I’ve been riding for years in my trusty First Gear leather. I actually bought it at Laguna Seca during a round of the World Superbikes in 2003. Wow.. that means the gear is in it’s 6th season (just realized that now).

The jacket has seen an easy 100,000 miles of use, and I think it shows. It’s been a good jacket, and it’s not even close to the end of it’s service life. It’s just dirty and it does not fit me at my ‘new weight’ (something I’m working hard on now.. so it will fit again soon). But I love to ride and the fact the jacket makes me feel like I’m stuffed in a sausage skin.. I either ride without, or not at all and neither are acceptable to me.

So today, I picked up a jacket I plan to use for the summer, and likely sell (or not sell, I still have my first textile jacket circa 1994 and my first leather jacket circa 1995 in my closet — neither fit me).

So here is my summer replacement. Shift mesh jacket, with armored crash points and a zip-in windproof liner for when it’s no longer in the 90’s here (sadly that will be here soon).  Price at local bike shop:  $150.

I’ve also started to have trouble with my trusty  WWII  ‘Air Force II’ helmet’s visor.  On it’s 3rd season, it’s no longer staying open.   The helmet still fits and works fine in all other categories.   Now, when I rolled into the bike shop I had not intended to buy a new helmet, but it was also not totally out of my mind.     First thing I noticed were some new KBC’s (same brand as the one I’m having an issue with..  but really after 3 years for the price, it’s mostly a NON-ISSUE).   Over the years I’ve thought I might buy a helmet to ‘match’ my bike.  But hardly anyone carries yellow helmets.   This shop had 3.  2 in the new ‘Nuclear Accident’ style (for lack of better term), and they looked great with a big yellow ‘Nuclear’ symbol on the sides.

After spending about 1 hour with a very cute girl, helping me find a good fitting textile mesh style jacket, I was back at the helmets.  Then I noticed one at the bottom, also in yellow, with a kick-ass skull on the side.  LOL.    So.. that was added to my shopping cart.     It’s SNELL and DOT approved.  Why not..  I don’t know that I’d use if for track days (my Shoei will likely remain in service there) but for street use where SNELL is a more relevant rating.. why not?   SNELL, unlike DOT is not a self-certifying authority, so I feel confident it’s safe for my head. Price at local bike shop:  $140.

So, starting of the new ‘season’ with some updated gear.  I still need to get my leather riding pants repaired…  but I’ll get to that on a rainy day.