What gear advice would you give a new rider – just starting out?
Photo courtesy Motorcycle Mojo Magazine
Here’s how these experienced Motorcycle Mojo fans responded.
24 riders advise new riders on motorcycle gear
- Kevin G. Stay comfortable but don’t compromise practicality or personal safety for what someone markets as “fashionably bad-ass”. Wear durable,conspicuous protective gear.
- Debbie M. Wear all the gear all the time…no matter what the weather.
- Mark K. ATGATT. Best helmet you can afford. Boots that cover ankles, gloves to help with fatigue, textile or leather gear with protection. I am a proponent of high vis but each his own.
Darlene D. TAKE A RIDING COURSE AND WEAR FULL GEAR HEAD TO TOE!
- Karen G. If you are going someplace hot, get a helmet that is NOT black, and wear a light, long sleeve something rather than riding in a tank top in the heat. I also recommend gloves, long pants, boots for protection.
- Tony M. AGAT All the gear all the time
- John T. A good helmet is the best insurance you can ever buy! but don’t forget about the rest of the safety gear!
- Leeann C. Full face helmet, protective jacket, non laced covering ankle boots and protective gloves. I’ve got a great jacket. Joe Rocket Ballistic jacket that’s like a 4in1 jacket that will go all the way down to mesh. You can add on waterproof top shell, wind breaker liner and “winter” liner. I just keep all my liners in my bag. Living in Canada riding at the beginning of the season can start riding at 9C, mid day 24C and back down with maybe rain. I’m always prepared.
- Bruce H. Start with a machine you are comfortable driving. You can always step up later. Always better comfortable and safe on your early bike.
- Kevin T. Good comfortable gear and a helmet that fits properly. Remember kids it’s not a fashion show… It’s your safety
- Mark-John H. take the safety course!
- William B. H. A good helmet and safety gear is important , but more important is to make sure that it fits and is comfortable ! I’d much rather have a dorky looking but well and comfortably fitting helmet/jacket/pants and ignore the cool looking and less comfortable stuff !
- Ken C. Spend as much time as u can on a dirt bike, that’s where the good riders come from.
- Robert M. Wear it… And flip flops are not considered gear
- Martin S. I like gear with removable liners and lots of venting. Warm enough for the ride into work and cool enough for the ride home
- Suhaymath N. Do your research. Shop for motorcycle-specific items, especially when it comes to pants. I think too many people ride in regular denim and other material with zero abrasion resistance. Pad yourself as much as possible. Consider those new neck braces. Absolutely buy a FULL FACE HELMET!! Basically, don’t skimp at all and keep yourself as protected as humanly possible…and then some.
- Kevin D. 1. New Helmet. Good quality Jacket and gloves (new or used). Do not group ride until you have over 2000k.
- Sandi S. Protective gear is obvious, but do it according to the weather too. Don’t over do it on hot days, there’s good stuff out there to keep you well vented so you’re not getting over heated.
- Rick C. helmet, boots, gloves, jacket…….
- Tim M. Take courses, street , dirt , track and enjoy everyday riding
- Mike P. I think there is so much focus on lids, that people forget the importance of good fitting, comfy, and safe foot wear
- Alex D. Take many courses. Read books. Start on a small cc bike.
- Kevin D. My instructor advised us to not group ride for first 2000k. Best advice… Best to learn road placement on your own.
- Bruce A. a lid you can afford, boots (no sneakers) explain shoelaces could catch on gear selector and leather jacket or nylon (again what u can afford) and gloves…padded gloves. lid and jacket are most important as I have taken a few spills and this stuff takes the worst of the beatings! Footwear is important but never have slid on my feet off a bike. oh and good leather chaps or those jeans that have kevlar knitted in for highway runs where sliding on highway will tear most clothing to shreds within 50 feet.
Posted in Riders Speak by .
