by Joe Symmes

Created on: October 26, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

"Man, I had the greatest ride yesterday!"

"Really? I was caught in the freezing rain in my car and traffic was a nightmare."

"Yea, I was there too, but I had a great time. I always enjoy getting out on my bike, no matter what."

The thrill of being in control of a motorcycle is heady stuff. The rush that comes with a quick twist of the wrist is irreplaceable. Everything from the wail of the exhaust to the blast of the wind serves as direct feedback. Cause and affect, hand in hand, a direct and visceral link.

But what do you do when it rains? Who wants to ride when it's cold? Don't you get bugs in your teeth?

Motorcycle riders trade danger for exhilaration. We are risk brokers. How do we stack the deck in our favor? Many different tools are available to mitigate the dangers. Personal safety gear is perhaps the most important of all. Just ask the two guys sliding down the road after having a bad get-off. The one in the t-shirt and shorts may have his reservations while the biker in the full leather suit will surely tell you how glad he is that he is wearing the best riding gear available.

The mantra, All The Gear, All The Time (ATGATT) is a frequent (and often ignored) expression intended to encourage riders to dress appropriately. A much better and more enticing slogan should be, Donning Armor Makes Sense Every time You ride (DAMSEXY). Alright, so the acronym thing doesn't work, but the point is to wear gear that will help you enjoy your ride.

A few summers ago, I was riding through the Anza-Borrego Desert east of San Diego. It was so hot that even traveling at highway speeds didn't yield much relief from the heat. Of course the stylish leather jacket I was sporting wasn't providing much relief from the heat either. A riding buddy lent me his spare mesh jack that he always carried. (Note, always go with at least one bagger, they make good riding partners.) After swapping out riding jackets, the difference was like night and day. I was now enjoying a ride that had previously felt like a torture test.

Riding in the rain is challenging too. Whether it's light drizzle or enough to float an ark, having the right gear is critical to actually enjoying your trip. A quality rain suite that keeps you dry at speed should be considered essential travel gear.

No matter what your feelings on the protection versus style argument, full face helmets make riding in the rain much more enjoyable. Keeping your head dry while simultaneously avoiding stinging rain on your face is a

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