ATGATT, the required Sport-Touring Uniform?

I ride a Honda ST1300, and I don't go to motorcycle events/rallies.

As with any motorcycle, there is a certain demographic or "crowd" that typically ride these machines. And, as with any bike, there is often a "uniform" you are "expected" to wear if you ride this motorcycle. It's like riding a Harley without wearing leather and denim.

The crowd is often 60 something year old men, and the uniform is ATGATT. If you are unfamiliar, ATGATT is an acronym for "All The Gear All The Time", meaning helmet, armored jacket and pants, gloves, boots and often Hi-Vis colors.

I get so frustrated by the ATGATT crowd and yes, I have avoided events/rallies because because I don't fit in. Kind of like going to Sturgis on a Hello Kitty themed moped. Or an Atheist showing up at a missionary training center. I'll be told of the evil of my ways and why I should be more like them.

I live very close to Moonshine, IL. Moonshine is a mecca of sorts for all kinds of motorcyclists, including the sport-touring crowd. I have gotten some VERY evil and disgusted stares from other ST1300 riders at Moonshine because of my gear (or lack thereof).

I am a pro-choice rider. I wear gear when I want. I wear a jacket based on the weather. I wear a helmet based on where I'm riding, the kind of riding, and my general mood; of course weather factors in again. There is no helmet law where I live.

I'm not a squid. I've ridden well over 250,000 miles. I used to be a motorcycle safety instructor when I was in the military. I pride myself in my riding skills and my own methods of traffic management and accident avoidance. I am a safe rider.

Gear will not make a person a safer rider. It will only make them a more PROTECTED RIDER. I'm not saying I'm bulletproof and that an crash will never take me out. I focus on the safe rider part, instead of the protected rider bit. I minimize distractions, don't drive impaired, and watch my speed.

I don't need those guys who say I should do this and do that, because they think they know what's best for me. And that's the number one reason I will continue to avoid events.

Ride safe, ride free. I won't judge you by your choices.