Yesterday was about as perfect a day as there could be for riding. Blue sky, temps in the upper 70's, and not much wind. My wife was tied up with chores but I was not about to let such a perfect day go by without getting out for a good ride. I went on the smaller roads about an hour's ride to a place I have often gone to for lunch, and where other riders often head to as well. I'll admit I put the enjoyment of the ride over absolute safety. For one thing, if I really wanted to get somewhere safely, I am much better off in my 5,000 pound SUV than on a motorcycle. But I rode, and while I always wear a helmet because I can't stand what hair I have blowing in my face, I didn't wear a jacket or gloves. Just a t-shirt, jeans, open face helmet and short boots, and it was a really great ride. It was one of those rides where I find myself thinking that it doesn't get much better than this. But when I arrived at my destination, another bike pulled up next to me. It was a guy on a BMW R1200 in full leathers, full face helmet, heavy riding gloves and boots up to his hips (almost). He took his helmet off and was drenched in sweat even though it was not really that warm out. When he took off his leather jacket I literally stepped back a few feet because his odor would knock you over. And he looked about as miserable as someone could look. I asked him if he had a good ride, and he answered that it was a nice ride but that he was roasting. When I said you might consider a mesh jacket or an open face helmet he said "Not my thing" adding "I go all the gear or I don't ride". I feel each rider has the right certainly to make their own decisions, but in my mind I think "why ride if its no fun?". It certainly did not look like he felt he was having fun. I know its a sterotype, but I rarely see BMW riders NOT in full ATGATT.