May 13
17
Space Oddity
Colonel Chris Hadfield has to be one of the coolest people ever. A great leader. I admire what he’s done for mankind and am in awe of what can be accomplished when we set our minds to it.
There are no borders in space.
I love watching the ISS pass overhead as it orbits the earth, imagining the astronauts in it and what they’re seeing. If you’ve never done it, check the schedule here and watch it on a clear night. Absolutely amazing!
Here’s Colonel Hadfield covering David Bowie’s Space Oddity from OUTER SPACE earlier this week!
photo credit: `James Wheeler via photopin cc
Posted in Feel Good Friday by .
The vulnerability of riding a motorcycle makes it an excellent teacher of communication skills. The immediacy and potential severity of the outcome when others misinterpret or ignore us are great motivators for learning how to communicate our intentions clearly and concisely.
Using these same skills in life leads to robust personal and professional relationships.
7 lessons for building communications skills
- Make your intentions clear. With so much information coming at us from all directions, it’s important to break through the clutter. Congestion – whether it’s workload or traffic – and multitasking create distractions. Be clear, purposeful, and persistent. Proceed with courage and confidence. 7 reasons for building intent into communications
- Use your signals. Whether you know it or not, you give signals all the time. Clear, explicit messages backed up with clarifying behavior confirm your intentions and make your journey that much more enjoyable. 9 signals that communicate intention
- Practice Mindfulness. Mindfulness refers to being completely in touch with and aware of the present moment, on purpose and without judgment. Listen to your intuition and let it guide you. 9 aids to mindfulness
- Focus on priorities. You receive many more signals at any one time that you can process. It’s easy to get distracted and lose focus. That clutter clouds thought processes, usurps precious energy and muddies communications. 9 steps to prioritize your day
- Recognize your filters. Anything that interferes with the way you send or receive messages affects your ability to make an informed decision. Thoughts, biases subjectivity, cultural training all act as filters and influence how you encode and decode messages. 9 communication filters to know for your safety
- Recognize defense mechanisms. They’re like protective gear, worn to protect you from perceived harm. Although effective in reducing anxiety, they can distort reality, interfere with clear communications and mask authenticity. 9 defense mechanisms – protective gear of the spirit
- Look in the mirror. They show you what’s going on in your surroundings while sharing your reflection with others. Similarly, people at as mirrors, delivering life lessons to you and reflecting back what they perceive coming from you. 9 messages from mirrors
In an ideal world, you would send your message out once and everyone would understand it exactly as it was intended. Realistically, that rarely happens. However, the better you get at clear and consistent communications through whatever medium best reaches your audience, the more efficient you’ll become. That reduces your workload, facilitates good relationships and frees up time for play.
photo credit: DanBrady via photopin cc
Posted in Thursday Thunder by .
May 13
15
7 Keys for Staying in Balance
When you’re out of balance on your motorcycle the feedback is immediate and the consequences potentially devastating. The effects of being out of balance in your personal life can be harder to recognize and take longer to surface, but can sideline you just the same.
