this
It's a public road. If you don't wear full gear on other public roads when going from point A to point B, why would you "gear up for the Dragon"?
Are you going to suffer the consequences if they go down?
Well, have fun dude...just not TOO much fun. And just know that the rest of us are laughing at your slack ass b/c you look like a douchebag.
Safe riding!
Gasp!?! What!?! OMG, you just totally burst my bubble. Shit, I thought for SURE it was a fire-breathing reptile whose actual tail was like sliding down a twisty rainbow. Let me gather myself for a minute as I get used to this new knowledge!
But the Dragon, casual or not, is a very technical road that should be taken seriously. Unlike many, I'm not too proud to ask for help, and as you can see from my later pictures, I've done better...however, I'm still looking for ways to improve, so I'll humbly take any advice anyone has to offer. I just think people look silly on such a technical road in damn shorts and no gloves. I mean, come on!
Still looking for ways to improve...always will be. But until then and as I learn, if I go down, at least I've taken all precautions to protect myself. Cool profile pic, btw. ATGATT!
Or some girl.
There's your problem, I don't ride to look cool. I ride because it gives me a better rush than any drug out there. 99% of the time I'm wearing everything but riding pants, but when I feel like it, I'll throw on a tshirt and go for a rip. And I am yet to ever have somebody mention it face to face...Or some girl.
I'll leave it alone at this. I'm not saying people have to do what I do. As a matter of fact, don't! I will always be learning and trying to get better, and in practicing new things, sometimes risks have to be taken, comfort zones have to be left to establish new ones, etc. I got better gear as a result of someone pointing it out to me that I needed it, thinking about it, researching the benefits of leather, etc. Of course riding is about freedom, so ride without gear if you want. It just looks silly on technical roads such as the Dragon (or other serious mountain roads, the Cherohala, BRP, etc). It's an opinion. If you think you look cool in shorts and tennis shoes on your bike, then by God, have fun, but know that you won't look cool at all if there's one moment in time where things don't go smoothly and you're road-rashed from head to toe. Just looking through the pics, particularly those taken on the Dragon since that's the place to go to see action shots, those guys in t-shirts and shorts stood out and looked silly. My opinion, yes, but it stands.
Whether you gear up or not, safe, happy riding to all! Enjoy this beautiful weekend!
I don't know, there sure seems to be a fair number of riders on this board "laughing" at your silly pretensions. Your not going to make many friends in what is traditionally a tight-knit community by being simultaneously presumptuous and utterly anemic on a motorcycle (please refer to your mountain cornering thread for reference). Those things go together no better than oil and water. In fact, I now feel compelled that the next time the opportunity arises that I may ride the dragon, I'll be sure to do it in my birthday suit, twigs and berries flapping in the breeze. In essence, you're being an asshole, so zip it kid.Well, have fun dude...just not TOO much fun. And just know that the rest of us are laughing at your slack ass b/c you look like a douchebag.
PS. I couldn't care less what everyone wears. I was just making a blanket statement that you look retarded without gear.
No worries! Don't necessarily need more friends, just looking for advice from seasoned riders. Thanks though! I gotta say, seeings as how 6.5 months ago, I'd never even driven a stick shift CAR, much less a motorcycle, I think I'm doing ok, especially looking at how most riders' form on the Dragon and other mt roads is very similar to my warped form in the "pointers for mt corners" thread. Interesting. However, since I've taken advice, read some of the pros' books, practiced, etc, I completely 100% agree that my form on the first Dragon ride SUCKED BALLS!! Yep, I looked like a moron...agreed!
However, rather than getting offended by advice, I welcome it and am still asking for more. Is there still room for improvement? Always!!! It's those who think they have nothing left to learn that are the most dangerous for themselves and others. I apologize to anyone whom I may have offended by calling you retarded...You're not retarded, but I don't think riders (or cagers, for that matter) take you very seriously when you're decked out in shorts and a tank top, especially on challenging rides. Again, I welcome your comments regarding my most recent pictures. I still have much to learn, and I'm always excited to try new things! Thanks! 
I don't know if you ever been there, but it's pretty much treated as a racetrack by so many. I'm not going to lie, when I went there I rode fast, I was dragging knees here and there. But I was still going no were near the limit.
I know it is. So is Palomar. They're not. They're public roads, and if you are riding them as such you'll have absolutely no problems, incur no special risks (other than wanna-be racers crossing over/crashing into your lane), and thus have no need for anything beyond whatever your normal riding gear is.
