Damn it if I haven’t found myself at the bottom of the same hill I was trying to push my personal boulder up five years ago. Here I stand again, staring up at the huge task looming over me—the need to get organized at home so I can get out and do what I love without constant frustration.
When it comes to adventurous travel, it’s a huge buzzkill if it’s an ordeal to find your gear and get out the door. You’ve got a massive self-imposed obstacle to even getting out on a trip, much less enjoying it. Yet here I am facing the need to set up the systems that remove those obstacles. Again.
It’s an investment with a big return, though. It reduces the mental overhead it takes to just go do cool shit. At my tiny loft in Roswell, I was successful in creating smooth systems that got me on the road to adventures. My hydration pack and hiking poles were on the coat rack by the door, ready to go at a moment’s notice. Camping bins and gear were ready to throw in the car. My motorcycle cases were packed with essentials and ready to ride. My camera pack was always loaded and ready to roll. You get the picture. I was a lean, mean, adventuring machine. It was fantastic. Getting those systems in place took a good bit of effort. By putting in that effort, though, I had removed a lot of obstacles from the road to adventure.
The chaos of life
Having trickled my life to Nevada over the course of two years I’ve failed miserably in creating those same systems here. Part of that failure is living in two places with gear split between homes. It’s tough to remember where your shit is much less manage it well in that scenario. Another part is the melding of households in Nevada with my dear man. It’s a big project to orchestrate when you’ve got two-adventurous-people’s-worth of stuff to sort through. You also might have noticed I travel a lot. Rectifying my adventure gear mayhem requires being home long enough to take on the project. And actually doing it when we are.
Clearly I still get out and have great trips, in spite of the chaos. The behind-the-scenes preparation is the makings of an adventurer’s horror story, though. Piles of boxes and bins in no particular order. None of them with much rhyme or reason to their contents. Many of them partially spilling their innards out onto the garage floor from previous efforts to find something. Outdoor gear is now co-mingling with motorcycling gear. And motorcycling gear is spilling over into tools and other garage flotsom. Need a tent? Look under the drill press. Where is the camp stove? Maybe in the bin over the engine oil. Where are the motorcycle tie-downs? Try the third box down behind the stack of shovels and rakes. This is our life of late.
I’m usually amped up and grumpy by the time I get on the road simply from trying to get packed and out the door. Or once I do finally get on the road, I’m missing a piece of gear I needed and didn’t realize it wasn’t packed. On a recent camping trip with George, I failed to pack the tent stakes. I forgot the fucking tent stakes! Then there’s gear maintenance that I’m not tending to because I don’t have a system in place for doing repairs. Sure enough, it catches me off-guard the next time I’m out and I have to scramble in the field to fix or work around issues.
Recreating the magic
It doesn’t have to be this hard and it’s a problem of my own making. The good news is that it’s a problem I can fix. Now that I’m not living in two places with my belongings scattered across the country, I think I finally have the bandwidth to get my shit together and stop making excuses. It’s time to stop screwing myself over. That means removing obstacles I’ve created for myself and instead creating grab-and-go systems that make adventures accessible. Whether it’s hiking, camping, photography, or motorcycling. Whether it’s a day trip, a couple of weeks, or months-long—having gear at the ready sets me up for a great adventure. AND I have everything I need.
Once again it’s May which means it’s Motorcycle Awareness Month in the United States. Obviously it’s a subject near and dear to me. When I’m riding, I’m the most me I can possibly be.
One of the things about riding I often noodle on is the gap in understanding between riders and non-riders. That gap reaches a tense apex when it involves our friends and family who worry about us. They know that so much of our vulnerability is because of other drivers but they can’t help but focus their worry on us, oftentimes putting pressure on us to not put ourselves out there because of the danger in the world. Obviously, that sucks.
With all of the challenges life presents, having a passion that fulfills you makes life worth living. But most riders have loved ones who don’t understand the allure of motorcycling. They only see the dangers. Their love often morphs into fear and criticism. It’s well-intentioned but misguided. Their fear for your safety is based on lack of information (or misinformation) and their ability to assess risk reasonably.
That pressure can take a lot of the fun out of riding. Understatement of the year, right?
First, talk with them about the things they love to do in life. Even if you’ve tried to explain your passion in the past, try again by relating it to their passions. Tell them that’s riding for you; that it’s what fulfills you. And there’s no substitute for it. Have a frank but compassionate discussion about how they would feel if the situation was reversed and they were struggling to enjoy their pursuits because of outside pressure.
