James Gonzalez

You’ve stared at helmet racks for ten minutes. You’ve read three reviews and still don’t know what fits your head. Or your ride.

I’ve worn gear that cracked on the first ride. I’ve bought jackets that looked great in photos but chafed like sandpaper after ten minutes.

You feel that rush the second you twist the throttle. Wind hits your face. Engine hums in your chest. You’re alive.

I wore boots that looked cool until I wiped out on wet pavement and my ankle twisted sideways. That hurt. And it taught me boots are not about style.

I’ve dropped helmets. I’ve bought the wrong size twice. I’ve worn one that gave me a headache after ten minutes.

You’ve stared at thirty helmets online. You’ve read five reviews that contradict each other.