Glad to hear it wasn't more severe... or more life threatening!
I wish him a speedy recovery.

....
I notice people who ride in loose or unsafe riding attire... and ya know, it's a shame. Wear your gear!! No, riding pants may not be safer than a pair of jeans as they both could rip... however, most riding gear (like elbow pads, knee guards...etc) is made for safety.... and should be worn at all times. I live by that motto... and have suffered less due to that.

The removing of parts from a atv or bike to make it faster, cleaner, or less prone to something... is also a bad idea. Chain gaurds and such are there for a reason. SO you "high center" on a dune... it's better than missing digits off your hand. Even if it doesn't PREVENT it... everything helps. Chain gaurds also keep the sand from building up beneath the chain and sprocket. When the sand builds up enough, the chain will "skip" on the sprocket or "pop". In moist or wet sand this is more a problem, or more noticeable. Do us all a favor... leave the safety stuff on your ride!

STORY:
My buddy is sitting on the sidelines of Carlsbad Raceway here in San Diego. The moto starts and guys come flying around turn two. A crash in the corner leaves a couple guys on the ground... with one of them missing his hand! Yes, his hand! He lost his hand in the chain/sprocket of another bike (nothing you can do about this one, no chain gaurds would have helped... nor safety equipment). It ended up someone grabbed a cooler, poured out all but the ice and loaded his hand in it for the ride to the hospital. <sorry, I have no further info on the accident>

SO... ride safe! Play hard!

MOST IMPORTANTLY... LIMIT your possibilities of being hurt!!!

 

Johnny,

Riding Gear: I've never been a fan of riding pants- To each his own. Why spend that kind of money for protection in the sand? I wear heavy duty jeans and rubber band up one pant leg. Sprocket Covers: A lot of guys that dont have a sprocket cover, should wear riding boots and put thier pants inside to keep thier pants from getting into the coutershaft sprocket. If you have a sprocket cover, just put a rubber band around your jeans - thats cheap insurance! Helmets: Most folks should wear a helmet - certainly if they are under age - I do have my own personal convictions regarding helmets - but they are mine and Oregon law gives me the choice. Gloves: I think they are must - not only for the protection, but the comfort. Swingarm Plates: Thats a tough one in the sand because if you are hill shooting they just dont work; You'll high center and never get out. Heel Guards: Im thinking after Spencer's accident, this is a good thing. I wish they made some good ones for the DS - hmmmmm. Tether Kill Switch: Again, after Spencer's accident, mine is being installed today. I have rolled both quads, and it would have helped me both times - so I'm getting one!

Marky