Next,involve them in your safety.
They can help by educating themselves and their friends about what riders need non-riders to know. Redirect their focus. Inspire them to be a crusader for motorcycle awareness. The bulk of motorcycle incidents are driver-caused. Get them fired up about that and educating the people around them. One person at a time, we can change the discussion from the strawman argument that “motorcycling is dangerous” to the bigger issue of driver attention and perception.
Have them sit in on an introductory riding course. Or better yet, take it themselves. Even if your loved one has no desire to ride and never sits his or her ass on a saddle again, it will help them be a better driver. It will catapult their understanding of the complexities of motorcycling and our challenges on the road to a new level that only direct experience can provide. From there, they can share their experience with others.
Finally,remind them that undermining your passion is asking you not to be you. That isn’t love. But love is them helping you be the safest you can be while on the bike.
If after all that, there’s still a disconnect it’s time to evaluate the appropriateness of their pressure based on your relationship. Obviously there’s an infinite range of spouse/partner, sibling, parent, child, and friend relationships out there. Depending upon your situation, it may simply be time to put some healthy boundaries in place. Maybe your riding belongs in the taboo arena of discussion, much like religion and politics for most people.
And, in thinking of the larger world of my fabulously adventurous readers, this extends to any of you facing pressure to curtail the risk in your pursuits. The details might differ a little but the idea is the same in reducing the pressure on you—connect, involve, be you.
Adventure on, friends!
We riders understand the joy and freedom motorcycling brings to our lives. Helping our loved ones embrace that passion can be a challenge.
It’s no secret that, in spite of a lot of effort by motorcyclists to remain visible while riding, the all-too-common scenario of “I didn’t see you!” is still the predominant reason riders are involved in crashes.
In the UK, there’s a motorcycling acronym: SMIDSY. It stands for Sorry-Mate-I-Didn’t-See-You. It has a flippant tone to it, but this is a very real issue for riders. It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be riding; it means drivers need to step up and be aware of allroad users.
As you know, in spite of training, awareness, and hi-viz gear, last year I was a victim of SMIDSY. Far more than a SMIDSY “Oops!”, it nearly killed me. I’m a testament to modern medicine to still be here and still have my leg.
As I returned to riding, I had to start from scratch since my bike, all of my gear, and most of my confidence was destroyed. I’ve already talked a bit about the process it took to get back to riding… everything from choosing a new motorcycle to the reality of getting back in the saddle.
Since my return Nina and I have put in over 5,000 miles together. However, she’s anything but hi-viz with her sleek, black look. As pretty as she is, I’d rather not die for vanity, so I’ve had to up my visibility game.
So with that preface, here’s the new gear setup that I hope adds to my motorcycle safety…
Hi-Viz lid…
My all-black Moto Guzzi V7 Stone needed some brightening up with a Schuberth hi-viz helmet and an Olympia Switchback 2 summer jacket.
I went with a full yellow hi-viz helmet again. This time though, I opted for a Schuberth modular C3 in hopes of some wind-noise improvement over my previous HJC helmet. While I’m very happy the HJC saved my life, Schuberth has a fantastic reputation, especially for noise control. That comes with some sticker shock but having already been hit, it seemed a worthwhile investment.
Having said that, to the casual observer the helmets look no different really. I often get the comment by passers-by — “Everyone must see you!” — when I’m wearing it. What can I say? In a few-second interaction with a stranger, it’s usually “You’d think…” or “You’d be surprised…” Richer conversations allow me to help drivers understand what riders really need them to know about motorcycle safety.
Jackets…
It was summer when I began riding again. Even though I had a jacket that wasn’t hi-viz, I bought a new one that was. Admittedly, at first I was cynical since hi-viz didn’t save me from being run over. After some time, I realized that when you take precautions, you actually never know what you’ve prevented. So I went in for an updated version of my Olympia Switchback, the hi-viz Switchback 2.
Eventually I also replaced my hi-viz Olympia Ranger winter jacket with the same version that was destroyed in the crash. As I dove back into researching gear, Olympia was still my muse. When it comes to women’s riding gear, they’ve got it dialed in. I love the cut, adjustability, and design of their jackets.
