In the abscence of anything to say about the trip or the bike, I though I'd address the gear phenomena! The nature of riders and their attire! I think it's a bit like dogs and their owners really! There are undoubtedly uniforms when it comes to bikes; sub sects of riders who, while sharing a common interest in bikes, form recognisable groups, instantly recognisable and quick to scorn other rider types. Pretentious, well healed sportsbike riders and new one piece leathers with humps in the summer, stooping to avoid crushed goolies. Track addicts and quick lads chucking a fleece over the top for early morning rides and track day warm ups with real scuffed sliders. Muscle and street bike riders in pub appropriate leather jackets and jeans (with sports boots under or over depending on how sad). Big Traillie riders with moto X boots, map pockets and goretex. BMW and Hog riders doing what they do best...looking daft! Supermotard guys in leathers and crosser footwear (or the hard edge in moto X helmets and shirts a flappin'). Big bike commuters and sports tourers in over trousers and Frank Thomas/Hein Gericke. Classic guys...God...where do they find that stuff? New regime commuters on small bikes and fluorescent jackets. The hard core in black leather, laced or unlaced, patchouli or BO, beards and black rides. 16 ers with paddock rep scooters and tracksuits. Couples in matching gear on Sunday rides...and MZ riders! Oh God! Orange waterproofs and Derriboots. No! Not me! Might take a donkey jacket though. There's not a lot of point aspiring to rider type on an MZ regardless of past bike history.
There are exceptions of course! Many years ago, just after the release of Hondas ground braking FireBlade, I was visited by a local freelance bike journalist. Let's call him Sid...that was his name actually. Sid arrived on the most prestigous, terrifyingly fast and light, technically brilliant and beautiful to boot, sportsbike. The new FireBlade, urban tiger (dribble). Sid came and introduced himself and we chatted. An ex teacher (recently escaped), great writer, ex racer (remember Perton?). Excellent chap! What was he wearing? What attire had he worn when he collected this first of the marque wonder machine from the mighty Honda corporation? I'll tell you! An old green green waxed jacket with holes big enough to rustle cattle let alone poach rabbit, an old and visorless Bell helmet (in white of course) which evidently fitted like a glove providing you had no fingers and which you could smell at 50 feet, a pair of Crimpolene slacks which you wouldn't wear to the allotment and a pair of Dunlop Green flash pumps! Sid, I love you dearly but we were waiting for the chaps in white coats and the police! The moral of this story is that, of course there are exceptions to stereotypical riders. I fear I won't be one of them. Ordering the Derriboots as we speak!