7 keys for staying in balance
- Start with the fundamentals. Learning to achieve balance in your life is every bit as important as learning to balance a motorcycle. Establish a goal, acquire the appropriate skills, then keep your eyes up, looking where you want to go. 9 building blocks for balance
- Remain vigilant. Wheels that are out of balance present a safety risk and cause uneven, accelerated tire wear. Riding through rough conditions can cause wheels to become unbalanced. Everyone goes through rough spots and encounters bumps on the road of life. During these times it’s even more important to take steps to minimize the upset to your life. 9 Ways to Maintain Balance
- Use your eyes. Looking where you want to go keeps you balanced. It’s a fundamental skill taught in the first lesson new riders take. Allowing distractions to take your eyes away from our path will cause you to lose focuse – and your balance. It’s risky because it will take you off the road. 9 ways successful people use eyes to maintain balance
- Pack wisely. Learning to recognize a load that’s out of balance, drawing on alternative resources and jettisoning that which isn’t necessary alleviates pressure and creates a much more enjoyable ride. Taking on additional responsibilities, whether you choose them or the Universe delivers them, can create stress, anxiety, fatigue and illness. 9 ways to pack for balance
- Learn the controls. Proficient use of controls is essential for maintaining balance on a motorcycle, especially at slow speeds. The life parallel is unmistakable. Knowing how to recognize the thoughts and behaviors which control your behavior, understanding your strengths and using them wisely, keeps you upright. Reminding yourself that you control your own power builds confidence and allows you to grow. 9 ways to use controls to maintain balance
- Embrace change. On or off your bike, knowing how to maintain balance through times of change is a survival skill. It’s no time to take on the victim role. You’re the only one at the controls so how effectively you navigate through change is a testament to your preparedness, perspective and choices. You must be an active participant. 9 ways to stay balanced while dealing with change
- Adjust your load. There are times you need to stop what you’re doing, evaluate the situation and take corrective action. Sometimes all it takes is a small adjustment. Other times, you need to make difficult choices about people and activities in your life. 9 actions to restore balance
Take a lesson from your bike and check in periodically to make sure you’re managing all that’s asked of you, including mindfully caring for your Self.
photo credit: westpark via photopin cc
Posted in Life Lessons from Motorcycles Wednesday Wisdom by .
Most collisions between a motorcycle and another vehicle occur because the driver does not recognize that the motorcyclist is an oncoming vehicle. They either pull out from a side street or turn in front of them, into their path of travel.
Regardless of who’s at fault in an accident with another vehicle, the motorcyclist is the one who’s most likely to be injured. There are a few simple guidelines to reduce your chances of being hit and increase the odds of a fabulous ride!
10 Tips to Increase Your Visibility on a Motorcycle
- Wear high visibility gear. You’re a lot smaller and narrower than other traffic, thus harder to see. The more you can increase your visibility and reflective strips on gear, the more likely you’ll be seen and reduce your odds of a collision. Read: High Visibility Helmet Buying Guide by Revzilla and Schuberth C3 High Viz Helmet Review
- Choose a motorcycle color other than black. Bright colors are easier to see. Even better, add reflective tape or stickers in places where headlights are going to find them.
- Use hand signals in addition to the bike’s turn signals. Any additional movement can be the one that alerts a driver that you’re about to change direction.
- Ride on the inside tire track on 2-lane roads. This maximizes your chance of being seen by oncoming traffic. I like to “wiggle” the bike a bit approaching intersections, especially if I can see someone ready to turn left. It’s another movement to catch their attention.
- Tap your brake to activate the light when slowing down, even if you don’t need to use your brake. It helps the vehicle behind you to realize you’re decelerating.
- Guard your position when making a turn. While the exact positioning varies with lane configuration and dedicated turn lanes, generally position yourself in the left tire track if you’re making a right turn and the right tire track in a left turn lane.
- Keep group sizes manageable. Wise leaders keep group sizes no larger than 8 motorcycles. If your group is larger, break it into smaller numbers, each with a leader and sweep rider. It’s way safer and easier to manage the group but beyond that, it’s difficult and dangerous for a car to pass a large group. Fatalities have occurred when a vehicle tries to pass a large group on a 2-lane road and because of another oncoming vehicle, can’t pass the whole group and cuts in midway through. You have nowhere to go.
- Leave a buffer between you and the vehicle ahead to allow time to react to traffic or obstacles. If a car driver doesn’t see the ladder or exhaust pipe across the lane until the last minute, he can still get over it. Not so likely for you.
- Leave more than enough space for braking. You can stop faster than most other vehicles, including the one behind you. Just because your bike is capable of doing it doesn’t mean it’s safe to leave stopping to the last minute.
