How I learnt the importance of wearing riding gear the hard way

I have 2 mesh jackets, 1 leather jacket, 1 full racing suit, 1 riding pant and 1 riding jeans but wasn’t wearing any of it.

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Had an ungraceful touchdown yesterday on my commute to work. Thanks to the numerous bumps and craters on the Mumbai roads, splattered generously with gravel on the sides. My haste was also to blame, should have been slower.

The traffic in front came to a halt rather suddenly and I couldn’t brake properly due to the bumps. Right after the bumps I grabbed the front brake and the front let go. On motorcycles there is no point of return in a split second I found myself lying on the tarmac.

Nice skin peeling on the forearms and the knee. Walking with a limp. I was wearing gloves with Knox sliders, short city riding boots, and of course helmet so palms and feet were fine. Sadly wasn’t wearing any other gear. I have 2 mesh jackets, 1 leather jacket, 1 full racing suit, 1 riding pants, and 1 riding jeans but wasn’t wearing any of it. Tried a few times and always landed in the office dripping in sweat.

Been riding without most gears and for many days I would think what would happen if I go down. Well, it is not if but when. Almost an inevitability of going down in a big city in India thanks to atrocious road and traffic conditions. Weather makes sure that gear is very uncomfortable. I am beginning to contemplate giving up the motorcycle commute altogether. The 45 mins to 1 hour I save over both ways is not really worth the hassle.

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