www.boxertrix.com

http://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/Article.aspx/3319433

Stolen that night

Darwin.

I would never go out in anything less than a sturdy jacket and jeans, however I do not see it my job to stand in judgement over people who choose not too.
Someone put it very well to me recently.
Look at the IOM TT.
They take incredible risks with their safety, but yet dare to suggest that it should be banned in view of this and see what happens.
Straight away, people will condemn the nanny state and any attempt to impose restrictions for the sake of saving lives will be seen as an infringement of the freedom of the individual to take whatever risks they see fit.
So let's leave the jeans and t shirts riders alone.
They may well incur serious injury in spill, but then so will the TT rider hitting a dry stone wall at speeds approaching 200mph.

I my opinion anyone can ride in what ever gear that they want. In this weather i,m in an open face lid, jeans and a pair of ankle boots, I wear a leather jacket and summer gloves. This is for the 1100s or the R80 bobber and its all I want if not too much. I see no pleasure in sweating or baking to a well done mess inside full on leathers...been there done that. You have to ride with a bit of common, but there again should you not do that at any time.

totally agree that all should wear what they want, but perhaps with a little warning or advise people can be directed to wear some kit at least and ride accordingly to the levels of kit reduction?

slparry wrote:totally agree that all should wear what they want, but perhaps with a little warning or advise people can be directed to wear some kit at least and ride accordingly to the levels of kit reduction?

Agree, and by the same token, educate riders that the best kit in the world will not prevent broken bones and internal injuries.
I'd prefer to see people riding sensibly in shorts, than riders honing around like lunatics in full race attire.

Its all about attitude. If you offered someone £1000000 if they did not have an accident in the next month, do you think they would ride more defensively?

bikesnbones wrote:

slparry wrote:totally agree that all should wear what they want, but perhaps with a little warning or advise people can be directed to wear some kit at least and ride accordingly to the levels of kit reduction?

Agree, and by the same token, educate riders that the best kit in the world will not prevent broken bones and internal injuries.
I'd prefer to see people riding sensibly in shorts, than riders honing around like lunatics in full race attire.

trouble is, from what I've witnessed it's been hooning in shorts

slparry wrote: trouble is, from what I've witnessed it's been hooning in shorts

Completely the opposite to what I've seen, which is mostly pedestrian Harley riders pootling about in shorts and T shirts, and race rep riders in full race attire riding with a death wish.
Whatever.
The moment we start advocating removing the right of the individual to determine their own acceptable level of risk, we enter very dangerous territory.
I concern my self with my own safety when it comes to dressing for riding, but when it comes to others, I mind my own business.

bikesnbones wrote:

slparry wrote: trouble is, from what I've witnessed it's been hooning in shorts

Completely the opposite to what I've seen, which is mostly pedestrian Harley riders pootling about in shorts and T shirts, and race rep riders in full race attire riding with a death wish.
Whatever.
The moment we start advocating removing the right of the individual to determine their own acceptable level of risk, we enter very dangerous territory.
I concern my self with my own safety when it comes to dressing for riding, but when it comes to others, I mind my own business.

Amen to that.

Good article. The sort of thing the police could have printed as a leaflet and dish out to bathing suit bikers on an 'information only' basis. Like with the helmet argument, firmly believe that adults with capacity should be able to choose for themselves - people are allowed to make daft choices. Have to question the thought processes of those who suit up and then happily carry a pillion wearing next to FA, not to mention that of the passenger leaving their delicate skin in the care of someone else! As for kids, totally inexcusable . Selfish irresponsible fuckwits (the riders I mean).

Mike.

Re. cyclists' gear: a few lads from work got back on Sunday from following some of Le Tour. They also had a crack at the Alpe D'Huez (2 of the daft buggers did it twice!) - relatively quiet as it's not on this year's route. One of them was trying to catch the faster climbers on the descent and binned it at around 40mph. Headbutted a steel fence (erected to stop cyclists diving into the valley) which split his helmet into 3 pieces, then slid and tumbled down the road. He too can vouch for the abrasion resistant qualities of Lycra . Lost a serious amount of bark. Amazingly no broken bones or internal damage. £1500 pushbike totalled too. His abrasions make you wince to look at them, and he's still walking like C3PO with rheumatoid arthritis. Oh, he highly recommends removal of gravel from abraded skin using a nail brush in hospital as an effective way to forget about your pounding headache...

Mike.

I've come over all queasy now

Boxermed69 wrote:people are allowed to make daft choices.

Some argue that riding a bike at all is a daft choice, especially if you have a car at your disposal which offers far superior protection in a crash.
I know what I say to them.
Bog off.
It's my life, and therefore my choice to use what is statistically proven to be the most dangerous mode of road transport, protective gear or not.

it all comes down to each persons interpretation of acceptable risk I guess. While I'm happy, after 39 years of riding bikes to still ride them and occasionally ride with jeans and ride accordingly slower etc, if someone else finds it acceptable to ride in shorts and t shirt then they're braver souls than I, especially if they don't appear to alter their riding style, however, as adults they of course have that total right... just as I maintain the right to wince at the thought of it