power, gas mileage, and quality of its motorcycle parts. The fact that it won’t be troublesome riding on it is a great factor. Looks of the motorcycle only comes second.

In Motorcycle Fuel Efficiency, a blog entry authored by Travis, he introduced the issue on gas mileage. It still one issue that rings a bell. Gas mileage has still a long way to go and riders have to evolve with time.

Earnest efforts were already made by the United States, Asia and other continents and there are a lot more efforts to be exerted in order to make the automobile market efficient both to the riders and the environment.

The release of the hydrogen-powered motorcycle is an effort to cleanse the air we breathe from carbon monoxide and other harmful release. But, said change is only the beginning…and more to come…

Watch what you eat

2005-10-18T09:17:00.000-07:00

Are you health conscious? This is for you, then…Gotta have enough of those calories to keep the fun out of riding going!

Here are the essential nutrients for riders and other active individuals:

Carbohydrates
Like any other active individual riders must be fueled by a carbo rich diet. Carbo can fuel both slow and high-intensity activities like riding. It is the most ergogenic nutrient. It means that it stimulates performance. Rice, sugars, pasta, beans, bread, grains and starches are rich in carbo. Lack of carbo especially when you are physically active may result to premature exhaustion because the energy stores are depleted.

Fats
Fat is not ‘all’ bad. In fact, it is another energy source that fuels performance. It supplies the body with essential fatty acids which are essential to our skin and other organic functions. It also carries with it fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) which are good for eyesight, blood clotting and other benefits.
Fat only becomes bad when taken more than twice as other energy-dense nutrients. Saturated fat or those that are generally solid at room temperature are less healthful compared to unsaturated fat. Thus, rider must prioritize unsaturated fat.

Protein
Protein is our body’s guard against wearing and tearing of tissues. It grows new tissues in order to repair the damaged ones. Nuts, tofu, peanut butter, red meat, beans, cheese, chicken and fish are rich in protein. Riders must set 15 to 18 per centum of protein in their daily diet.

Calcium
Dairy products like milk and cheese are best sources of calcium. Other sources are broccoli, kale and collard greens. Calcium is for strong bones and teeth. It also helps protect against muscle cramps.

Sodium
Do not cut on salt because they are essential in the absorption of water, stimulation of thirst reflex and maintaining fluid balance.

Potassium
Bananas and orange juice are good sources of potassium. Potassium is an electrolyte which sometimes gets depleted over a long period of hard work. Riders must have enough so as not to deplete electrolyte.

Live healthy, ride hard!

Communication Remedies among Bikers

2005-10-18T09:14:00.000-07:00

Bikers are a creative lot. They are also great in expressing themselves and communicating with each other without having to speak face to face. Having access to a lot of medium for communication have made it easy to cross the communication barrier between them.

These medium may be through their motorcycle apparel and accessories. Aside from clothing, their bodies also become a medium. As to their speaking with fellow bikers while riding a bike, it is a crucial thing remedied through the use of handy communication gadgets built especially for motorcycles and the use of bikers.

Here’s some of those gadgets. See if you already have one with you

Motorcycle Two-way Radio Communication Kit – this is a flat helmet speaker with noise reduction microphone. This kit is controlled by a button for handlebar. This gadget helps to have bikers speak with each other freely even as they are on a ride.

Helmet Speaker and Microphone kit – this gadget has basically the same features as the two-way radio kit. Its additional feature is its accommodation of inter-bike communication.

Both these kits can have speakers to easily fit into the helmet. The buttons can also be quickly mounted on the handlebars.

Meanwhile, another gadget, a Motorcycle Two-way Radio package with helmet speaker and microphone kit has two – way radio as a feature in its package.

The Bluetooth-enabled Motorcycle Helmet set is very sophisticated. Having this helmet will enable you to make or take calls. Both open-face and close-face helmets are suitable for this set of communication medium. It has up to 7 hours talking time and 1 week stand by. Volume is adjustable depending on the speed and noise level of the bike.

