Am I Crazy?

[Jono_GT]

OK... so don't answer that! But I've booked Mrs Jono and myself onto direct access training (5 day intensive course) starting on June 13th Yay

But I have 2 questions.

Firstly, am I going to kill myself (or the missus) on a Bike? The first thing everyone says to me when I tell them what we've planned is "oohh, 'widowmaker'" or... "you're crazy" or in the case of my mother "please don't tell me your going to get a bike?".

So I know that it's more dangerous than driving a car because you're not wrapped in a steel cage; and I know that the machine's require a huge amount of respect (as a Skyline driver, I can appreciate how easy it is to get into 'trouble' if you direspect the road conditions and the power of the vehicle). It's just that if everyone tells you that you're basically setting yourself a life-sentence by riding a bike, it's quite disheartening

2nd question is... where's a good place to look for gear? Leathers, boots, helmet etc. Can't go crazy on the price, but I do appreciate that you get what you pay for and frankly, safety is paramount to me. I've got to buy for me and the missus, so if you can recommend anywhere that will look after me 'price-wise' on buying two of everything (!) that would be great!

[druidsam]

dont listen to other people,most of them have preconceived ideas about bikes and bikers any of the shows or rallies are good places to pick up clothing or have a look on ebay but dont but a second hand helmet



.......................Sam

[Jono_GT]

Originally Posted by druidsam

dont but a second hand helmet

Yuck - someone elses stinky old helmet... no thanks!

[Jono_GT]

Originally Posted by druidsam

...have a look on ebay ...

Good call on that, loads of stuff. Are there any brands that I should look out for, initially I'm just after leather trousers and a pair of boots. Seems to be a lot of cheapy-looking stuff on ebay; how do i pick out something that's a good quality?

[grotbag]

Originally Posted by Jono_GT

It's just that if everyone tells you that you're basically setting yourself a life-sentence by riding a bike, it's quite disheartening

Who's everyone? The thing is Jono, peeps read the newspapers who tend to only publish 'bad' stories. Go and look on bikerholic, search for 'egg run' or 'santa rally' and see some of the 'good' stories that never get any press coverage.

[lady clara]

I just didn't tell anyone until it was all over and done with. Then they can't cause added stress!! Good luck to you both.
Erm...have you considered what'll happen if one of you passes and the other doesn't? It may cause some disgruntlement!
And I've bought a few bits from ebay and a few from rallies/bike marts (you can get some real bargains).

[Jono_GT]

Cheers guys. Clara, I agree with your point... i'm not telling anyone else! Not until it's done.

Hmm, not sure what happens if one of us fails the test... I guess the other gets gloating privelages for a few weeks LOL

[saxon]

Have a look at the post for the BMF Rally, cracking day out and you will get all the kit you need, my mate took £250 and came away with AGV lid, Frank Thomas boots, gloves, Frank Thomas two piece leathers a waterproof jacket and a disc lock!!! Still had change for a pint or three.
Saxon
PS as for the Anti-Bike Brigade......'kill em all'....

[Spree]

Originally Posted by saxon

Have a look at the post for the BMF Rally, cracking day out and you will get all the kit you need, my mate took £250 and came away with AGV lid, Frank Thomas boots, gloves, Frank Thomas two piece leathers a waterproof jacket and a disc lock!!! Still had change for a pint or three.
Saxon
PS as for the Anti-Bike Brigade......'kill em all'....

I was going to suggest that myself

[Spree]

I forgot to add that if either of you are different sizes from the norm (smaller or larger than the average size) then there is usually loads of good kit to be had for next to nothing. I saw some ladies alpinestars leather trousers that the guy had forgotten to display during the weekend, all small sizes and he was selling them for a fiver a pair. My mate bought 5 pairs because he wanted the kneesliders off them. He then sold the pants on ebay for 20 quid a pair

A good days shopping if you ask me