over60, still gonna ride till I cant ...but I do appreciate the reminder of paying attention and I'm not invinceable.

 

glad your okay.funny how now you have a reason to keep on riding."dont want to end on this note".admit to yourself(40 yrs of riding),it's in your blood.somethings in life are just hard to give up.again glad you are okay.keep on riding man!

 

I know many think you're a poser or a rub or just a gay pirate for getting all dressed up in leather to get on your bike. I've read a couple of posts in here lately about "until some one can give a clear reason why wearing leather is necessary....blah blah blah".

I'll just say this, until you hit the ground once, you probably won't get it. You call me all the names in the book if it makes you feel better, but I'm gonna keep wearing my leathers...still got skin on me because of them.

 

Great analysis and explanation of your unfortunate experience. I am 67 and have been riding since I was 14. Twice in that time, I have hit the pavement. Both times, the other people causing the accident, recieved failure to yield tickets. Both times my "all the gear all the time" training saved my head and skin. It does not have to be your fault when it happens to you, but it is your fault if you are not prepared. Thanks for reminding us.

 

You beat me by a year of riding... as I began in 1972. Good to hear that you're OK.

I've always thought that people can make their own decisions as to what to wear when they ride. It's their life and equipment! The Libertarian/Independent in me.

I've ridden in Langlitz Leathers for thirty years and this year, moved on over to Motoport Mesh Kevlar Jacket and Pants, both lightly armored, Kevlar gloves. Of course, FF helmet and Wesco and Aerostich boots.

When I once in a blue moon ride in jeans, say to visit a nearby friend or go to a party, I immediately miss the Kevlar pants.

Sure, when dressed up in Kevlar Mesh, I look like a BMW R1200GS rider. And that's not bad at all. I cannot tell you how much my family feels more comfortable knowing that I wear the best protective gear I can afford!

As always, YMMV and I respect what you wear and how you wear it.

For me, there are way too many cell phone fanatics and texters out on the streets and I need all the protection I can get.

 

+1 I was the same way when I got mashed head on by a drunk....stopped riding for 20 years it freaked me out so bad. But I got back on eventually. I think you might have lost traction due to sand or oil on the road...both which you can't prevent and many times don't see. So, stop beating yourself up about it. **** happens. Now when I get a close call I just figure I used one of my "9 lives". I think I have about 3 left.

 

Great write up. I ride with a leather jacket and gloves all the time, but never considered my legs! I will be looking for some decent overpants today!

My one trip across the pavement was in the "S" curve in Grand Rapids Michigan back in the 80's. Hit one of those expansion joints going waaaayyy to fast.. I was young and stupid.

 

Lencap, thanks for the great write-up. Stuff happens, when we least expect it to happen. Glad you survived and are wiser for the experience. Thanks for sharing.

 

Yep, I recently bought some used Motoport Ultra II Kevlar pants from another forum. Plan on using them more than my Levis. I do have Sliders Kevlar jeans as well.

Knees and hips can take a serious beating....glad you are doing okay. Healing takes so much longer the older I get...

 

Thanks for sharing. The information you have posted is good for us all to remember.
I am glad to hear that you are ok and that your wife wasn't riding.