It's summer, sort of, and like everybody else bikers are tempted to dress down. John Wheeler isn't having any of it.
While this summer was far from bright, the hot and humid days have led many to cast of their heavy gear in place of light t-shirts and even shorts. However on a motorcycle this can be deadly.
There is a saying among experienced riders: "there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear."
Although you are certain to encounter rain, hail, sleet perhaps even snow, sweltering hot days and freezing cold, clothing needs to do more than just keep you warm and dry.
In an accident - and it's no consolation that in over 70 per cent of accidents affecting motorcyclists the primary cause is the other vehicle - you need protection from impact and abrasion.
It's a constant source of amazement that otherwise sane individuals can be seen riding around in a light leisure jacket, bomber jacket or sweatshirt, jeans and trainers - without gloves.
The justification - "I'm only popping down the road" or "I'm only riding a short distance to work" - does not grant any of us immunity from accident. If you are knocked off your machine at only 30 mph (it happens to someone every day and today could be your turn), what do you think your legs, knees, hands, elbows or whatever might look like?
Not a pretty sight. And, if you're lucky not to have broken bones, flesh and skin take a long time to repair. You may never again be the handsome hunk by the pool on your sun holidays.
"But, it's uncomfortable in hot weather," many reply. On those rare hot days you might perspire, but how long does it take to have a shower? How long do skin grafts take?
Time was, not that long ago, when some motorcycling clothing on offer was rubbish. Today things are a lot better. A wide choice of good clothing is available. Buy the best you can afford.
One thing we can thank the EC for is setting standards for motorcyclists' protective clothing. For several years I was on the EC working group dealing with this matter. It was, as they say, like watching paint dry: manufacturers and national standards bodies moved at a snail's pace to agree on minimum standards. But they got there. Now, if a garment has a CE label, it meets a specific standard. Look for this label, read it carefully: it describes the purpose for which the garment is fit to be used.
The law insists you have a helmet. Buy a new one and make sure it's a good fit. You need at least two pairs of gloves. Despite claims there is no such thing as a totally waterproof glove, some just take longer to get soaked. You need a dry pair while the wet pair is drying out.
Your jacket shouldn't only keep you dry and warm, it must have additional protection where you are most likely to need it, on the shoulders, elbows and very importantly along your spine.
Trousers must keep you dry and warm and protect your hips and knees. Boots also must keep you dry and warm and protect your ankles and lower legs.
It doesn't matter whether you ride a small scooter or the most powerful, top-of-the-range 150 bhp missile, your body is just as vulnerable in any accident - and most accidents happen below 40 mph.