“What do you mean protective gear?!”

Its about 1987,  I’m 14 years old. On a bored out two stroke YZ 125,  I tore through dongas, thorn bushes, streams and my home made MX course- wearing nothing but worn out Nike Pegasus, PT short, T shirt and Open helmet & goggles. And a “This is awesome!” grin.

Not sure how I made it safely to (sort of) adulthood.  As I near parenthood, I’ve heard people talk about “babies bounce”, but in hind sight, if I can help it- rather safe than sorry. Or as we modern bike riders say: “Dont dress for the ride, dress for the fall…”

A life time later- my dad and I crossing rivers (but not tearing through dongas and thorn bushes) on our Adventure bikes. Dressed ATGATT. All The Gear- All The Time.

ATGATT close up. I’ve moved to newer gear and a newer bike in the meantime but here’s the run down:

Helmet (Specialized Downhill helmet with vents for bushveld heat). Oakley Goggles. LEATT neck brace. Chest & shoulder protectors. Elbow guards (nowadays I wear the all in 1) Specialized gloves. Padded, ventilated riding pants. the best knee braces on the market. (The $600 is fully worth it) Boots.

Spot the bicycle tube…

How did you survive your youth?