- Make sure you’ve got the skills before you put yourself in a position that you don’t belong in. Others can detect nervous riders and it can make them do irrational things. If you don’t have the skills to be riding with a group or keeping up with traffic on the freeway, practice. Build your confidence and skills first, then go out.
We share the roads with other vehicles and all have a right to be there. Do your part to help reduce the chance of a collision. Next week we’ll talk about how car drivers can do theirs.
photo credit: JohnnyEnglish via photopin cc
Posted in Motorcycle Tips by .
May 13
13
7 Lessons on Interdependence
Any being, whether human or machine, exists through a complex series of interrelated systems. The interdependence of these healthy relationships means that they are neither dependent nor co-dependent.
Focusing on how the whole being functions and its support systems acknowledges the importance and necessity of wholesome relationships – beginning with the one with your self.
7 lessons on interdependence
- Think holistically. It matters not that your gas tank is full if your tires are worn out or your battery is dead. Similarly, each physical system needs to work together for your body to be healthy. Illness in one area affects your whole being. 7 ways spas promote wellbeing
- Create healthy relationships. Without a rider, the bike just sits there. And without a bike, the rider walks. Learn how to create healthy, fulfilling relationships by studying the relationship of motorcycle and rider. 9 characteristics of interdependent relationships
- Build a team. People come and go in your lives, joining you for different parts of your journey and different purposes. Each has something to teach you and something to contribute. Your challenge is to consider the influence of others without losing focus on where you’re going. 9 principles of team building
- Find your tribe. Everyone belongs to a tribe somewhere. As humans we need it. The motorcycling community exemplifies the power and benefit of belonging to a tribe. This is backed up by scientific data which has shown that finding your tribe is better for your health than vitamins, diet and exercise. 9 tips for finding your tribe
- Utilize experts. While there is an abundance of online advice available for everything from soup to nuts, there will be challenges beyond your scope when it’s prudent to consult with an expert. By inference, they are an extension of you so learning how to work together effectively is important. 9 experts that keep you on the road
- Become an advocate. The rights, freedoms and lifestyle enjoyed by many have come about through the dedication, focus and persistence of advocates. Erosion of those rights is insidious and requires vigilance, active participation and support of those who protect them. 9 easy ways to advocate
- Co-create relationships. You affect many lives yond your own. A single act of kindness is remembered forever. Motorcycles are non-judgmental, accepting and open to new experiences. Following their example can teach much about sustainable, fulfilling relationships. 9 ways to co-create harmony in relationships
Apply these lessons to your own life and watch your relationships increasingly enrich your life, your road and those you share it with.
photo credit: duckunix via photopin cc
Posted in Life Lessons from Motorcycles Personal Growth by .
What do you do when you’re on a trip, need to reach a destination and have to go – but don’t feel well enough to ride?
Here’s how these Motorcycle Mojo fans responded.
17 riders advise how to handle illness while traveling
- Debbie M. Find a nice hotel and take a break
- Pam B. Not well enough to ride? Easy. Abort mission. Nothing is more important than your safety and your life. Whatever the pressing matter, it can wait until you are feeling up to it. Or park the bike and take another form of transport, then come back for the bike later.
- Mark K. It’s all about assessing, planning, acting and re-assessing the situation you are in. Take a short break and see if you recover, sometimes you have no choice but to ride and immediately stop when it is safe to do so.
- Darlene D. Not ride and find a place to chill out and catch some zzz’s
- David L. Go to ground – an extra night in a motel can mean life rather than death!
- Liz J. I was overcome with heat once in Napa and rode far longer than was safe. Dangerous. Was trying to make it to friends a couple of hours away but had to take a room – was sick there for 2 days.
- Sandi S. This happened to me after my first “long trip” last year. I woke up the next morning aching from head to toe, could hardly even open my mouth to eat. We just stayed an extra night where we were. Nothing is so important to risk your safety.
- John T. Always Stop and be safe!! it’s not just for you, but also for any riding buddies as well!
