Sunburn

Sunburn

by Colleen
(Algona, Iowa)

I am a 49 year old motorcycle newbie. This past weekend I took the MSF Rider Ed course and am proud to report I passed! It was the most exhausting fun I've ever had. My problem is that I was having so much fun durring the 2 days of rider training I forgot to protect my face from the sun. Now I have sun poisen and THE WORST hives on my face, Doc says it will clear up in a couple days with this medicine. So now I'm picking up my first bike ( ! ) on Saturday - a week after the major burn - and am feeling apprehensive about riding in the sun again. I am not sold on the helmet issue; I will wear one while I'm practicing & getting used to my bike for sure, (the same 1/2 helmet I had in class) but to purchase a helmet w/facesheild isn't an option to me right now. I will deffinately use more sunscreen from now on but feel I need more protection than that. I wondered about a bandanna worn on the face Jesse James style? How have you, my fellow lady riders dealt with this issue? Any suggestions?

Comments for
Sunburn

Click here to add your own comments

Mar 14, 2011

Advice from My Rider Course Instructor
by: Anonymous

Even though in NY it is the law to wear helmets, I personally would never think of riding without one. I remember taking my rider course about 5 or 6 years ago we had to do the in-class stuff and the on-the-bike practical stuff. I honestly don't remember any details from the in-class portion of the course except for one. My instructor said that helmets were expensive but that we should be willing to spend as much on our helmet as we thought our head was worth. I'm not sure about everyone else but I kind of like having a head and I won't be so naive to think that I'll never go down. I mean with all of these celebrities dying from head injuries from ski accidents and suitcases falling on their heads I can only imagine what falling off a bike could do to one's head.

Sep 02, 2010

Sunburn
by: Anonymous

Wear sunscreen and reapply often, more covered you are the less sunscreen you need to apply.

Don't forget about your neck and upper chest which can be exposed to the sun even wearing jackets. Skin cancer can be deadly so be proactive. Always sunscreen on those cloudy days too!

Aug 15, 2010

Sunburn
by: Colleen

Thanks to you all for your input. I have 50 SPF sport sunscreen now that is supposed to be sweatproof so don't have to worry about eye sting. Also, a co-worker of mine has a full faceshield helmet she is letting me borrow as she is out of the sport right now. Between the two I believe all will be ok.

In my state of Iowa we still have the personal freedom of choice to wear a helmet or not. I am aware of the dangers on the open road and do not take my safety nor the safety of others lightly. My freedom of choice allows me to take responsibility for myself and my actions as I see fit without an outside source telling me this is what I HAVE to do because they think it's best for me. I took the motorcycle rider education course to educate myself not only on how to operate the bike, but also how to be safe and protect myself while operating the bike. After all, I did not go hunting the first time without taking a hunter's safety course first. It just makes sense. See you on the road! Ride safe and ride free! Thanks again. -Colleen

Aug 13, 2010

Sunburn
by: Aili

My mother-in-law spent 15 years on the back of a Harley. She had melanoma on her nose, and even though they removed it all, there is a nasty scar. Every time she had surgery (3 times) she looked like she had been beaten, both eyes black & blue... people would give my father-in-law dirty looks and rude comments thinking he did it.

I always wear sunscreen (put it on every morning rain or shine AND keep some in the saddlebag for re-applies), but sometimes I STILL burn. I tan well but am very fair skinned. I wear a mesh jacket to protect my shoulders from the sun (its got armor too, just in case), and always wear jeans & boots. Half-helmets don't do much besides keep you legal in states with helmet laws. A basic full-face is only $90-100 and you can often get last-year's models cheaper (mine was $55). When I know I'll be all day in the sun, I wear my helmet, and put a cap in the saddlebag.

Aug 12, 2010

My 2 Cents Also
by: Anonymous

I rode behind for 30+ years, I have always wore a full face but all that time I road in tanks & t-shirts & an occasional long sleeve shirt.

About 5 years ago I made the jump to my own bike. Shortly after that we were on a really long day trip and noticed all this stuff hitting me because I didn't have anyone in front of me blocking it, no place to tuck into and hide from road gunk. So from the voice of experience...think about the following:

I know helmets, jackets & gloves are optional & a personal choice, but why would you choose not wear them.

You will not only get a sun & wind burn, but both will dry you skin & hair and you will start to look leathery and aged.

I wear all 3 (helmet, jacket & gloves) and see what they look like at the end of a day of riding. My jacket & helmet both are splattered bugs and covered in road grim. My gloves protect my hands from bugs and gravel being kicked up by cars, trucks & wind.

If you choose not wear the safety gear... all of this Road Grim gets splattered & ingrained in your hair, arms and your face.

If the above mentioned reasons are not enough for you to at least wear a helmet.. then sun burn will be the least of your problems if you should ever go down. Believe me you can go down in parking lots or waiting on a stop light.

I have had friends that have done it and ended up with concussion/stitches and road rash (not a pretty sight).

