Motorcycle glove recommendations

Ok, from time to time I have to give advice to the men of this world too!

This email just came in from Bill K.:

Motorcycle Glove fitment by brand question.... I have fat hands with short fingers. My last two purchases of higher quality gloves went poorly. I got some alpinestars based on finger length, and they were so tight around the palm the actually burst a seam. So I got a set of Lee Parks gloves ($ouch) based on girth around the knuckles (where they fit perfectly), and they are too long for my fingers. I'm hoping after a few good rain rides, they will shrink shorter to fit, but who knows...can you recommend a brand that caters to the "fat hands and short fingers" market?

Actually, I have found a few brands to fit wider hands and shorter fingers.  My favorite quality glove with this kind of fit and shape is Held. (http://www.heldusa.com

And the fit is not as narrow in the wrists/palms as other brands that I've seen (for men and women).  For an all around glove, I'd recommend the Steve Classic:

Held Steve Classic Gloves

Not only does it start in a size 6 (perfect for teeny tiny, XS hands. I'm a 6.5/7) but you can order this glove in short or long sizes! I havent' seen any other gloves on the market that offer this option. 

If you want a glove with more protection, Held has a great line of sport gloves with stronger gauntlets and more armor too. Unfortunately those aren't offered in short/long. 

Also check out Olympia Gloves (which is different from the Olympia Motosports Apparel line).  

 The Kangaroo Curve is a slightly shorter, but well ventilated glove for summer: 

They have over 80 types of motorcycle gloves, so hopefully they offer something that you need!

And I almost forgot,  2 more brands to consider, Cortech and Tourmaster. They tend to have a wider stance in the palms and shorter fingers. 

Passenger on a motorcycle dies from wearing a novelty helmet.

The Press Enterprise - May 7, 2012. "(CHP Says) Woman’s helmet a factor in motorcycle death."

http://www.pe.com/local-news/riverside-county/hemet/hemet-headlines-index/20120507-san-jacinto-woman-killed-in-hwy-79-crash.ece

"I'm just a passenger."

If I hear this statement one more time, I'm going to cry. However, every passenger I've ever spoken to says this exact same thing.

No, you aren't just anything. You are a rider too. It doesn't matter if you're on the backseat. You are up against all the same obstacles as the driver (cars, other riders, deer, etc). Why should your level of safety be any less important?

The next time you hear someone say this, or if you are the one who says it, please think of Suzanne in the story above and GEAR UP. You need a full face helmet, gloves, a jacket, pants and boots too. And no, you don't have to spend a couple thousand dollars on full race leathers. But you do need protective gear that will save your head from serious injury. A jacket, full face helmet, gloves, boots and pants. 

If you were the driver, wouldn't you feel responsible for your passenger's injuries or worse, their death, if you were in an accident?

A passenger's choice to not wear gear is his/her own, yes. But you are the driver and you choose who gets on and who gets off. And that trumps any passenger's choice.  

Out of the Dark Event for Suicide Prevention

Out of the Darkness Overnight Suicide Prevention Event June 9-10, 2012

My friend Tyler, the President of the Dangerous Curves Motorcycle Club is working with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to raise awareness about this event to help save lives.

They're in need of motorcyclists who are willing to participate by becoming a part of the Motorcycle Safety Crew that night.  Motorcyclists will ensure walkers safety at intersections, along the route and more. 

To find out more details regarding what's involved to become a team member, contact:  

Joe Polizzi, crew coordinator, (415) 926-7778
joe.polizzi@theovernight.org.

If I weren't going to be away that weekend, I would absolutely participate. 

 

 

Casting Women Motorcycle Riders

Apparently someone on Craigslist needs talent for a reality tv show about women motorcyclists.  Someone with a sportbike and real gear, toss your hat in the ring, please? We've seen too many of the same type of biker babes on tv. A little diversity would be nice! Too bad you have to live in Southern California for this. 

Link to Ad on CL:  http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/tfr/2990593596.html