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WheelsOfGrace.com Volume 9 Issue 2 21 discourage you from wearing it, which can lead to a different kind of sore spot on your head. A helmet that fits well and reduces wind noise, will add to the pleasures of riding. Finding the right helmet in your size can be me-consuming, since few dealers carry a wide assortment of lids in stock. Having been involved in many helmet tests over the years, I know that virtually every rider can find a helmet he enjoys wearing. Within a helmet type—that is full-face, open-face, etc.—shop for comfort first. The degree of protec on offered does not vary nearly as much between brands as comfort does, so try on a lot of helmets and find the one that fits you best. Leave a helmet on for a while and make sure there are no ght points. Look at how well the neck roll and ear roll seals out wind noise. When comparing features, those which seem most useful are an -scratch faceshields and easy faceshield changes. Second only to a helmet in terms of vital protec on, gloves protect another delicate, essen al part of your anatomy. My prime concerns when selec ng gloves are effec ve reten on, solid construc on, and comfort. A wrist strap which cinches the glove down securely will assure that it doesn't fly off when you need it most. I like deerskin for its tough yet supple nature. Again, the seams should be solid. Deerskin also stretches to fit your hand, so it gets be er as you wear it. To provide comfort through changing seasons, I have a selec on of gloves: vented without gauntlets (which block wind flow up the sleeves) for hot days, warm waterproof gloves for cold weather, and a set of unlined gauntlet gloves for the rest of the me. Wetting down the clothes beneath your leathers or other outer garments is the most effective way to stay cool on scorching days. Boots should have a rubber sole that provides trac on if you put your foot down in sand or slimy stuff. They should be solidly constructed and cover the ankle (which, because it protrudes, can be abraded or impact in a fall), preferably with padding. They shouldn't have long laces that can catch in a chain or bulk which interferes with shi ing. Though most motorcycle boots meet these requirements, so do many good hiking boots, which may provide more comfort for walking. Currently, several firms offer boots with Gore-Tex liners, which make them completely waterproof. These are the essen al pieces of riding gear that any self-respec ng motorcyclist should own. Beyond the basics, there are other items that can make riding more comfortable. Most riders probably have a rainsuit. It's temp ng to buy a cheap rainsuit, but few of those will stand up to motorcycling use. I have seen several that ripped apart on the first ride. I'd expect to spend at least $40 and perhaps twice that for a rainsuit that will serve motorcycling duty for many seasons. A Gore-Tex rainsuit can