Like I said it is a personal choice but considering the consequences not a bad choice.

And last but not least, I know you wouldn't think so, but it is a LOT cooler without the sun beating down on your head and arms.

Again...just my 2 cents worth!

Aug 12, 2010

Burns
by: Sandra

Hey, just my 2 cents to use as you see fit! Burning the scalp, as mentioned below is VERY painful, so be sure to cover your head or protect w/sunscreen...

As for the helmet issue - it is a personal choice, and obviously not the law in your state (mine either). But if you are shying away from getting one because you cannot AFFORD it as opposed to don't want to WEAR one, I beg you to reconsider.

Check on-line with bike supply stores and discount clearing houses, e-bay and Amazon for deeply discounted and close-out pricing if you are in need of a good deal...I purchased a Bell shorty WITH face shield for $90, and then found and purchased an HJC FS-3 (SNELL approved 3/4 helmet) with shield for $85!! Since I have a daughter who wants to passenger, and since I believe in protecting my gray matter, I am ecstatic about getting 2 good helmets for the price of one.

We (husband and I) purchased our leather jackets last fall before we even got our bikes! Kind of a promise to each other that we were going to make the investment into our bikes this past spring...I purchased gloves w/my first helmet. I'm still shopping for the perfect pants ... draggin jeans or leather chaps??...and feel I cannot afford these yet, so I get the point there. But I guess we each must make that personal decision as to how valuable our body parts are to us in regard to the risks. I prefer to dress for the fall and enjoy the ride!

I hope your final decision meets your personal health AND financial needs without compromising either.

Aug 12, 2010

Sunscreen
by: VMaxChic

I light skinned too. I use Banana Boat with 30 SPF. I also use a facial moisturizer with 15 SPF(Dramatically Different by Clinique). I also like using the Banana Boat stick sunscreen on my nose, chin and cheeks - even my lips!

I've tried the spray sunscreens, and although they're nice because you don't get it on your hands, many of the spray sunscreens stain your clothes. They mention that in small print on the back of the can. My husband and I have ruined several shirts using the spray.

I also go tan about once a week early in the riding season so I don't burn.

One tip - when you're off the bike and walking around places, go without your sunglasses (even if it's just a little while) to avoid getting raccoon eyes. Ride safe! :)

Aug 12, 2010

Sunscreen
by: Wind Dancer

I had Sun Poisoning 30 years ago. I am very fair skinned and burn in 5 minutes in the sun. When I am going riding, after I get out of the shower, I put sunblock, 55 or higher on, before I even start putting on gear.

I reapply on my hands when I wash, and if I am riding all day on a long trip, I reapply on my face. But I rarely end up with a burn, unless I forget to reapply on my hands. I wear a half helmet. Just remember to reapply. As I mentioned I am very fair skinned. I am white as a sheet, and plenty of people in Florida tease me about it. But you can avoid sunburn if you are diligent in applying the sunscreen.

Aug 11, 2010

Sunburn
by: bikermama

I have blond hair and am really fair skinned. I use the tinted moisturizer sold in the makeup department at local stores. I just stop and apply it from time to time. My face never gets sun burned. Also don't forget to use lipbalm with sunscreen. Nothing hurts worse than sunburned lips.

Aug 11, 2010

Sunburns are a Thing of the Past
by: Sassy2731

First, Congrats on taking and passing the Safety Course! Second, I have found a small bottle of spray sunscreen SPF 55 that I keep in my saddle bag. I can close my eyes and spray then spray my neck, and arms also. If you don't wear a helmet I would suggest also spraying your hair to keep from burning there as well. (trust me I've seen it) On really hot days I will also wear a long sleeve light color denim shirt over my tank. I hate to get sunburned and have even gotten burned in the wintertime here in Texas. You can also get a wind burn which is sometimes worse. I have had both actually at the same time. The sunscreen really helps. I'll be the only one in a group not burnt and everyone will asked how I keep from burning and I'll pull out my sunscreen. You don't have to buy the expensive brand. Mine is the Walgreen's Brand but the spray on is just easier to apply by yourself.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Ask (or answer) a Question

Community

General Users Forum User Bike Pics Your Bikes Helmet Hair Bike Questions Motorcycle Advice Why Ride Motorcycle Events & Rallies Biker Rally Pics Favourite Roads Riding 2 Up Deals Gap Motorcycle Friendly Resorts

Just Ride!

Learn to Ride Best Bikes Sport/Touring Bikes New Bikes Bike Values Insurance All About Roads Great Roads Commuting Night Riding

Seeing the World

Touring Long Distances Camping Trips

Gear & Gadgets

Apparel Motorcycle Gear Helmet Stuff Motorcycle Gadgets Luggage Trailers Comfy Seats

Motorcycle Articles

Guest Articles Tips for Lowering Your Insurance Premiums Organizations Safety History Security Maintenance

womens motorcycle at Bizrate

Bizrate

Subscribe To This Site

Return to Top

Sunburn

Comments for Sunburn

Comments for
Sunburn