Fashion Statement?
As everyone has noticed, winter is upon us. Even here in Sunny South Florida. It’s not a problem though, Florida is still the ride all year state! Since the weather is cold I just wanted to share my thoughts on typical riding gear. One of my favorites, and the one I get the most grief about, is my leather chaps. Besides looking like i’m dressed for halloween or a refugee from a YMCA video, people wonder where your horse is. I tell them the HORSES are parked outside and there’s about 76 of them! Unless you’re heading for a biker meet or it’s freezing outside, you may be a little sensitive about wearing them. I have to say, when I first got them, I felt a little self conscious, but really, the benefits far outweigh loss of dignity, lol. Seriously, for long trips or cold weather, chaps can’t be beat. I actually didn’t know what I was missing. My first 2-3 hour ride with the chaps on, showed 2 major differences. The first is obviously my legs were warmer and I was more confortable during the ride. The second was bit of a surprise. I did not realize how the wind resistance affected my legs. After a ride wearing chaps and spending the day at an event, I felt less stress and less tired then before the chaps. More comfort and less weariness adds up to a safer ride! Of course, being able to enjoy your entire day’s ride with less aches and pain is great too. Motorcycle pants serves this purpose as well but won’t last as long and won’t keep you as warm. So, for those of us who have chaps, keep enjoying them. For those who don’t, give it a shot, they really work, you will really appreiciate them on your next long cold ride. If you find it works and this was helpful, pass it on to your ride buddies. After all, if we are all wearing chaps, there will be too many of us to make fun of.
Ride Safe,
GR