Great huh? So who says aye to this proud pieces of motorcycle apparel and accessories that aims to bridge the gap among bikers all around.

The Six ‘S’ in Riding

2005-10-05T16:39:00.000-07:00

The big ‘S‘ is for safety. But how can we be safe when we know, we are in a dangerous environment?

Though, we cannot eliminate the risks and danger in our routes and trails, we can do something to at least be safe in our own simple. Besides, risks and danger are the special elements why riding is thrilling and addicting.

So what can we do? Here are the ‘S’ that must be remembered at all times. This will make our ride sizzling fun yet secured!

1. Solid Standard. Start with state-of-the art motorcycle parts. Tires, lights, brakes, springs, sprocket, chassis and the likes must be in good functioning condition.
2. Shielding Clothesline. Socks, leather boots, pants, vests, jackets, gloves, helmets, eyewear and other motorcycle apparel must be so protecting. They must protect you against pricks, injuries, lesions, fractures, limps and the likes. Be sure of their quality and protection!
3. Stealthy Bikes. Remember that a great percentage of collisions are attributable to conspicuity. Therefore, extra efforts must be done to make yourself visible to others.
4. Scan, slow down and stop. Scan the road whether there are pot holes, bumps, stones. Also know when to slow down - for instance, in intersections, traffic and during rainy days. Stop when necessary. These are ways of driving defensively.
5. Signals. Watch out for other riders, use hands and light signals to communicate with them.
6. Smart Riding – that is. Obey traffic rules and regulations. Do not ride ‘under the influence’. It may mean diminution of your ability to think safely and soundly!

Be responsible. Recklessness may mean taking of the life of other riders – or the other way around. Your life may be at stake…

Unfit for a Ride?

2005-10-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

At first, we are hesitant to ride. This is because we are preoccupied of the ‘negative side’ of riding. And the negative side involves, the thing called FEAR. Fear that you might end up victim of collisions. Fear that you’ll get hurt, wounded, injured, fractured, or die a horrible death.

But when you overcome that initial fear, the next hard thing is getting hooked. You might probably wake up one morning already obsessed with riding. From the magazines your reading, the trails you wanna conquer, the group of riders you wanna join, to the shows and online sites – you bet – they are all about bikes. The burning fire of desire to own this bike, this motorcycle apparel, these accessories…Actually the list is endless…

As you progress, you will realize the value of being safe, secure and sound. Listen to what your body is telling you. Listen to the needs of your bike and never compromise you safety and health.

Lastly, learn to enjoy!

Riding Rules!

2005-09-30T07:45:00.000-07:00

Why can’t we get enough of our riding escapades?

Some say it is machismo that is holding us. Some say it’s the thirst for adventure. Newbies are saying it’s for the heck of trying. Nevertheless, whatever the reason may be, the blatant truth is that – we are hooked and addicted!

Riding may come like an ‘aphrodisiac’ – it makes you crave for more… and more. It is a spice in my life that is comparable to other essentials. It’s nice to travel long and witness the scenic spots all over the country and across the continents. Not only that, it is also nice to get struck by a raging rain or storm and yet overcome it all.

The riding community also welcomes the amateurs as well as lady riders who are struggling hard to be ‘one of the guys’ in the field. A significant 9 percent of riders are women. When two genders smash together, it will definitely mean more fun.

The immeasurable liberty, courage, pain, thrill and fun is incomparable. The feeling is not capable of expression. We just live and we live it the way we wanted it. Riding rules. Bikers rules.

Life After Rita

2005-09-26T16:34:00.000-07:00

After the great tsunami followed by hurricane Katrina, here comes another deadly hurricane by the name of Rita. As Rita spirals the coast of Louisiana and Texas, the lessons of the past devastations are put to test.

As the military launches its hurricane rescue effort to save people, cattles and other animals as well as properties, as the government is busy with its outreach operations, we can't help but think of our friends and distant relatives who might have been injured by Rita. It is good to know that Louisiana, Texas and Houston are now recovering from the ill-fated hurricane. But we can't oversee its consequences.

