Archive for the ‘Motorcycle Safety’ Category
As part of our West Coast adventure, my boyfriend and I paid a visit to Yosemite National Park. In addition to being avid bikers, we are avid rock climbers. Yosemite is well-known for its boulders as well as El Capitan. We didn’t need too much cycle gear to get us to the park, so we had plenty of room for our climbing shoes and ropes.
We camped out at Camp 4 which became known post-World War II as a rock climber hang-out. The first two days we spent bouldering, including scrambling on the Columbia Boulder. Later on my boyfriend climbed The Nose, one of the original climbing routes of El Capitan. I chose to hang back as my ankle was hurting, but I got some fantastic photos from the ground.
While some people scoff at wearing a helmet, anyone who has been in an accident would say that wearing a helmet is essential. The truth is that helmets save lives, even if they don’t look all that fashionable. Whether you’re riding a bicycle around the neighborhood or riding your motorcycle down the highway, a helmet is necessary for safety. Not wearing a helmet can result in not just a citation from a law enforcement official, but also extreme trauma or damage to the head. Just like wearing a seat belt is essential in a car, a helmet is essential for bikes, motorcycles, and ATVs. Motorcycle helmets are now more advanced and comfortable than their predecessors. But no matter what kind of motorized vehicle you’re using, it’s important to wear a helmet.
Despite jabs at being unfashionable, most helmet models are streamlined and aerodynamic. In addition, you can find a wealth of different helmets that feature cool decals. There’s always one to suit an individual’s style!
If you are choosing to ride a motorcycle safety plays a huge factor. It doesn’t matter if you are on the freeway or down a dirt road. There is no reason why you should not be completely prepared. It doesn’t matter if you are a new rider or have been riding for years.
Motorcycle riding boots are not an option that you can ignore. Tennis shoes don’t give you the protection that boots do. They can easily slip off if you are in an accident. Boots also keep your ankle in place preventing dislocation of your ankle.
My mother had a very strange mid life crisis. She decided to buy a motorcycle. She wanted the wind in her hair. I told her to get a scooter, but that wasn’t happening. She always wanted a motorcycle.
I wanted to make sure that she was fully prepared for her new venture. I really wanted to make sure that she had all the right type of gear. Safety was a concern of mine. Her concern was looking good. We went online and typed in motorcycle gear online and found quit a bit of things. Cool stuff for her and safety gear, so I wouldn’t worry. I still worry.
Were you aware that there is a nationwide Department of Transportation law requiring helmets to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218? In summary, the standard, enacted in 1974, states “This standard establishes minimum performance requirements for helmets designed for use by motorcyclists and other motor vehicle users. The purpose of this standard is to reduce deaths and injuries to motorcyclists and other motor vehicle users resulting from head impacts.”
Novelty helmets and beanies do not meet the standard. In some states, like Maryland, wearing a non-certified helmet is punishable by fine. Remember, your safety is a lot more important than some half-baked, ornamental brain bucket. Do yourself and your loved ones who ride a favor by only purchasing and wearing certified motorcycle helmets.
Motorcycle boots haven’t always been a staple of riding; there is photographic evidence that early riders wore whatever they wanted, or had at the time, on their feet. The switch to boots was a natural progression as riding can leave you susceptible to many foot injuries. Harness boots are a popular style among riders.
Harness boots are similar to engineer boots, but the harness boots are made from heavy weight leather. Typically, harness motorcycle boots range in height between 10 and 18 inches, though some get as tall as 38 inches. These boots do an incredible job of protecting the rider from the heat of exhaust pipes and engine block. The foot and leg are protected from injury by steel toe caps and metal shank in the heel.
Riding a motorcycle has long been associated with being a rebel. Just because you’re rebellious in your choice of ride doesn’t mean you should rebel against basic safety precautions. Before you go out riding, make sure you have the right motorcycle safety gear.
There are three major things to consider when picking out motorcycle safety gear. First, you need to protect your head. Head trauma can lead to irreversible brain damage and/or death, so choose a high quality helmet, not just any old brain bucket. Next, avoid road rash by wearing tough materials like leather that covers your arms, legs, and hands. Finally, wear goggles or protective sunglasses. There’s no way you’ll be able to see well if your eyes are constantly tearing up from the wind and dust being kicked up in your face. Follow these few simple guidelines before you go off on your rebellious ride.
Your leather motorcycle jacket keeps you protected on the road, so show it some love with proper maintenance. Using a soft damp cloth, gently remove road salt from the outside of the jacket. A quick wipe down should be sufficient; too much water can damage leather, after all.
Next, work leather cleaning product into the jacket with a clean soft cloth. Buffing the jacket – wiping in circular motions – will remove most of the dirt and give the jacket a bit of a shine. Shea butter can then be applied to the leather motorcycle jacket as a conditioner. Finally, hang the jacket on a wide hanger in an area that gets plenty of ventilation.