For an example of the impact of hi-viz, check out my video from an MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) course I took with my friend, Hassan, last November. From the 1:40 to 1:50 mark, you can see the difference his hi-viz jacket makes. I know I certainly appreciate being able to easily see riders, cyclists, workers, and pedestrians when they’re wearing hi-viz.
More ways to improve motorcycle safety…
Historically, I’ve only ridden with my side cases on the bike when I needed the storage space for longer trips. These days though I find myself riding with them most of the time. They add size, creating a bigger profile for drivers to see. And this go-round I added reflective hi-viz tape to the back of my cases for improved visibility from the rear.
I also don’t always wear a hydration pack while riding but in the brutal months of a Georgia summer, I opt for a Geigerrig 710 in citrus. That allows me to stay hydrated without undermining the hi-viz on my jackets.
My hi-viz strategies… reflective tape, jacket, helmet, and hydration pack.
Lights!
The most pronounced improvement in my visibility came from adding Skene lights to Nina. I discovered them thanks to a fellow rider at Horizons Unlimited Virginia last April. Skene brake lights flash in various sequences to draw attention and each light set acts as extra turn signals if you add the “Booster” option. The lights can also be set into different modes to serve as hazard lights if necessary.
For my setup, I added the Skene “P3” red rear lights (click for video) at the license plate. For the front of the bike, I opted for two amber sets of their “Photon Blasters” (click for video) on the forks — one set facing directly forward and one set to the sides. I mounted them low on the front forks to create a larger visual triangle with the existing headlight and turn signal lamps.
Let me tell you, these lights do the trick. I get a lot of comments about how visible I am. If you miss seeing me now, you need to not be driving a car.
Some important notes about Skene if you’re considering their products:
They offer a Safe Rider Rebate if you show them your certificate of completion in a safe-rider course.
Fork mounting brackets will be up to you to purchase separately for installation due to the variability in motorcycles and your personal choices in how you want to mount them.
As a shout out to Skene customer service, I will note that one of my lights had a few LED segments that failed. They instantly sent me a replacement, no questions asked.
I’ve not been compensated by Skene in any way for this post. I simply think they offer great products and I want my fellow riders to live to ride another day. 🙂
View of Skene lights from the front. With the LED lights down low, they create a larger visual pattern with the bike’s headlight and turn signals.
Close up view of the Skene Photon Blasters in amber on Nina’s forks.
Rear Skene light setup alongside license plate. The flashing pattern of the lights is actually visually uncomfortable and gets driver’s attention.
And yet still…
I’m going to get very real here. Non-riders might feel a little uncomfortable. I want you to because I need you to examine your habits as a driver. So here goes…
The expense and effort many riders go to to be seen is substantial. And beyond gear, I’m constantly training and practicing to improve my defensiveness as a rider. I don’t personally know any drivers who aren’t also riders who truly work on their piloting skills. Maybe that’s the problem. At the very least, please take some time to read through some of the things riders need you to know.
Remember, I’m doing everything in my power to help you see me and avoid bad situations but that the hard truth is that it’s irrelevant if you are distracted while driving or are unprepared to deal with road users that aren’t automobiles.
Drivers, you are in control of a deadly weapon. Please act accordingly. I’m doing my part. I need you to do yours.
My original intent with this gear review was to highlight what I chose, why, and how these pieces have performed for me. I still get to do that, but in the wake of January’s crash, I also get to be very real about how they performed in their primary duties… protecting me in a crash.
My gear met an untimely demise but served me very well.
Sadly, there’s really no gear that will protect your bones when a car slams directly into your body. But setting aside that issue, there is great gear out there that will protect your skin as well as provide some protection to body areas more prone to impact, particularly when your bike goes down. And since those type of injuries are the more common ones facing motorcyclists, investing in quality gear to defend yourself from them is a smart move.
With all of these gear pieces, you can read more about the features and details on your favorite retailer’s sites. What I hope I provide with this post is some insight into my personal experience as well as a look at some of the inner workings of the technical design we wouldn’t have access to if not for the gear being dissected by EMTs.
Helmet…
Starting from the noggin’ down, obviously protecting your head is one of the biggest factors in motorcycling. For me, going with hi-viz was a not even a question, as was wanting a modular, full-face helmet. Those two considerations narrowed down the field of potential helmet candidates considerably. And once I factored in cost, that narrowed the field even more. I ended up with an HJC Symax 3, a solid offering that didn’t break the bank.
