Interesting comments re ATGATT, it all boils down to this: One rides one’s own ride…part of my entry into the world of motorcycle riding was weighing the risks as you do, and acting accordingly when it comes to riding safety gear.

I’ve jumped (really just fallen) out of perfectly good planes and helicopters while young and in the army, but never really felt that “immortal” quality. Let’s just say the fear factor was always there. It’s a wonder I never really got hurt while doing such things, I think a twisted ankle while running in a company formation was the biggest thing.

Was I glad I was wearing full gear when I went down, you bet. My wife was happy as well and I think the way the gear did its job in protecting me is one of the major reasons she’s not placed any objections on further motorcycling on my part. Gives her some peace of mind, ATGATT, and as you know, if the wife ain’t happy, no one is happy!

Don’t get me wrong, she’s very supportive of my need to get a riding “fix” as often as possible, calls it my prozac on wheels in terms of dealing with life’s stresses. I expect she’ll be less thrilled once we’re back in Winter mode here in Colorado and I still want to go riding but we’ll cross that bridge then.

So, long story short, while I won’t ride without a helmet, I have ridden around my block for short periods without full ATGATT while testing out wrenching work on my motorcycle. So I understand where you’re coming from, I do feel like I am asking for trouble by not wearing it all but it is a pain sometimes to be ATGATT. But, that’s me and my view of things, it’s the way I’m put together.

In the end, one can only ride one’s own ride when it comes to motorcycling….

thanks, I hope we meet someday…. : )

dom