- Tony M. Never put a time limit on my rides BUT I’d use a cell phone to let them know I won’t be there and head humbly home to the best of my ability
- Karen G. This happened to me last summer. I had to change a whole bunch of plans/reservations, as I would have been literally risking my life to ride, as sick as I was. I was on a solo trip at the time.
- Tim M. Very cool bike now to the question at hand I’m never that organized to have a set time to be anywhere
- Donna R. Take an extra day where you are.
- William H. Do the smart thing , call ahead and let them know you will be late then go to ground till you are well enough to ride.
- Frank B. Put it in “party mode” and go!
- Jeffrey M. If you don’t feel well, simply don’t ride.
- Bruce A. pop a couple aspirins and try to ride it out because clock is running sometimes u have to get to destination no ifs buts about it. Depends how sick you are otherwise ride it out.
- Kevin G. I answer so many hypothetical and real life situations and scenarios pertaining to riding /driving with something that was drilled into me a long time ago…. “When in doubt…. don’t”.
Have you ever been in that situation? How do you handle it?
Posted in Motorcycle Tips Riders Speak by .
How do you make sure you’re physically, emotionally and mentally ready to ride?
Here’s how these Motorcycle Mojo Magazine’s FaceBook fans, handle it.
14 riders on deciding when they’re ready to ride
- Mark K. Don’t ride angry.
- William H. Just as you should have a check list to inspect your bike you should have a mental checklist to examine you mental and emotional state before you throw a leg over the bike !
- Pam B. I’m pretty weak after languishing in the hospital last summer so I joined a gym and am trying to build up my strength so I can feel more solid and confident on my new Triumph.
- Kevin G. When the familiar ritual of getting ready to go riding seems to be taking way, way too long, then I reluctantly reach for the car keys.
- Darlene D. I always give the bike a good go over, make sure my gear in a good state of repair. I check over the route I am taking, make sure I have cash and my cellphone is charged. I also let people know my eta. I make sure I am well rested and in a good headspace. If I am tired or upset I don’t ride.
- Lindsay T. I get my gear on and ride
- Tony M. All three – plus checking the bike
- Leeann C. Check pockets are zipped closed, luggage is secure, brakes work, double check helmet strap especially when distracted while talking before a ride, check amount of fuel and go
- Suhaymath N. Physically, I just generally try to make sure my endurance is decent enough. Strength is secondary. Emotionally and mentally (and contrary to all logic, especially regarding being in the right frame of mind to ride!), I honestly have this constitution where I can jump on a bike in absolutely any mood and it has no effect on how I ride. Obviously, I try to be emotionally and mentally clear by default, but I feel lucky that it’s not a steadfast requirement for me.
- John T. always be happy and open to others, as they are the ones who usually make the ride most enjoyable, Always do a walk around before getting on the bike and occasionally close check for loose parts etc… Safety is first!
- Karen G. On a trip or a really long ride, I try to get lots of sleep, drink lots of water, eat a healthy breakfast. The emotional part seems to take care of itself as soon as I’m rolling.
- Malcolm K. Just thinking about going for a ride is enough to make me ready to ride! That and being stone cold sober are all I need.
- Tim M. Never in shape, always wanting to ride, remember that I control what’s happening around me.
- Bruce A. full tank, wallet in pocket with insurance, walked around tightening if necessary, check air pressure, turn signals, brake lite…ride baby, ride!!
What do you do to make sure you’re ready to ride?
Posted in Motorcycle Tips Riders Speak by .
With the spotlight on mothers this weekend, it seemed fitting to balance things a bit with some touching dad and daughter stories. I love to see the wonderful relationships male friends have with their daughters, and female friends with their fathers.
I credit my own dad, with my early entry into motorcycling. While I don’t remember him encouraging it, he certainly did nothing to stop it – and leaving that door open was all I needed to go through it.
Of course it could have been that he was so busy on the farm and feeding six kids that it was the least of his concerns.
