[MMARSH]

I ride a motorcycles for a living. I ride everyday, all day. I'm on my third BMW, having put over 200K on the first two, an 04 and an 07. That's just working mileage. Before the Beemers, I rode a couple KZ1000s into the ground. I ride off road, I ride on road and I ride track. Ironically, the least amount of gear I wear is at work. we've abandoned the old equestrian style gear and are wearing more motorcycle specific stuff,but because of the nature of the job, wearing a jacket all the time is just not practical. When not working, Im a 100% gear guy. Curiously, I've never had an accident while working, but have had a few while not working. Two of them were single vehicle accidents and one of them I was hit by another motorcyclist. All three times I was geared up and suffered no injuries, not even a scratch. Of course, I've had offs on the track and off road, but same thing geared up, never hurt.

I've taken my kids for several rides and plan on a moto-camping trip this summer. I love riding motorcycles and want to share it with them. I wouldn't consider putting them on a bike without them being completely geared up. I've seen people riding with their kids on the back and no gear at all and it amazes me. Of course I'm sure some people will think I'm a horrible parent for putting my kids on the back of a motorcycle regardless....