I like the ventilation of the HJC well-enough but it certainly doesn’t qualify as a quiet helmet. I also like the modular feature for accommodating eyewear and being able to easily hydrate without removing the helmet. For a moderately-priced helmet, the Symax 3 has a lot of great features, including a pin-lock visor and an integrated quick-access sunshield.
In the end though, the fact the I was thrown from my bike after being hit my a car, landed on the left side of my face, and ended up with only a minor concussion is the biggest testament to this helmet. With anything less than full-face protection, I wouldn’t have much of a face left and possibly not much of a brain.
While the helmet only looks slightly worse for wear, as with children’s car seats and bicycle helmets, once in an accident, it’s done… game over. The structural integrity is suspect and unknown at that point and it’s time for a new one. So my Symax 3 will be retired as I replace gear and get back to the joy of motorcycling.
While it can be tough to look at the price tag on a helmet and not have sticker shock, remember… it’s your head! It deserves respect and protection. Don’t skimp.
My HJC Symax 3. A few small scuffs belie the drama of being thrown from my bike by a careless driver.
Jacket…
Because it was winter and moderately chilly, I was wearing my hi-viz version of Olympia’s Ranger jacket for women that I’d only just added to my riding gear. Not kidding, I only had it a few weeks. I went with the Olympia after having already been very pleased with my summer-weather Switchback jacket.
The Ranger is an all-weather jacket equipped with CE armor in the shoulders, elbows, and back with copious options for venting. It’s chock-full of well thought out features and I absolutely love this jacket. While I never got the opportunity to test the waterproof properties of it in inclement weather, I give it high marks from on keeping wind and cold at bay in fairly chilly scenarios of winter riding in Georgia.
In my handful of rides out in it, the weather varied from 40s-60s and sunny to cloudy and windy. With my Patagonia base layer underneath and the inner soft-shell liner of the Ranger, I was quite comfortable. I made use of it completely sealed as well as with vents opened and I was impressed with it in both scenarios.
And for the nitty-gritty, yes… it absolutely saved me from much greater injury both in terms of road rash as well as the impact my left shoulder took when I hit the ground. In fact, I had to search the Cordura fabric for evidence of the impact.
My Olympia Ranger jacket at the left shoulder. Only a few scuffs in the Cordura to mark one of my major impact points.
The shoulder armor that took the brunt of my impact. While my shoulder still has some issues as a result, without the protection this jacket afforded me, I’d be in much worse shape.
The inner seams of the Ranger jacket, including the tape-sealed seams of the internal layer. I didn’t get to test the waterproof qualities but being a seasoned outdoors-woman and seeing the inner workings of this jacket, I have no doubt it would have performed admirably in inclement weather.
The inner workings of the waterproof/insulating liner jacket of the Olympia Moto Sports Ranger.
Pants…
My riding pants are the Rev’It! Tornado. Another offering absolutely packed with features, I was able to use these in all types of weather, with and without the insulating, waterproof liner. They’re fabulous. Even in cold winter Georgia rain, I rode in comfort. I was also quite ventilated using them without the liner on warmer days. These are marketed as three-season pants, not really meant for winter riding. Fortunately for me, Georgia winters are not terribly harsh so they proved to be all-season here but I was pushing the limits of riding comfort with them.
This piece is very smartly designed and has features that make them very usable and comfortable, including a very adjustable waist that is very appealing to a middle-aged, post-child-bearing chick with a thicker waist. And because I tend to be more on the short, thick side according to manufacturer specs, I had to go with a size that left too much length for my actual inseam measurement. But the adjustability at the ankle allowed me to snug the cuffs around my boots, keeping the fabric tucked away neatly.
In terms of crash-testing, obviously the Cordura fabric is not designed to withstand such impacts that would crush bone but I escaped with zero road rash which means these pants did exactly what they were supposed to do.
The outer layer of the Rev’It! Tornado pants are well-ventilated for warmer weather.
The inner layer of the Rev’It! Tornado pants showing the ventilation as well as the velcro tabs you can use to adjust armor position.
The inner workings of the Rev’it! Tornado pants waterproof/insulating liner. A thin inner membrane, an insulating buffer, and tape-sealed seams on the outer membrane.
One of my favorite features of the Rev’It! Tornado pants is the padded accordion knee panels. Sure they provide some impact protection in unexpected circumstances but they’re also great when kneeling on hard asphalt to fill your tires.
