So yeah there was a huge pile of gravel right at. the turn. I still should have done something different for sure could have taken the turn wider

But anyway now I'd like to turn this discussion towards boots

I'm looking around for a good pair of riding boots now. Not sure if I want to go full racing style protection but after having my ankle twisted around and then having a 500lb bike fall on it pprotection and ridgedity is definitely a prime concern

Any suggestions or direction?

I ride with regular MC riding boots, except when I'm just cruising to our local store, about 5 miles away on a 2 lane mountain road.   Then it's usually tennis shoes or whatever I have on, with the exception that I NEVER ride with sandals or shorts - a line I do not cross!   Since you had the injury, you should be able to best assess the gear you'd want, under the circumstances.

Keep in mind, you cannot anticipate every conceivable event, so like every other situation in life, you plan for the "average". This means whatever kind of gloves, pants, shirt, or jock strap you feel you need, combined with rational common sense.   Whatever your choice, it will probably be wrong the next time, when your new boots protect your ankles just fine, but the handlebars slice across your neck violently ripping out your jugular.  Statistics show that motorcycling is not the safest lifestyle you can choose.  Just making a point...

Riding footwear seems to be a BIG topic across all types of riders. As pointed out above,sandals and flip-flops are  a no-no for any time. I will not wear sneakers,dress shoes or any other low cut shoes either.

Having said all that, I find the "riding boots" very uncomfortable for my type of riding,which is riding to get somewhere. They are so-so while on the scoot but not made for walking or working at all.

I've found that standard lace-up work boots(my favorites are Danners,expensive but long wearing and very comfortable) or pull-ons that are "western-styled" but with round toe and no fancy stitching work best for me.  A good brand of either type will be comfortable and made of heavy leather for plenty of protection.

As always,it's just my take on the subject. This and $2 will get you a decent cup of java!

ZAR wrote on 11/23/12 at 06:26:44:


Not at Starbucks, it won't!

WD wrote on 11/23/12 at 09:21:47:




I do not understand why people pretend thats Fine Coffee.. Mine is So much better,,& I can have coffee for Days, heck, more than a week, for the cost of One Cup of their Burnt Drek.

Like Zar I learned to ride on gravel at a very early age because there wasn't much else to ride on where I lived.  But I avoid gravel today.  We used to ride very light bikes and wore serious work boots.  The strategy was to NOT use the brakes.  If you had to use the brake then the rear brake was preferred, more control if you locked up.  I don't think I would want ABS braking on a bike.  When we got in real trouble we used our feet like the dirt trackers do and tried to stay up that way.  But we rode light bikes and the pegs and seat were arranged a little better for the purpose of getting your feet down with good leverage in a hurry.  A cruiser configuration isn't ideal in gravel and I am nervous whenever I hit a patch of it now.

M/C hazard, call Road & Bridge & report it,