The pain, damage, injury caused by nature, though not controllable by man is actionable. The destruction is massive and collective loss is so great. We do not want it repeating all over again so we must make a stand. Why don't the government order a timely study and plan the possible remedy or prevention of these force majeurs.

Let us not just sit around and talk about the loss and destruction. We can do more. We just have to take the initiative and diligence...

Managing Risks

2005-09-25T02:47:00.000-07:00

I happen to read an article entitled Motorcycle Risk Management. I wanna share it in order to enlighten other riders or would-be riders on howw they can manage the risks which are very evident attached to any vehicle.

Let's face it, we are dealing with machines. Machines that are controlled. If we lose our control during the most crucial point, we lose our chance to correct it. it can either cause damage or injury to our disadvantage.

To avoid these unfortunate happenings here is what the aforesaid article tackled about:

There are few steps to consider in risk management. These steps are:

1. Acknowledging the existence of risk. The fist step is to admit that there is a risk in riding. By this reason, the rider rides accordingly because risk to people and property may be at stake.
2. Risk Assessment. This is a learnt skill. Those who are newbies are somewhat groping when it comes to assessment skills. Thus, they must exert more effort and take advantage of time to increase their skill. The lack of protective gears while riding is a clear manifestation that the rider has poor risk assessment skills.
3. Risk Recognition. One cannot manage risks if he does not recognize them. There are two forms of risks – the subjective and the objective. The subjective risk is that which is inherent in a rider's attitude. Objective risk, on the other hand, is created by environmental, vehicular and roading conditions.

Gotta Winterize It!

2005-09-25T02:23:00.000-07:00

Winter is fast approaching so I gotta choose whether to winterize my bike or simply enjoy riding...but then I also have to take a rest from the cold winter time so I chose to winterize it. how do you winterize? well here are my steps to do the same.

7 Easy Steps to Winterize:

1. Check first if the bike has mechanical problems. If you have detected a defect, fix it first before you proceed.
2. The engine oil and the oil filter must be replaced.
3. Fill the gas tank. Then add stabilizer. To gauge the right quantity of the stabilizer, consult the instructions on its can. After that, run the bike for a few minutes.
4. Check the bike's battery. Clean its battery terminals and connect a Battery Tender or similar trickle-charger.
5. Wash and wax the bike so as to keep it in good condition.
6. Use motorcycle cover to protect the bike while the winter breaks in. Keep the bike in a warm garage.
7. Finally, make it certain that the bike is locked up and its registration and papers are removed so as to avoid liability if in case the bike was stolen.

After winterizing my motorcycle. I've got to prepare my motorcycle apparel to an action-packed adventures this coming sping. By then, it the weather will never be that detrimental. Afterall, we deserve to enjoy!

Riding fetish

2005-09-15T15:31:00.000-07:00

We have our own fetishes. Some are related to foods, clothing, accessories, even in riding. Me, my only fetish are bikes. I like to customize, experiment with different bike parts and motorcycle apparel to bring out the bike fanatic in me. I am amused with lots of things. Say, colorful and artistic bikes, gears and clothing, dangerous stunts and the likes... I never thought that another thing can add up the list.

I found this blog http://bluepoof.blogs.com/motorcycle/2005/09/commuting_weeks.html while I was browsing for some bikers’ blogs and to get in touch with my group as well. In an entry entitled Commuting Weeks 1 and 2, Carolyn, a software engineer at the same time a rider divulged her gear routine. She said “During my first five years at Danger, my bike gear ritual was fairly simple. I wore my Helimot leather pants every day, along with a weather-appropriate jacket. I left a pair of shoes and a pair of jeans at work; when I got into the office, I'd grab the jeans, go into the restroom, change, and store the leather pants (and my bike boots) in the corner of my cubicle for the day. Reverse these steps for leaving work at the end of the day.

This worked very well when I was a programmer and only really ever wore jeans and sneakers. These days, though, I'm wearing nice jeans, other pants, or even sometimes -- gasp -- a skirt. I even have a couple of different pairs of shoes that I wear. So I needed a new gear routine.

