07-24-2016, 04:18 AM
I think you could pick out "any" 11 miles of the Cherohala or the BRP and the stats would make the 11 mile stretch of US 129 aka the Dragon seem like a blood bath in comparison. On the Dragon, even though as MTC pointed out statistically I would have a very small chance of something happening, I want to be wearing protective gear head to toe and I do every time I ride it. On the Cherahola or BRP I would find just wearing a helmet an acceptable risk. YMMV
I would never discourage someone from wearing gear (personal choice and all) and there are certain places is in this country where I would never consider NOT wearing full gear including a Hi Viz vest (mostly major cities...freeways etc). Where I live just doesn't happen to be one of them, and maybe geography accounts for how paranoid people get which shapes their opinions about gear. I live in a relatively safe place to ride a motorcycle. Out in the country, not much traffic, not many intersections or stop lights, relatively slow speed limits. I don't drink, I am a very experienced and confident rider, I stay in my lane, I don't tailgate, I don't speed more than +5. I will venture forth (as my wife and I did yesterday and today) with helmets as our only protective gear because that is the one piece of gear designed to save my life in an accident in the statistically small chance that one would happen (well I had boots on as well, but only because they make me taller, therefore easier to reach the ground, and it's easier on my toe to upshift in them than gym shoes). I weigh the risks and ride within my comfort zone. Maybe you only feel comfortable when totally geared up, and that's fine. I felt quite at ease riding as I did today.
I would never discourage someone from wearing gear (personal choice and all) and there are certain places is in this country where I would never consider NOT wearing full gear including a Hi Viz vest (mostly major cities...freeways etc). Where I live just doesn't happen to be one of them, and maybe geography accounts for how paranoid people get which shapes their opinions about gear. I live in a relatively safe place to ride a motorcycle. Out in the country, not much traffic, not many intersections or stop lights, relatively slow speed limits. I don't drink, I am a very experienced and confident rider, I stay in my lane, I don't tailgate, I don't speed more than +5. I will venture forth (as my wife and I did yesterday and today) with helmets as our only protective gear because that is the one piece of gear designed to save my life in an accident in the statistically small chance that one would happen (well I had boots on as well, but only because they make me taller, therefore easier to reach the ground, and it's easier on my toe to upshift in them than gym shoes). I weigh the risks and ride within my comfort zone. Maybe you only feel comfortable when totally geared up, and that's fine. I felt quite at ease riding as I did today.