Archive for February, 2011
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.
Motorcyclists are a multi-faceted group. There are so many different sub-cultures associated with riding. One such sub-group is motorcycle riding clubs. These clubs have their own uniform of sorts called colors.
Colors refers to the motorcycle vest as well as the patches that adorn it. The vest is adorned with club-specific patches, usually located in the middle of the back. The patch or patches will display the club logo, name, and the letters MC. Sometimes patches will also identify a state, province, or other regional insignia. The colors belong to the club, not the individual, and it is considered an act of disgrace to allow colors to fall into the hands of an outsider or rival group.
When I first started riding, I used to wear leather pants and leather jackets. I found that whenever I got to my destination, the pants that had kept me warm and protected on the road, quickly overheated and stuck to my skin off the bike. A fellow biker suggested I try motorcycle chaps as an alternative. When he first said the word chaps I immediately thought of the Christina Aguilera video where she parades around a boxing ring in chaps. I gave my friend an inquisitive look and after he finished laughing at me for listening to pop music he explained what motorcycle chaps are.
A quality pair of motorcycle chaps will protect you from road rash just as well as a pair of leather riding pants. The difference being that motorcycle chaps fit over your pants and can be removed when you get to your destination. When picking out a pair of chaps you just have to be careful to leave enough room for your pants, particularly around the thighs. Now, I wear my motorcycle chaps whenever I ride, and when I get to my destination I just take them off and throw them in my pack. No more overheating for this girl!