“Surviving!” or wear leather motorcycle gloves as part of my protective gear
No amount of leather will prevent you from hurting yourself. Helmet, Leather Jacket / Full Leather Suit – One or two pieces, leather motorcycle gloves, boots are the minimum level of protection when riding a bike. Shorts and flip flops are not! We know that riding a bicycle is risky. That is why we do it. Managing and enjoying risk is the key to a long, fulfilling life as a motorcyclist.
Yes, we know that motorcycling is dangerous, but we’re in it for the long haul, so let’s minimize the risks. Anti-lock braking systems are said to minimize the risk of motorcycle accidents. An increasing number of new bikes are coming out with the little ABS button on the handlebar controls that turns on with motorcycle gloves.
But the key is to use your senses. Keep your eyes open! Stop looking at your new padded leather and mesh motorcycle racing gloves with hard knuckle guard. Stay alert and alive! Be careful of things out of the ordinary. For you to do this, eye protection is paramount, even if it’s a pair of your favorite wraparound garments! Eye protection also reduces the chances of accidents from dirt, insects, and even the wind can cause vision problems for that fraction of a second it takes to find that telegraph pole.
Listens! That does not mean hollowing the motorcycle glove up to the ear. Please! To be alert! Keep your ears open for sirens, police, or high-decibel noise coming from the child’s four-inch corridor WRX tube as he heads toward you toward the lights while texting. Break the law! Run the red light just to get out of his way, so you don’t end up like his hood ornament.
Be aware of your total presence on the bike. Remember the last turns and look as far as you can see, because the present is made up of you, the motorcycle, and the road. You look at your motorcycle gloves caressing the bars, you taste the wind, you are calm and focused! You are alert to everything around you before it becomes a problem. That is what experience teaches you. And that’s the difference between an apprentice and an experienced rider. Too many times I’ve heard “Yeah, I used to ride up …”
Make yourself be seen or heard! Turn on the lights and sound the horn. Move in your lane so drivers can see you. Don’t be a victim of the old “Wow, I didn’t see you!” If the cowboy from the truck is approaching, step on the rear brake pedal.
Remember, you are on a motorcycle and have the ability to get where you want to go faster than a car. If your reflexes are sharp and alert and your motorcycle leather gloves control the handlebars, then you’re not caught in the brain-numbing traffic jam that gives car drivers that empty, dull look of disdain. You are in control of the space around you!
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