30 years ago, you would't have caught me dead wearing any protective gear other than gloves (often finger-less), glasses, boots and a helmet; didn't matter if it was on dirt or on asphalt. Same for the "look" of the bike, windshield and bags were taboo stuff and "uncool". Don't blame me, don't judge me, I didn't think I was stupid or wrong; I was 20 and I was Superman; sounds familiar
Can't even say "I wish I had someone to advise me back then" because...not sure I would have listen; my motto was ::021::
A few wrecks, including a bad one (but got lucky), countless winters days freezing my butt on night rides, as I did not have bags, back then, to carry extra clothing (but I did look cool...I think...frozen but cool). Didn't matter where I was, Death Valley in August, in the snowy mountains in Spain, or in the rain in France, I was never wearing the right stuff, got too hot, too cold but for sure had a blast ::008::
Anyway, fast forward 30 years, still on 2 wheels, windshield, bags and protective gear are now given full attention and carefully selected. And if I get to talk to a kid about riding gear, I will do so, letting him know of my own experiences, good and bad, hoping it will make a difference, not if but when the day comes. Got older, a bit wiser and do not bounce back as well as before but for sure still enjoy our 2 wheels ::001::
Not very politically correct but damn true!