Originally posted to ydnar.vox.com in September 2006.

TZR (Matte Black)

Today's shopping theme: Gear, specifically safety equipment.

Per advice from a number of people smarter than I, riding a motorcycle with someone else's helmet is probably less than wise. So I ponied up the duckets for a shiny matte new Shoei TZ-R helmet in the One True Color. Like the shoes acquired earlier, I was told there was a "break in period" and a "snug fit" was desirable. I'll defer to the experts.

Earlier today, we went by Sports Basement and snagged carabiners, belay devices and climbing shoes. The shoes are like ballet slippers except covered in sticky rubber instead of pink satin. They are equally as painful [1]. I recall being upsold on a chalk bag too, so to not have to bear the shame of renting.

I need another gear-intensive sport like I need a hole in the head, but mountain climbing piques my interest in a way that trepanning never did.

[1] This is a 5-beer story.