I’m surprised by the reaction this thread generated. Overall some really good points have been made both for and against protective gear. To be honest in the past when I rode track days I went ‘full on’ protective available at that time. Speeds were much higher than road riding, and so were the risks. Track road furniture is minimal, plenty of run off, gravel traps etc; so in some sense clothing protection is to reduce the risk of road rash above all else.
Road riding these days, especially for me, is much slower. I am an advanced licensed rider, police trained, and tend to ride in my own ‘safety bubble’. It’s the road furniture that scares me most on my travels; that and the half asleep myopic drivers in their fully air-bagged, laser cruise controlled tin boxes (whilst under the influence of stuff?).
I always wear appropriate gear depending on the ride I decide to take. Long motorways or tours is full protect leather kit and full face helmet etc. Short country rides is more casual; leather jacket, open face helmet, Oxford protect jeans, boots and gloves.
Bottom line is we all take a risk whatever the ride. We all choose our ‘protection’ for our own reasons. Whatever, we all enjoy our bikes and the freedom they give us. Keep safe and ride on.