Didn't need
encouragement, but got it anyway.
[ Monday - July 20,
2009 ]
About a week ago or more, I decided to pull my Gaerne SG10 boots out of
the closet and start wearing them. Why? Because in about a
month or two I'm going to be off road around the
Mammoth Lakes area. It's about time I get use to the off road
configuration again. This will be the first time I'm riding the
8GS with the SG10. I don't know how it's all going to work.
Fortunately, within a weeks time, the boots have really loosened up and
I'm riding in comfort. The previous thought that I have broken in
the SG10
when I was riding the F650GS was a misnomer. Oh well, at least
the boots are now truly broken in. I'm actually able to shift
with only a moderate amount of effort. The Mammoth situation is
looking better every day.
It's easily 95F during the commute home today, but the combination of
the cool vest and the SixSixOne pressure suit is really helping to keep
things reasonable. The white SG10 boots is also doing a good job
of reflecting sun light and the heat from the bike and surrounding
cars. So
I'm sitting here at the intersection waiting for the light to turn
green. I notice a Mercedes of some form behind me. The
driver is nice enough to give me adequate space so that the license
plate is not stuck up my tailpipe. Trust me, I'm always thankful
when
drives give me that little bit of space. When
the light turns green, I slowly roll out beyond the starting
gate.
At this point the Mercedes behind me has already changed into the
adjacent lane
and begins to pass me. This is when things get
interesting. As she passes me she slows down a bit,
rolls down her driver side window, and utter the words, "That's a nice
outfit you have there..." I said "Hello!" and start
laughing. By this time, she has already shifted one more lane to
take the freeway.
Apparently the combination of the SixSixOne pressure suit, the Leatt
neck
brace, the BMW pants, and the Gaerne SG10 boots was sufficiently
safe/impressive enough that she had to comment on the
configuration. I really
didn't need additional encouragement on my safety gear, but I'm more
than happy to take positive comments when a car drive spends an extra
couple of seconds to appreciated the
amount of safety gear that I have incorporated onto my being.
It's nice to know that people out there appreciate and recognize the
need for safety gear. As for me, I follow my heart and the
Captain's comment (e.g. "You can never have enough safety gear when
riding a motorcycle..."). In certain circumstances I sometimes
feel that ATGATT is still not enough. Fortunately, this is far
and few in between. I'm also very happy, glad, proud, etc. that I
haven't had to use my safety gear. Knock on wood. I'm
hoping to keep it that way.
Written on: July 20, 2009
Last modified: July 20, 2009
