The importance of wearing Armor

Brad

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« on: August 02, 2007, 11,09:26 PM »

The importance of wearing Armor.
Article by Brad McDiarmid

When we all go out riding, we expect to return safely after a great day. That’s what AMTRA aims for on their rides, a good ride with no major issues.

When I got my bike recently it cost a fair bit, as did the ride gear that goes with our sport. As my recent ride experience is limited I got the essentials to protect me whilst I re-learn.
One of the pieces of gear was a protection vest of which there are primarily two types; I will refer to them as inner wear and outer wear versions. By this I mean the inner wear version is typically a mesh arrangement that is worn close to the skin. The outer wear version is typically a hinged arrangement that is worn over the top of your clothes.
Both work fine and the selection is a matter of personal choice and finances.
The reason for this article is I am advocating that you get one and wear it always.

On the HCR2007 there was a guy who came off and broke some ribs, he had no vest on and was pretty sore. Later, he said that he had recently bought a vest but had not worn it. Plenty of people ride without a vest; however you can never tell when something will happen from a variety of circumstances. The saying “Better safe than Sorry” makes sense.

Twice now my vest has saved me from major injuries and only resulted in bruises.
The first save, was my first introduction ride with AMTRA at Marysville. On this ride I would have injured my elbow; instead I ended up with a bruise the size and shape of the elbow guard.

Last Saturday on the Neerim South ride I came off and hit my shoulder as Marc pointed out in his ride report. This happened in the first 15 mins or 10km of the ride.
I wasn’t going fast, about 25km/h, through a wheel rut full of water when I came off and hit a tree about 30cm in diameter. I never saw the tree I hit until I got up off the ground.
Rob the tail man sorted me out, asked all the right questions, the shoulder was sore and functioning. We rode off and covered the 105km that day.

Since the ride the bruises have come out in the shape of the armor, looking worse than they feel. Bones are all fine and I will ride again shortly.
Riding has its risks which be reduced by wearing the right gear and riding within your self. At the end of the day the difference is bruises go away in days and broken bones take weeks or months to mend. I have attached three pictures to help explain this article.

Rgds, Brad.

Rear of vest.JPG 481.47 KB - downloaded 219 times Front of vest.JPG 498.68 KB - downloaded 205 times Bruises.JPG 233.49 KB - downloaded 232 times
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Brad

Guest

Updated Photo's

« Reply #1 on: August 03, 2007, 08,11:30 AM »

Noticed the photo's did not come out as I had planned. Attached are the origional's that may view better. Rgds, Brad.

Front of Armor.JPG 1352.28 KB - downloaded 212 times Front of Armor.JPG 1352.28 KB - downloaded 209 times Bruises.JPG 750.64 KB - downloaded 202 times
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dennisd

Full Member 2012/2013

Posts: 222

The importance of body armour

« Reply #2 on: August 03, 2007, 10,30:30 PM »

Brad,

Good storey and excellent advice. How about you package it up with the photos embedded with the text for insertion as an article in the next Amtraction.

I was the first aid person who assessed the guy with broken ribs on the HCR and was stunned when he told me he decided not to wear his new body armour that day because it was a bit hot. What an idiot. he certainly regretted that decision. Without a doubt good body armour like that shown by Brad would have reduced or completely avoided bone breakages and certainly lessed the pain and suffering.

For those not using this type of body armour I strongly recommend it. I have had some for just 4 rides now and it is extremely comfortable, if a bit hot in summer. There are several good brands and you don't have to spend a fortune....but it is an excellent investment. I used to use the hard plastic roost type of MX armour - it was good and saved me several times, but it was never as comfortable as the new AlpineStars body armour I use now. Rider's edge in heidelberg will do you a godd deal, as they did for me - just mention that you are an AMTRA member.

Dennis Dorman

Dennis


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