Boots…
Finding women’s boots that didn’t leave a lot to be desired was a challenge. Gear designed for women is coming along in this industry but still has a long way to go. My searching showed me that women’s designs are still more about form than function, leaving us less-protected. I’m not ok with that.
Without finding something that met my criteria in the women’s offerings, I went with men’s boots, specifically the Dianese Lince. Since I’m not a fair-weather rider, the breathable and waterproof Gore-Tex membrane was very appealing to me. They also have built-in ankle protection, something I found largely lacking in women’s boots.
I found the mid-calf height Lince’s to fit well and be very comfortable. In the more extreme temperatures I rode in, I did have some issues with my feet getting cold but that basically falls into the category of “Welcome to motorcycling.” My feet tend to run cold in the first place and without heated gear, it’s simply one of the issues riders face. I was actually surprised my little piggies weren’t more cold in some of the weather I ventured out in over the winter.
The Dianese Lince boots, post-dissection.
Close up of the ankle support and inner layers of the Dianese Lince boot where it was cut off of my left foot.
Gloves…
Another great offering from Dianese, again from the men’s department for many of the same reasons as the boots, the Scout EVO Gore-Tex winter gloves are beefy in terms of insulation and armor protection along the knuckles. But like the boots, beefy gear only gets you so far in colder temperatures. I definitely pushed the limits of how warm these would keep my hands. So without opting for heated gear, I was largely pleased with how far these got me.
As for for the accident, the gloves came out almost unscathed. Even though my right hand was battered and bruised (I’ll spare you the image…), that glove looks almost entirely untouched. Oddly enough the left glove shows the slightest bit of scuffing even though I had no left hand injury.
My Dianese Scout EVO winter gloves fared the best in the aftermath.
Big picture…
If you’ve looked at the price tag on these pieces, you’ll notice the cost is not insignificant. I will say it over-and-over… quality gear is essential. Not just in motorcycling but with any pursuit. And not skimping saved me. Literally.
In my case, all of my gear did its job very well. As severe as my injuries were, the potential for greater was huge. And this gear prevented a lot of that. I had zero road rash, an injury that outwardly seems minor but is not to be taken lightly at all. It can be very serious and one of the hardest things to recover from.
For all of the rhetoric in our risk-averse society, I hope you can see that we do have means to minimize risk factors and still lead full lives. All I can do is encourage you to research your options, study your craft, and get out there and live.
Cheers friends. Live large and adventure on.
And now for your moment of green remembrance…
The last image I have of my beloved Marlo before she was hauled off for salvage.
So friends… let’s keep it real. You know that’s how I roll here.
There are countless dangers in life. There’s no escaping the hazards of existing in this world. The risks of outdoor adventure may seem dramatic but climbing into your car to go to work everyday is far more dangerous. But just like putting on your seatbelt, there are certain precautions and measures we can take to shift the odds in our favor and still freely live our lives.
Bee in your bonnet, Val?
What has spurred on my mini-rant are news reports of recent attacks on local trails here in Atlanta.
Hiking with friends is fabulous… but that can’t always be arranged.
I believe in the power words and how situations are framed with them. I will say that most news outlets are simply urging awareness and caution but I take great umbrage at the ones talking about “inviting trouble” and “making a target of yourself” if you “insist on being out alone.” Just wow… and some other words that aren’t exactly blog-friendly.
This victim-blaming attitude is unconscionable. Even the brother-in-law of the woman severely beaten on the Silver Comet Trail said “Please don’t be scared to go down there. Be smart, but please don’t be scared.”
Yes, real dangers exist and we are responsible for doing everything we reasonably can to protect ourselves but to think we can never leave the house without an entourage is absurd. A buddy system is great. I love heading to the trails with my friends but isn’t always a viable option. So I head out alone rather than sitting at home, my life held hostage by a few unsavory individuals. If I succumb to their actions, I become a prisoner. We all do.
No. Just NO.
Trail tactics…
So having said that, there are obviously measures we can take to protect ourselves from hazards on the trail, human or otherwise. I am no expert on the matter but here are some of the things I find helpful:
Trekking poles and a SPOT locator device are part of my trail safety strategy.
Know your course: I do some research in advance. Knowing the lay of the land is one of the best things tactics. Not only does it help prevent me from becoming lost, I have an idea of my options should I need to change course unexpectedly.
