Alright… As the 2010 season is about to kick off here in new England and elsewhere many parents and riders are getting ready to hit the tracks. Those of you that are just starting out this year whether it’s your first time on a bike or first time racing there are a few things to consider to prepare yourself for a safe year. We put to together a list to follow to getting started to keep you or your children safe on his or her bike.
All racing events have a mandatory safety equipment requirement and these should be followed at the track or riding in your local area.
Helmet
Let’s keep in mind that there are some cheaper versions of helmets out there that might seem really cool for half the price. Make sure your helmet is DOT approved. Thing is these cheaper helmets out there cannot stand a heavy impact and could cause you or your child harm.
You'll have an easier time getting your child to wear there helmet consistently if it fits comfortably. Ask for a salesperson's help to get the right size, and have your child try it on in the store before you buy it.
It's very important that the helmet be worn level on the head. If it's tilted back, the forehead is left unprotected. If it's too low on the forehead, the back of the head becomes vulnerable. The chin strap should fit snugly.
Anytime a helmet has been in a serious fall or crash, it should be replaced, even if you can't see actual damage. The stress on the materials from the impact could make the helmet less effective the next time.
Gloves
A good pair of gloves should be worn whenever riding your motor bike, it protects your hands from blisters which are caused from friction from your grips not to mention these younger riders will fall and these gloves will help protect there hands. There are plenty of different gloves out on the market, be sure the gloves you choose fit just right and have the extra padding were needed. (Knuckles, Fingers and Palms)
Goggles
When out riding, goggles is a must have there is so much debris kicking up especially riding with someone in front of you. Having goggles on will keep you focused on the track. A set of tear off’s is recommended if riding in the mud.
Chest Protector
A chest protector is a must have. This item will help protect you in a fall or rocks kicked up from other riders. When at the races or just out riding there are so many dangers from getting hit in the chest especially just starting out there will be times when you or your child will loose control of there bike and take a good fall or a handle bar to the chest. A chest protector a.k.a body armor should consist of a front and a back. This item should fit snug and the straps should fit tight.
Long sleeved shirt/jersey
Keeping you arms covered up will help. Those hot summer days are tough with long-sleeved but a lot of jerseys out on the market are designed with material to help keep you cool.
Riding Pants
With this item you can go a bit larger to allow for expansion. When a rider goes down these pants will be crucial especially from a hot pipe. Those few seconds it takes to get out from under your bike will help. Most races events will allow heavy denim pants but a good pair of motocross pants will provide you with the comfort and padding.
Elbow/Knee Pads
These two items is self explanatory with any sport, when you go down it will be most likely on your knees or your elbows. A good set of pads will protect you in these falls.
Kidney Belt
Any injury to the kidneys should be taken extremely seriously. If the kidneys are hurt in any way toxins can leak into the body causing some pretty serious health complications, even death. What makes it worse is you can’t see it happening. Injuries can not only occur from a crash but from just the beating and banging from riding in general. A kidney belt will help especially in aggressive riders.
Riding Boots
Motocross, or MX boots are necessary for several reasons, the foremost being safety. Other footwear does not provide the support or protection that is necessary for this sport. Most motocross boots have been tested and engineered by some of the worlds leading MX racers.
Some specific features of motocross boots are their hard soles, soft interior lining and metal or plastic straps. The stiffness of the sole of these boots is much-needed feature while riding your bike. The foot pegs on an MX bike are designed with jagged metal to grip the sole of your boot and hold you to your bike. Since most MX bikes are kick-start rather than electric start, kick starting your bike can be very painful to your foot if the sole of your boot is not meant for this purpose. Another to consider is make sure your boot fits properly. |