Now, I leave the TourMaster soft luggage on the SVS all the time (I'll need to figure something else out when the rain starts, but for now, this works perfectly). In the morning, I deposit my purse into one bag, and my shoes and any blazer/jacket into the other. If I'm wearing a skirt that day, that goes into the bag, too. My new FirstGear HT overpants go on over my jeans (or a pair of shorts, if skirt).”

Yes, SKIRTS! Ever since I became a rider, I never encountered a lady biker who wears skirts while driving (though that can be a pretty interesting sight!). They always come in pants. However, some of my biker friends told me that a number of lady riders are doing it. I was more shocked when I read in the comments that there was even this woman who has ridden in a DRESS! Whew! What a pleasant sight!

Bike Riding’s ‘Two Sides of the Coin’

2005-09-14T15:16:00.000-07:00

In proteinwisdom.com Jeff Goldstein writes, “Often times, the wisest means for passing another motorist is to do nothing and wait for her to get out of your way”.

Riding is a culture that has molded the freedom of riders. It creates an air of independence and self-esteem that makes the rider believe in his capacity and dominion. When he is sure of the quality of his bike, its parts and the dependability of his motorcycle apparel, a rider may exude toughness, flexibility, agility and confidence.

Motorcyclists and riders alike are forming communities to meet and help each other out. They drive together and enjoy every road trip or riding adventures better than ever. They discover the exciting routes, the dangerous terrains and risky stunts to satisfy their thirst for out of this world escapade but above all what matters is the weight of brotherhood and camaraderie as well as the elation of driving-freely.

Riding is exhausting but fun. It can be both risky and safe depending on the rider’s attitude and other surrounding circumstances.

Riding has a dangerous tendency – that’s pretty evident. At any time on a busy street collision may occur. In a split second, a driver may lose its control over the brakes and crash unto pedestrians. Bikes may turn turtle, may bump and can most likely cause death.

Circumstances can be divided into two – the foreseeable and its contrary. Head-on collision, side-sweeping, force majeure and other probable circumstances may happen. The other motorist may not foresee the incident while others can very well manage the circumstances. But no matter which of the circumstances a certain rider may be into, the best defense is to be prepared. Don body protection. Use quality bike parts. Though, we cannot totally prevent accidents but we can control the gravity of resultant effect.

World of Make-Believe

2005-09-07T16:40:00.000-07:00

Angrybob commented on his blog entry entitled Ugh: Torque, The Movie:

“I have spent the last several nights in a hotel which leaves me with HBO as my in-room entertainment when there is no internet access. I’m not a big TV guy, but its been quite a long time since I’ve gone to the movies now that I have kids. I had the misfortune to tune into Torque, the movie the other morning while I was packing up, etc.

As an Aprilia Mille R owner, I am embarrassed…truly ashamed. Within seconds, the movie identified itself as complete bullshit. It was the wheelie that was initiated at 160mph that that did it…in the opening scene! I know a guy back in Detroit by the name of ‘Rocket Rex’ who has a turbo R1. He can get the front wheel up at about 120mph, but not much more. Oh yeah, that stock boat anchor of a pipe breathes real well I am sure.

Now that the Aprilia brand has been soiled, there’s more…much more. This was like a bad car accident - you know you shouldn’t look but you simply have to watch as you go by. I simply had to look while I was packing up my suitcase (so much so that I was late for breakfast).

I’ve been off road with my Caponord and it wasn’t really that fun. I climbed a gravel hill and even that bike the way it is has limits off-road. To take sport bikes in the desert sand and have not even one token crash, I just shook my head, grabbed the remote, and killed it. And yes, I know this is for entertainment. There still should be boundaries between fiction and complete stupidity.

I have no idea what happened from there and don’t care. This was a dumb-ass movie that did nothing for sport bikers…even the already dumb-ass street ’stuntas’. I want to have the Aprilia USA guy who approved that fired. I want my 45 minutes back.”

