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Learning Adventure

by Stephanie
(Georgia)

I've been riding for a couple of months. Took the safety course and got my license in April of this year. Since then, I've been out riding around town and practicing curves.

My husband and I decided to take a short ride to the store. He rides a Harley. I ride a Honda. He said it was too hot to wear his protective jacket. I was already sweating from the heat before we talked about the store. So, I thought I'd be adventurous and leave my jacket at home too. As always, we wore our helmets.

At first, my main worry was having my shirt fly up and flashing on-coming traffic. The wind did move my shirt around. The air felt good. We made it to the store fine. My shirt had stayed in place. I really enjoyed how easy it was to use my blinker without my gloves.

On our way home, we noticed cars in the opposite lane with their windshield wipers on. I started to panic. Looking ahead, there was a downpour. I have never been on my bike in the rain. What if I slipped? Then I remembered that I did not have my protective jacket on. I prayed earnestly and kept going. My husband and I have a communication system in our helmets. He said just drive straight through the rain.

We got home and dried off our bikes in the garage. I promptly changed clothes. What a ride! I know most seasoned riders don't bat an eye at rain. For me, it was terrifying. Making it through that fear makes me want to ride more. (Just not in the rain.)

Comments for Learning Adventure

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Jul 10, 2012

reply
by: Stephanie

Thank you both for your words of wisdom. When I have heard of biker accidents, the bad ones all have one thing in common, no gear.

I will wear my jacket and helmet from now on or I just won't ride. You said it best when you said "the sweat will wash off but road rash will not."

Thanks!

Jul 10, 2012

wearing gear in Ga.
by: Anonymous

Hey Steph, I live in Ga just west of Atl.so I know it's hot here. Just keep in mind that when you ride without your gear that you are inviting a case of road rash if you go down. The pads may save or lessen your injury. I know you're probably saying that you'll be careful and be extra safe so it won't happen to you. Well you can wash off that sweat but you can't wash off the road rash. I've been riding 23 yrs and been down twice and my gear took all the abuse. I was sore but no road rash. You thought enough about your gear to spend your money on it but it doesn't do you any good when it's in the saddle bag or at home. I've always been ATGATT and was glad I had it on when I went down. The second time I went down the little hospital pretty much had a trauma teem waiting and couldn't believe that my BF and I were the m/c accident they were waiting on...we were both up walking around and talking. (We trashed both m/c's so we came home in a U-Haul truck.) They said they usually see folks in t-shirts, shorts and flipflops and spend hours removing rocks/sand/dirt/clothing from the accident victim. Go on the net and do a search for "Rock the Gear" that has Brittany Morrow telling her story.
Good luck and the rain riding will get better as time passes.

Jul 04, 2012

riding in the rain
by: robin_uganda

Hi Steph,
For me, wearing my gear makes all the difference. I've been in downpours in less than full gear & it just isn't so much fun being soggy! ={ Ha! When I have my Exelement gear though, it can pour & it doesn't bother me at all. My MotorX helmet has a great visor that keeps all the rain off my goggles & it's a surprisingly dry, comfy ride.

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