After a silly but painful fall this weekend and a couple since I've started properly getting back into riding - I'm keen to hear what protection you all wear when going out for a days riding. I know the learning curve in the beginning can be tough and that is also a reason for more falls and as one gets more experienced, technically proficient and confident, padding is less of a must have, although I'm sure no matter how good one is, **** happens... I normally only wear pads for what I would consider more challenging/technical trails/rides as I don't want to look like I'm about to do the Megavalanche when I'm just out for a day on the trails - But after this weekend I think I'll be wearing knee and elbow pads on every ride as I hate that I'm buggered for a week or two recovering and not able to ride or do any decent exercise due to an injury that could have been avoided or lessened the damage by wearing protection. I suppose I also think there's a bit of judgment from other riders that may think it's overkill or that I must be a serious rider only to get sniggers as they come bombing past along the trail... As I've got older, I'm realising I don't bounce back as fast as I used to and I'd prefer to be on my bike more than not so I'll be padding up from now on!