Truly, movies can sometimes be exaggerated and unreal this is why it is called the world of make-believe. However, those can only be true if they are dealing with fiction. If non-fiction are concerned I think it will be better to stick to the truth so as not to mislead the viewing public.

Protected and comfy

2005-09-01T18:20:00.000-07:00

Protection and comfort are two of the most important factors to consider in riding. If you are not protected and you’re not comfortable with what you are wearing, change them so that you will not regret later

I also experienced this. Before, I rode with my leather chap, pullover socks, boots, jacket and the rest of the prescribed apparel but still I feel uncomfortable. Perhaps, it was because of the layers of pants, pullover socks, jacket and the likes that hinder the proper insulation of the wind throughout my body. Perhaps, it was the bulk that hinders me. To my surprise, a co-rider also asked me about this. So together we looked for an apparel to answer our needs.

At first, we tried to use not-so bulky and heavy apparel and accessories because they limit the rider. We just use the gears and apparel with snug fit that allow the rider to move freely. Aside from that, we also tried specialized motorcycle underwear apparel and it felt light and breathable.

Underwear apparel is not made from regular fabrics. They are designed to give thermal protection to lessen the possibility of chilling. Compared to the regular underwear that we used before, this kind is very thin and stretchable yet absorbent. We get our stuffs from RideGear and Motorycle Apparel and Parts Trade. Nevertheless, there are a lot of reputable stores either online or not.

Me, Myself and Riding

2005-08-31T16:22:00.000-07:00

If you are to ask my family and friends to describe me, I think you can get a unanimous answer of – He’s a fanatic rider! I’m not gonna claim that I’m one of the best riders in the world but for sure I can rock the routes the same way as the professionals do it.?

Riding is a learned ability molded by determination. It needs mastery and to master it needs a lot of practice and adventure. It’s learning while getting hurt but having fun as well. I’ve encountered a number of accidents. Some gave me bruises, some fractures, some limps fortunately not death.

Some of my non-rider friends are saying I’m a masochist. I know it’s hard to explain to them because they can only understand riding until they learn to ride. Getting hurt, getting injured is part of the adventure. In fact, they have become part of my escapades. I live it.

But too much of everything is dangerous. Too much can kill. So I try to protect my self. I use my Alpinestars' accessories and apparel and examine the oem motorcycle parts of my Ducati SR2 Monster to feel secure about my ride. Most of the time, to use and inspect them is the hairline demarcation that spells life and death of a rider.

I want it to be clear that I don’t drive to die. I don’t have suicidal tendency. I just wanted to ride and explore. That’s basically the essence of riding doing what you ought to be done!

Hilarious Ad

2005-08-27T15:48:00.000-07:00

Never expected ad can be this funny… =) Why did I say so? Read on…(This was lifted from autoblog.com posted by Christopher Diken)

This Helmet is like brand new. I bought it for my wife, but it's to small for her big fat head.
You know, it was all a big lie right from the beginning. I asked her if she liked bikes, (I’ve
been riding since I was 9 years old.) She's like "Yeah,I love Motorcycles, they're great!" Now,
I’m thinking to myself, this chicks cool, she's hot, has big boobs, and loves motorcycles. I
gotta snag this one up quick. Little did I know that as soon as I gave her the engagement ring,
all that would change.

First, it was a subtle hint, you know, that the wedding's going to be expensive, and that that
 band costs just as much as my motorcycle. With all these wedding plans going on, I hardly have
time to ride my bike. I'm schlepping all over the state looking at reception halls, listening
to cheesy wedding bands, and picking out floral arrangements. She brings up the fact that I
haven't ridden my bike in a while now, (No kidding!! She won't let me out of her sight for more
than 5 minutes!) and that maybe I should sell it.

