I use the bandana to keep my sweat contained plus when I stop I can air it out easier than the helmet. In the hot weather I damp it for additional cooling effect. My gloves keep my hands from getting sunburned and my jacket has armor padding. I guess the leather pants I wear might get a laugh from some but I never cared what anybody else had to say about my gear. I feel safe and that's pretty much the reason I wear what I do. So I'm probably going to get grouped in with you BI - Those sandal wearing short pants riders OR the other end of the ridiculous spectrum cod piece wearing group - can laugh at me too - if the unthinkable happens - I hope my gear does what its supposed to and help me to limit any injuries.
I'm still wondering if the bandana is considered a do rag... I got a new head wrap at wally world last week for 2 bucks - the last one I bought cost 10.



If you're serious - fold it diagonally - the two long ends go in each hand the point goes to the back of your head
Tie a square knot in it with the point under the knot....

It's been a while since I tried it, I may try it again. I think part of the problem is my giant meathead. I may have to use a beach towel instead of a regular bandana They do help with the heat as well. That's how they are used at work. You wet them and they help keep you cooler. Everyone has to wear nomex clothes, hard hat, and ST boots and sometimes the ambient temp is 110, not including the extra heat from the process which some areas are very hot.

My brother tells me I have a beach ball head... I can still get a bandana around it though. I was buying them at the local Army-Navy Store but I got a couple at Wally world for a buck each. I had to laugh at the beach towel joke - I feel the same way. Wetting them first helps with cooling even in the helmet.
I also keep a hat in the saddle bag for those bad hair days. The wet bandana works best though.

I always figured a do rag would make be look like a gay pirate.

Only if you walk with a "lisp" I really entertain my self!!

A friend of mine has a cousin that is currently doing a career change much like what I am thinking about. I'm going to get to talk to him next month when he gets back from Phoenix. My wife is ready for a change... Looking at Phoenix or Orlando...

This has got to be one of the best threads I've ever seen on any forum. To bad I missed out on the beginning. I've made several career changes in my life. The last career change I made, that field seemed designed for me, I was literally propelled to the top of my field winning the top international award for that field in just a few years. At 50 I had a heart attack, there was absolutely no physical reason for it, the doctor called it a stress attack. As many of you know my wife and I had a mid life crisis baby and he is now 11. We are currently shedding all the fat from our lives, that being all the expensive material crap that clogs and complicates a persons life. I've found that a full tank of gas some sodas a couple of snacks in the saddle bags or just a nice meal with my family and friends, quality time with my wife and sons (please excuse the cliche) has become more important than anything. KS if this change will simplify your life I say go for it.

I was hoping to hear stories like yours. That's were I see myself (wanting a change), but I question my motives. I have never been at this place in life and it could be perfectly natural to want to change. After many years of doing the same thing, it get's old. Now the flip side of that after doing the same thing for many years you get pretty good at what you do and make better money. I was talking to my wife about everything and it just made me think of all the loose strings to making a drastic change. My wife and I had a kid when she was 39 and another one at 40... not really mid life crisis kids, but we got young kids to consider... as well as teenagers... and a couple that are grown... and aging parents with a failing social security system... and I don't want to let any of them down.

All BS aside, when you said "I've found that a full tank of gas some sodas a couple of snacks in the saddle bags or just a nice meal with my family and friends, quality time with my wife and sons (please excuse the cliche) has become more important than anything." You said it all. Those are the best things in life. (In addition to "crushing your enemies, seeing them driven before you, and to hear the lamendation of the women"... can't forget those) When we have had our last ride on this planet, it's the memory we leave our loved one's that lives on.

If you pick Phoenix you can meet Eddie B and if you pick Orlando maybe we can meet up in NC? Its win-win.

I prefer my bed and 5-6 pillows and the fan blowing on me at full blast 2 feet away. At least until winters over and/or I retire.