I'm looking forward to the coming summer and thinking about last summer. Of course I care about health. For example, I have almost quit smoking. But that was more because I smoked more every month than the purchase of an extra garage box cost me. So I went for the extra storage space. And I consider giving the whiskey to it too. Because there is still a box for sale here. Yet. The weather was nice and I needed some things. I looked at the sky. Everything looked positive and I decided not to fall or have an accident that day. The asphalt looked pretty soft that weekend, by the way. With those certainties you are well dressed in jeans, an elaborate Gaastra sweater, my favorite garage clogs and a helmet plus sunglasses.
Clog enthusiasts should also be critical when purchasing a motorcycle
Many motorcycles shift poorly when their riders wear clogs. I put on my chin strap, start the engine and am relaxed on the road. When I arrive at one of my purveyors, I get off and take a look at the parked gleam of other people present. A smartly dressed motorcyclist approaches me from inside to outside. 'Neat' as in 'suit with protectors, nice boots, green vest'. He has the zipper of the vest and his jacket open. Well, yes. The man starts a fiery argument about my clothes. Including real pieces of raised voice.
What am I doing?
Dangerous! Wrong! Confirmation of prejudice by third parties! Irresponsible! Jeans! A sweather! Riding on clogs! How wrong can you be? Gosh. Clogs are otherwise health and safety recognized safety footwear. And my engine is already making too much noise. Also wrong! Grutjes! At my age I should know better! I'm doing it all wrong! For 48 years! And until last winter 12 months a year! That I survived that! That I haven't been stoned yet!
The man looks at me with a brave look like 'get back from that'. I bet on his age perspective and say that I have a rare aging disease, I am only 21 and just wanted to get some fresh air. But that he is absolutely right and that I am happy with his wise advice. "Because you could have been my father!" That I definitely want to turn 22. So where can I buy such a cool vest? The man looked glassy and turned. My age story was apparently just a bridge too far for him.
I bought my things and drove home happily. My rear tire went flat about two miles from home. With the engine in first gear I walked quietly back home. Fortunately, I was not too warmly dressed for such a tipple. A little later I was sitting with a beer in hand and looking at my flat tire. The Safety Apostle was right, of course. I know that. My X-rays hang on the porn bar in various hospitals. But if you don't go until it's your time, then it's better to bet on fun than on security. But that is a highly personal opinion gained through experience and conviction.
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I always look forward to your bits, Dolf. You write wonderfully open-minded, witty and creative. And without spelling mistakes too…. ;-) Go write some longer stories; I'm a fan!
Nicely written piece Dolf!
Personally I am always well protected (preferably leather, just a personal preference), because I have seen enough “tasty” street ecstasy and a lot worse things. So also in hot weather or whatever the weather, on the North Cape or wherever.
But talking to someone else about it (who prefers haha) doesn't cross my mind. Everyone has his / her own responsibility, just not good for others. who have to clean up the mess.
Enjoying the day, the moment, that is something that by definition the average motorcyclist understands better than the people who disapprove of two-wheelers as risky. This does not detract from the gentlemen in often brand new motorcycle suits who would like to let you know how responsible they are doing. But other ego-polishers apparently do not realize that life should mainly be living, not surviving.
If I were afraid to leave now by leaving without protective clothing, it would be time for me to leave for good.
Amen!
Kevlar lined jeans, well-smeared with motor oil, and a very old leather jacket do it for me. The jeans are nice and spacious, nice for my equipment, and I can put them on over my shorts. The bike is 63, I am 74, we both want to drive a bit further.
Earn 50 Bonus Points!
And I can fully agree with that.
Oh well, 99% of the times I ride in highly responsible clothing. Got the scabies and scrapes and stuff. In the winter, those clothes are no less than useful of course. But in the summer I also ride in jeans with sneakers underneath. (With clogs I cannot get under the gear lever 😖) Dressed in a denim jacket you are still well on the way to prevent the biggest chafing at normal speeds and not immediately look like a 'sun tomato', should it still go wrong. T-shirt and shorts, I really do participate in that. I don't have that much guts. What I think is underestimated is getting caught in the heat wearing full armor. Then rather jeans and sneakers. Fair alternative, right?
Also seems like a reasonable alternative. And on a Moto Guzzi Cali (or Ural / Dnepr) you have heel - toe shifting. That goes well with clogs.
Safety before everything! 😱
No thrills, no experience, no feeling of excitement, no fear, no euphoria, no scrapes, no stupid things. Everything in the middle, plaster on it and then it will be fine. How nice is life then. Kommop men, no stories without experience 💪
Personally I am always well protected (preferably leather, just a personal preference), because I have seen enough “tasty” street ecstasy and a lot worse things. So also in hot weather or whatever the weather, on the North Cape or wherever.
But talking to someone else about it (who prefers haha) doesn't cross my mind. Everyone has his / her own responsibility, just not good for others. who have to clean up the mess.
Did he happen to drive a too new and too high Guzzi with hangs? 😉
Hmm, I just haven't been on the bike in a bikini, and high heels are also not convenient to switch, but I agree, there are still some overpumped testosterone figures around who think they know. .
Mmm… a 741 in civilian jacket ..
Everyone his thing ..
I also regularly wear wooden shoes on my moped .. and notice that especially the designs (!) From before 1960 are fine to do.
That includes a new Ural, because although it has evolved, it hasn't really changed since 1942 ..
A ca 1960'er side valve in a ca 1985'er 650 ohv Ural chassis proves the durability of evolution. It just all fits! And when it comes to kickstarting, clogs are fine, because modern motorcycle boots have more steel plate in the sole.