We're not putting many miles on the bike lately, what with travel, recovery from travel, grandsons, weather, and various other interests...the bike sits in the garage. So what is a rider to do? Go to the International Motorcycle Show!
Five of us piled in to a car and drove in the pouring rain to the San Mateo Fairgrounds. Four of us needed new helmets and there are always deals to be had at the Show. Then we always wander around to see what's new, what we might "need", and then fondle the bikes.
I was hoping to get up close and personal with a Vespa. This did not happen because they were not at the show! In years past they've been on full display. This year was smaller, the exhibitors were in only two buildings.
We found the Company we were planning on purchasing our helmets from, JM Corp. I won't bore you with all the details on why we were planning on purchasing from them. The one big thing is the communications are built in to the helmet, no boom near your mouth. The display included one sample of each style and then the owner handed you a blue piece of paper with a code to use during Thanksgiving week to order on line. Then he sent you across the aisle to the Arai helmet dealer to try on the actual helmet. So off we went to Arai.
We LOVED the helmets. We were looking for full face, but Bret & Donna were looking for modular. They quickly figured out they were going to stick with Shoei so off they went to that dealer's display. The Arai rep was a hoot. He was REALLY into measuring heads and suggesting a specific style of helmet. And he was right on. We found exactly what we are going to order from JM. We were finished and so we went to find Bret & Donna. Here's what they were doing.....
They went for the Shoei Neotec but they didn't have their size with the color they wanted so they're either driving to San Jose or ordering it online. So funny that they weren't set-up to take orders. A purchase required another step by the customer. Don't you think that good sales would want to close right there? Why make your customer do all the work?
While we were waiting and watching them fiddle with the helmets, I was intrigued and started to try them on too. Then I made a call to get a modular too! Totally unexpected. I've been planning on the full face for a year, waiting for JM to have another sale. I dragged Dave in to this too. Oh, and their sales person that helped to fit your helmet, well he wasn't as odd as the Arai guy, but he was definitely in to his job. Once you have the helmet on, completely strapped, he has you hold your head firm as he yanks and twists the helmet to make sure it's snug. All the while you're aware of the fact he's doing his best to simulate your head twisting and dragging as you go skidding across the road. Fun?
He's a good sport too, posing for a photo.
Dave and I purchased the modular helmets, we don't wear an odd size and weren't purchasing an odd color, so they did have those in stock. Now we're off to play in other areas.
I bought coconut socks for friends...they are magic socks. I'm not exactly sure how they do it, but my feet are never too hot, or too cold, and just feel comfy while I'm wearing them....every day...for weeks on a trip...they don't smell either....really.
We finished up and went for lunch....where the Around Me app sent us to a residential area in error...we got a tour before we ended up for lunch.
Oh, and the next morning I asked Dave if he was sorry he didn't get the full face from JM, and...well...he may end up with two new helmets. He's worth it.
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