Now, that brings a whole lot of tension into the situation. I'm like no way! Then I notice that
our sex life has reduced dramatically. A man has gotta do, what he's gotta do, so, I sell the bike,
thinking that things will get better. She promises me, that as soon as we get married, she'll get
a good job, and then I can get another bike. We get married,and we're having sex everyday. Life is
good. The Evil One is looking for work for like, 6 months. I find it hard to believe that she can't
find a damn job, but who am I to say? She's just holding out for that Management position she says.
To be quite honest, I really don't care, she's cleaning my pipes better than Roto Rooter. Then the
kicker…She tells me she's pregnant. All the while i thought she was on the pill! I ask her how this
happened, and she said the pill gave her facial hair. (I really couldn't see a difference, after
all she is Italian). Fast Forward 9 months…I’m out breaking my back doing manual labor, she's a
big, fat, hairy lipped beach ball, with the disposition of a rabid Pit Bull. Nothing i say, or do
is good enough for her. The day she gave birth, I thought again, that things will change for the
better. WRONG!! Now everything’s about the baby. Me, I’m second fiddle.

Sex life? Ha! The only time I get some action is when I see her breast feeding the little bastard!
I'm going crazy, at least if I had a motorcycle, I could take out some of my frustration. Even the
guys at work notice how miserable I’ve been. One day, my partner rolls up on a brand new bike. I
wanted to commit suicide. He knows how bad I wanted another bike. He sees the look in my eye, and
asks me if i would like to take it out for a spin Friday night. It was truly the first time I lit
up since marrying that bitch. Friday rolls around, I cash my check, and head on over to my partners
house. I cruise around for a while, and end up at this little bar on the edge of town. I head up
to the bar, place my helmet on it, and order a beer. I look over and see this little hottie
chatting it up with her friends. I notice that the eye contact is getting more and more frequent.
After a few more minutes, she walks over to me and tells me she just loves motorcycles. That they
get her "excited". I ask her if she wants to go for a ride. Her beautifully full lips widen
with a pearly white smile. I take that as a yes. I grab her by the hand, and lead her to the bike.
She straps on the spare helmet that was on the bike, and away we go. We ride for hours. She taps
me on the shoulder, and tells me her apartment is on the next block. Would I want to stop in for a
while and have another beer. Who am I to say no? I watch her lead the way, and I can't keep my eyes
off of her tight lil' behind. I think back to the days when old hippo ass looked like this. Well,
once upstairs, one beer turned into two, and so on. The next thing I know, I’m in bed with
her, and she was amazing! It was the best experience I have ever had. Right then I had an epiphany.
I had to be happy . I wasn't going to live a miserable existence for the rest of my life and
something had to be done. Long story short, I left my hairy beast of a wife. (She's done good since
I left. She remarried an Appliance salesman named Harold.)

While I was moving out, I came across the helmet. I don't ever want to be reminded of my miserable
past life, so please, make a bid. I have a motorcycle payment to make! The helmet has no scratches,
size MED and i would rate it a 9 out of 10 Winning bidder to Pay with PAYPAL ONLY.

Helmet’s Saving Grace (I’ve experienced it!)

2005-08-25T16:50:00.000-07:00

I was on my way home after a race and just made a smooth stop to make way for the red light when I suddenly feel a strong bump on the rear part of my bike coming from an ambulance at my back. It was so strong that I and my bike landed on hard pavement. According to the witnesses whom I talked to after I got well, I landed head first that they thought I either broke my neck or banged by head so hard that I will not make it alive. Good thing I wore my full-face Shoei helmet! That was the very instant when I realized the importance of gears.

It is a given fact that head injury is the leading cause of death in motorcycle collisions. It is also true that this motorcycle apparel item prevents eye injuries and distraction from dirt, dust, wind and harmful debris. Aside from that, fitted helmets improve the hearing ability by streamlining the head and ear that deduces wind noise in order for the rider to hear other sounds. Not only that, it also protect our soft and fragile brain. Damage to the brain can change our lives drastically. Said damage can even end lives. So the best thing is to put on that helmet whenever you go for a ride.

In some states like Michigan, there is a mandatory helmet law to keep the riders ride safe and sound. The significance may not be realized by now especially the amateurs in the riding world but as they grow old and are acquainted with the dangers of the road, they too, like me, will be thankful they have opted to be SAFE in their riding routine..