Motorcycle Sunglasses Blog

My friend just got her motorcycle license and has become a real Miss Know-It-All. When I offered up some advice on what sort of safety gear she should look into she scoffed at my suggestions, especially sunglasses. I’ve been riding motorcycles for 20-plus years; I know how important eye gear is when you’re on the road.

She insisted that her windshield was enough. Guess who later showed up with red-rimmed irritated eyes? I handed her a pair of Choppers sunglasses and said no more. I think the physical pain was enough.

The first time I rode a motorcycle, I forgot to put on sunglasses. I learned very quickly never to forget such a vital piece of safety equipment again. (My eyes still sting just thinking about all the dirt and debris that got whipped up during that fateful ride).

Nowadays I rock a pair of Bobster sunglasses for motorcycle riders. They keep my eyes well protected from dirt, debris, and harsh UV rays. I like them so much that I sometimes where them when I’m running errands around town, riding my bike, or just taking a walk around the neighborhood.

There’s nothing I love more than being outdoors. Whether it’s riding my motorcycle in the spring and summer or skiing through the winter, I can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing than communing with Mother Nature. This past winter my girlfriend bought be interchangeable lens goggles for my motorcycle riding.

The lenses are fantastic because they are suitable for all weather possibilities. They’re so comfortable and well made that I even use them for skiing. They protect my eyes from dirt, debris, snow, and ice, as well as harmful UV rays.

When I’m in the mood to go riding I don’t want to waste time changing out my lenses. I just want to be able to hop on my ride and go. I don’t even like changing out my reading and everyday glasses when I’m not riding. (Like the lament of many older folks, I wish my eyes were as young as I feel!)

Knowing my frustration, my wife, who is also a biker chick, found me discount prescription sunglasses. Now whenever the mood strikes me, I just slip on my glasses and go. There’s no more fumbling around with extra lenses or doubling up and looking ridiculous.

When my 18-year-old son used part of his graduation money to refurbish an old motorcycle, I was less than thrilled. I kept my opinion to myself because the money was his to do with as he pleased. When he finished work on the bike he proudly rolled it up the driveway for his father and I to inspect.

He excitedly told us that he and his buddies were going to go out riding the following weekend. I asked him to show me his safety gear, but the only thing he presented me was an old helmet. He had spent most of the money repairing the bike that he didn’t have enough leftover for safety gear. Though I wasn’t pleased with his choice, I also wasn’t going to let my son be unsafe on the road, so I went out and bought him a new helmet, Bobster sunglasses, proper riding boots, and leather apparel.

The last time I went on a road trip was the summer following my graduation from college. Since then, 25 years have flown by. I got married, had kids, sent them off to school, and now I’m nearing retirement age. My best friend from college, who I’ve remained friends with all these years, is in the same boat.

We were talking over what we do with ourselves now that we’re empty nesters nearing retirement. We laughed about the couples who sell their homes, by RVs, and hit the open road. After giggling for a few minutes, I thought, what’s so bad about that? Now, with our husbands’ blessings, we’re planning a girls road trip; though, instead of selling our homes, we’re relearning how to ride motorcycles. We may need to wear biker prescription sunglasses, but we’re going to have just as much fun as we did that summer after college!

When my friends Bob and Jill got married they decided to have some fun with their ceremony and reception. They’ve both been married before so neither of them had the urge to have a traditional white wedding. Instead, they opted for a biker wedding. Yes, you read that correctly, a biker wedding.

The wedding took place at a scenic overlook. The bride, groom, and small wedding party rode in on their bikes – even the justice of the peace was on a hog! It was quite a spectacle and unlike any event I’ve ever attended. As a wedding gift, I decided to stick with the theme of the day and bought them matching biker goggles with their initials and wedding date printed on the bands.

Diminished visibility when riding can be a terrifying experience. I found out the hard way when I first started riding. I hadn’t heeded the warnings of my other biker friends about wearing anti fog goggles. I thought my regular glasses would be just fine – up until the point I couldn’t see the road under my feet.

I got lucky that day; not a lot of people were on the road and I was able to safely pull over and try to de-fog my goggles. That afternoon I went out and bought myself a sturdy pair of anti fog goggles. It’s just one less hazard to worry about when I’m riding around town.

Long scenic runs are my favorite, but every now and then a short ride to a unique location can be worth it. Living in Maryland, I have plenty of opportunities to make runs into DC, VA, WV, DE, and PA. Last weekend, I took a ride to the Haines Shoe House in Hallam, PA.

The shoe house is literally a shoe-shaped house. It was built in 1948 as an advertising gimmick by shoe “wizard” Mahlon Haines. Today the building continues to attract visitors, and even was featured on the eighth season of The Amazing Race. With something so novel close by, how could I not put on my cool sunglasses, leather jacket, and take a day ride?

Winter isn’t exactly the best riding season, so instead I plan out runs I want to make during the spring and summer months. A friend recently suggested I check out the Mt. Baker/Artist Point run. From my home near Tacoma, WA it’s approximately 350 miles, or a full day’s ride.

According to my friend, the scenery along the route runs from urban to lake to forest to mountains, and also includes rural, river, and farmland views. The run goes past Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and ends inside the North Cascades National Park, so I don’t doubt that the ride is quite scenic. The route is certainly intriguing; I can’t wait to don my biker sunglasses and hit the open road!