3 Heartwarming Dad and Daughter Stories
These stories will tug at your heartstrings as surely as they tugged on mine.
Military Dad Makes Daughter a Prom Dress
“When David Herron’s 17-year-old daughter couldn’t find the prom dress of her dreams, he did what any resourceful dad would do: He sat down and made her one from scratch.
A former military man, Herron had learned how to sew his stripes and hem his own uniforms. But making a prom dress? Totally new territory.”
A Now Open Letter to My Daughters
Never intended to be an open letter, this letter to two college-age daughters, was published in hopes that other parents will take the time to find the words to encourage their children.
Dads and Daughters Create Memories
One has to admire the leadership and compassion in these future fathers.
Fathers and daughters do the train as they dance to the Mambo during the 7th annual Military Father Daughter Dance at the Crowne Plaza Colorado Springs hotel, April 13, 2013.
The Armed Services Young Men’s Christian Association put on the dance to help dads and daughters strengthen bonds and create memories.
Dads and daughters have special relationships. My dad just turned 87 and he’s still interested in helping me tend to my motorcycle, giving it prime real estate when I visit or offering what is now token muscle to loosen a bolt. I’m very grateful we’re still making memories. Thank you Dad.
photo credit: Peter Werkman (www.peterwerkman.nl) via photopin cc
Posted in Feel Good Friday by .
May 13
9
The Call
May has always been a favorite month for the extraordinary energy it delivers. The unstoppable power of nature is evident all around as tender shoots push through the earth after a winter of germination, seeking light, reaching and opening to the sun. Along with this energy comes lessons, for without them growth is not possible.
One of my clearest insights came on May 18, 2008. That was the day I found myself sitting on a mud path in the woods, facing a carpet of trilliums and unable to move my right arm. I’d started the day in an off-road riding course and had just catapulted over the handlebars, landing squarely on my shoulder, shattering it.
I knew instantly that a divine experience was unfolding and a course correction had occurred. I was forced into stillness. It was time for me to learn about my own power and listen to the voice that was trying to guide me.
Reading the deeply touching words of Oriah in her book, The Call, I couldn’t help but see the personal message her words.
“But sometimes we can listen only when our illusions of control and safety have been shattered, when we are lying on the ground — figuratively or literally in the wilderness — weeping and ready to say, as Rumi wrote:
I didn’t come here of my own accord.
Whoever brought me here will have to come and take me home.”
A lot of ground has been covered since that day in the woods five years ago. Listening and along with it the courage to act, are still challenges. The lessons continue, as they will for as long as I am here.
I share Oriah’s eloquent poem, with the wish that you too will find meaning as we journey along our road. Thank you Oriah for your inspiration and courage.
The Call by Oriah
I have heard it all my life, A voice calling a name I recognized as my own.
Sometimes it comes as a soft-bellied whisper. Sometimes it holds an edge of urgency.
But always it says: Wake up my love. You are walking asleep. There’s no safety in that!
Remember what you are and let this knowing take you home to the Beloved with every breath.
Hold tenderly who you are and let a deeper knowing colour the shape of your humanness.
There is no where to go. What you are looking for is right here. Open the fist clenched in wanting and see what you already hold in your hand.
There is no waiting for something to happen, no point in the future to get to. All you have ever longed for is here in this moment, right now.
You are wearing yourself out with all this searching. Come home and rest.
How much longer can you live like this? Your hungry spirit is gaunt, your heart stumbles. All this trying. Give it up!
Let yourself be one of the God-mad, faithful only to the Beauty you are.
Let the Lover pull you to your feet and hold you close, dancing even when fear urges you to sit this one out.
Remember- there is one word you are here to say with your whole being. When it finds you, give your life to it. Don’t be tight-lipped and stingy.
Spend yourself completely on the saying. Be one word in this great love poem we are writing together.
Posted in Personal Growth Personal Stories by .
