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win - win solution. It takes a surprisingly short ride in the stinging rain to convince even the most hard-core, beanie- helmet-wearing biker that a full face is right for him.

Dry hands and feet are also vital for safe and enjoyable motorcycle operation. Exposed extremities can quickly become numb as blood flow slows down. On a motorcycle this is especially dangerous as hands and feet operate essential vehicle controls.

I was once caught in a late season rain storm in the Rockies. Since I was at about 4,000 feet, the air was already rather chilly when the rain started. I was getting colder and knew I needed to stop soon. The upcoming exit would provide relief. At the end of the exit ramp, I found I couldn't even pull the clutch! My hands had gone from numb to dead. Luckily I was able to get my non-functioning hand fashioned into a hook-like shape. I flung the near useless appendage past the clutch lever and pulled the whole rig back toward me. Clutch now successfully disengaged, I coasted to the side of the road and gave thanks for having the forethought to pack my heavy winter riding gloves.

Generally motorcyclists seem to do pretty well at donning the proper foot wear. This is probably more a case of style coinciding with good protection. I doubt the myriad of bikers out there in novelty helmets and leather vests as their "riding gear" are all secretly considering their feet to be the most vulnerable part of their bodies and thus worthy of the best protection!

I witnessed firsthand all of these concepts coming together on a recent ride home from Street Vibrations in Reno, Nevada. The weekend had been filled with warm sunny skies for the most part, but on Sunday as many bikers were starting to head home, a cold front was coming through and the weather was turning cooler and wetter. Heading west on Highway 80 I was climbing Truckee Pass when a group of hard-core, leather clad bikers came around me carrying a good bit of speed. They must have been a close knit club as each was sporting sky scraping ape-hangers, minimal fenders, and beanie helmets. They even wore the same club patch on their riding vests, proudly displaying their colors.

A few miles later as I crossed the peak, the rain began to fall. I slowed my speed and began to concentrate on the wet, slippery conditions as the mountain road began to twist and turn through its decent. To my surprise I quickly came upon the same group who had passed me previously. The look of pain was unmistakable as they traveled at dangerously slow speed. Most were trying to cover their faces with one hand while suffering the pain of stinging rain now pelting their exposed skin. Suddenly my Aerostich suit and full face helmet didn't look so bad to them I'm sure. Though not as "cool" looking as my fellow Harley riders for most of the weekend, I was now the one who was prepared and actually enjoyed my trip home despite the weather conditions.

While personal style is very important, there is more to life than looking good or more specifically, looking like society expects you to look. Being prepared and wearing the proper gear can make your experience more enjoyable. After all, that's why we ride, for our enjoyment, not someone else's. Plus, I kind of like being called DAMSEXY!

Learn more about this author, Joe Symmes.
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