Gear!

I approached motorcycling very cautiously. Where most young riders quickly buy a 125 and get out on the road with a £50 helmet and some trackies, I avoided riding on my own so that I wouldn't pick up bad habits. Instead, I start to buy gear, to prove to myself and to my parents, that I really was going to be smart about learning to ride.

I went down to Westgate Rd, a road in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, devoted to the everything a biker could possibly need. I went into a shop called 'Custom Lids' and got some idea on what to get. The guy in there was possibly the friendliest salesmen I've ever met. He measured my hands and I bought some RST Race Waterproof Gloves. He advised that there isn't a great deal of difference between them and the higher end gloves. He also measured my head and recommended I spend the extra buck and go for a Shoei Helmet. I was ok buying a pair of gloves for £60 but decided to scour the internet for some good deals on a helmet, considering they cost hundreds.

I found a website that represents a store in Mansfield called Two Wheel and I highly recommend them. At the time I was using them, they issued a gift voucher depending on how much you spent. I bought a Shoei XR-1100 Matte Black. It has state of the art wind exhausting, a great design and the highest standard of safety. There was a slight delay, but the company always kept me in-the-know with the helmet's where-abouts. The customer service was extraordinary and they even include a free chocolate bar with every order! It cost me £309.99 and I got a £50 voucher which I'll probably use on a jacket.

I also bagged a Pro Skins Balaclava for £15 off eBay, which makes my head look tiny and hilarious!

In terms of gear, I now have a helmet, trousers, balaclava, boots and gloves costing £385.