Buddy system: Sure… when I can, I go with friends. But I also like to go alone. As a homeschooling mom, that’s sometimes the only solitude I get.
Situational awareness: Regardless of whether I’m with others or alone, I pay attention to what is happening around me. This goes for any time and place: the trail, a parking lot, walking down the street, etc. I also make eye contact and smile at passing hikers… not only does just being friendly help elevate your trail experience, it helps me keep in mind how many other folks are in my proximity, and helps them notice me as well.
Listen: I do have headphones on when I’m on the trails for daily local outings but I keep the volume to background level, not shutting-out-the-world level. At the very least, it allows me to be courteous and aware of other trail users who may need to pass me. And in a worse-case scenario, having my ears tuned into potential hazards of any kind, human or wild critter, is clearly beneficial.
Trekking/Hiking Poles: I reluctantly started using trekking poles as my knees decided to rebel against the demands of hiking. It took some time to get used to not having my hands free but now I’m a true believer in carrying them for their many uses, one of which is having something to distance yourself from threats. And I have accidentally poked myself with the pointy of mine. Trust me, it hurts. That can be used to your advantage.
Whistle: Most packs these days have whistles built in to the chest strap buckle but a couple of mine don’t so I’ve just attached those inexpensive little REI whistles. I think whistles are far more effective than screaming in attracting attention to yourself when you need it. Their pitch carries well and isn’t as likely to be disregarded as someone just being boisterous.
In addition to these measures, I also use a couple of apps as a broader safety net.
Spot…
I’m a recent convert to the SPOT Connect. I resisted for a long time because of poor reviews of the customer service as well as some complaints about the reliability of the GPS. I was wary of diving into the cost of the unit (about $125) plus the significant annual service fee (currently $150) under those circumstances.
One of the in-phone app screens for SPOT.
I’ve kept an eye on it over the last several years though. It seems they’ve improved and with the endorsement of some friends, I finally took the plunge knowing how much I would be out of cell-signal range on the Pacific Northwest Tour. So far I’ve found it very easy to use and the customer service to be just fine.
There are few varieties of SPOT devices but I use the Connect that pairs with my cell phone to send texts even without a signal. It allows me to customize multiple contact groups and messages from my phone so I can tailor messages to the situation. I have a handful set up that run the gamut from letting my contacts know I’ve arrived ok to specifying a medical or mechanical emergency. The SPOT web interface also allows you to share your map with others so they can track your path if you like.
I mainly got the SPOT Connect to help with out-of-signal travels but having it on the trails at home is a little piece of mind. Even with a strong cell signal here, it’s still useful to have pre-made messages and contact lists ready to go instead of having to put it together on the fly in an emergency. And in a hard-core emergency, the device itself is equipped with an SOS button that alerts rescue agencies of your location with one touch and no need to fumble with your phone.
Bugle…
Before I added SPOT to the mix, I was using an iPhone app called Bugle.
The Bugle app gives you options for sending your itinerary as well as custom contacts lists for each activity.
It’s a check-in app that lets contacts know your plans and sends out warnings if you don’t check in as planned. Obviously this requires a cell signal so while it has that limitation, it also doesn’t require you to physically send out a distress message; it simply notifies your contacts that you didn’t check in safely. Of course, that time has to pass before the message goes out.
The app lets you reuse events so you don’t have to recreate commonly-used ones each time. It also lets you assign different contacts to those events so you can customize it based on your adventure.
Even with SPOT I still use Bugle since it’s mechanism for sending notifications is different. My contacts are duplicated on both apps so in the case of an emergency, they have both tools to get me help.
The big picture…
Having started this post with the ugly specter of a human attack, the truth is I’m more likely to face an issue with a wild critter like a snake, and it’s even likelier that a situation will arise from my own klutziness. I’m always concerned that I’ll trip over a rock or root and knock myself silly far more than any other hazard.
Even with all of these precautions put together, there are no guarantees against problems out there. Awareness will help minimize them, other tools help me help myself to some extent, and my electronic tools provide the prospect of getting outside help more quickly, which can obviously be crucial depending upon the situation.
Hopefully between my wits and my gadgets, I’ll continue to adventure as safely as possible while still living life to its fullest. I hope you will too.
Happy adventuring!
And now for your moment of green…
My favorite local trails need not be intimidating if I take reasonable precautions.
