[adouglas]

I'm old enough to remember when people griped about wearing seatbelts because they were inconvenient.

Now, nobody gives them a second thought.

What changed? Not the belts. It was our attitude. It was a whole generation growing up with their parents telling them to buckle up. We just don't think about it anymore.

I wear full leather gear, boots, gauntlets, the works... every commute. It takes all of what, two or three minutes to head to the bathroom to change? Gimme a break. I spend more time than that in the office kitchen making coffee.

Convenience is a silly excuse for increasing risk. Just make time to do it right.

Hey, it's inconvenient to put on a condom, right? But does convenience trump safety, or does it get done without question?

"Poser?" That says one thing above all else: That it's more important to look good. Which is a flat-out stupid attitude.

I will admit to not changing my pants when heading 1 mile down the road to the diner for lunch -- a trip on which I never get above 30 mph. That's the only concession to convenience that I make.

Everyone has their own comfort level. Here's my proven formula:

- Jeans/pants kept at work. Change 'em out every few days for a fresh pair.
- Shoes kept at work.
- Shirt comes with me either worn or (if really hot out) in a backpack.

Gear up in the morning. Ride in. Grab clothes, shoes and coffee cup when I get to my office. Head to kitchen, put cup in coffee machine, go to bathroom.
Remove riding pants/boots and put on jeans and shoes. Come out and the coffee has just finished brewing. Back to the office.

Done. Five minutes, absolute tops.