Re: Bob LaLonde and/or Bob Campbell

["R.H.Campbell" <rh.campbell@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Completely off topic reply....:))

For myself, after 50 years of riding, I currently have two jackets. One is a
Joe Rocket, which is mesh and armour, and is somewhat lighter than the other
TourMaster 3/4 length jacket. That one is made of ballistic nylon, armoured
in all the right places, and has a zipout liner for warm weather riding. For
pants, I have a full set of heavy, leather Bristol leathers (not chaps), and
this combined with the Tourmaster jacket, makes me feel reasonably secure on
the bike.
First Gear apparel is excellent stuff as well btw. Most quality jackets have
zip up openings to let air circulate when in very hot weather. Also handy is
a special vest which you can soak in water, and which will keep your torso
cool when crossing the desert on those 110 degree days. Another essential is
a full set of bad weather riding gear (rain suit).

For lighter wear, or when I just am out for a quick ride, I wear Draggin
jeans. These have Kevlar surrounding the butt area and the knee area, but
look just like conventional jeans. I bought these in Florida last year at
$80 a pair.

I would suggest you go and try on anything you plan to buy since sizing can
be a bit different than conventional clothing. Most large motorcycle stores
have a good selection of gear to try on. Get two pair of gloves; a short
pair for warmer wear, and one with cuffs for chilly days, which will keep
the wind from going up your jacket. Never ride without good boots either.
Motorcycle specific boots usually have padding over the ankle area to
prevent abrasion should some idiot in a car cause an accident.

Above all, watch out for 1- rednecks in trucks...2- women with cell phones
plugged into their ears and their brains in neutral...and 3- grey beards or
pink haired old dolls driving Cadillacs (many with Canadian plates...).
Never drive either beside or behind a large transport...if a tire blows you
are toast. And a lot of these guys drive exhausted, which does nothing for
your survival if they fall asleep at the wrong time...

A good motorcycle safety course may save your life, but above all, it will
help you learn to "read" the road properly, which will also make you a far
better auto driver.

A good helmet is an essential part of motorcycling. If you have a $10 head,
then buy a $10 helmet. Otherwise, buy the best you can afford. And don't
ever ride without it, even if the law allows it. Those stupid enough to ride
without one will eventually end up deleting the gene pool....

BTW,  the 650 Bergman is a fine machine, quite suitable for long distance
highway driving. I have an experienced friend who is currently considering
buying one to ride with me to Custer, South Dakota for a bike rally in the
latter part of June....

Two fingers down generally means "pegs down"....ie: be careful and ride
safe, coupled with a greeting

R.H.Campbell
Home Security Metal Products
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
www.homemetal.com


"Robert L Bass" <robertlbass@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:iJ2cg.5995$ix2.3418@xxxxxxxxxxx
> Completely off-topic stuff follows.
>
> In relatively short order I got used to driving a little Yamaha in Brazil.
> Back in Florida I just picked up a 2006 Burgman 650.  The Burger is
> capable of highway speeds and then some.  For now I'm just riding around
> town and to the beach but I plan to travel with it as well.
>
> Now comes the quandary.  I need protective gear but I'm not familiar with
> the various brands.  Some folks swear by Joe Rocket jackets; some say
> First Gear and still others say any leather jacket is fine.  I already
> have a Snell / DOT rated full face helmet and steel-toed, over-the-ankle
> boots.
>
> What do you guys use for torso protection?  Do you consider denim pants
> sufficient for the legs and butt or should I get "armored" stuff?  The
> weather here is usually quite hot so I'll be looking for a vented or mesh
> jacket.  What about the slacks?
>
> I've already signed up for the MSF course and added the Burger to my auto
> policy.  I know you guys have been riding a long time.  Any advice will be
> appreciated.
>
> One last question.  I notice some riders drop their left hand and point
> two fingers to the pavement as they pass.  Any idea where that came from?
>
> --
>
> Regards,
> Robert L Bass
>
> =============================>
> Bass Home Electronics
> 4883 Fallcrest Circle
> Sarasota · Florida · 34233
> 941-866-1100 Sales & Tech Support
> http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
> =============================>
>