What is a "trunk show"?

Hello. If you look up the definition of the word "Trunk," you will find amongst its meanings:

Please, note definition number 4.

Trunk: a large box with a hinged lid for storing or transportation clothes and other articles.

That is precisely what our shop is like: a trunk full of goodies for riders, mostly for woman. At the "BRAMMOTO Trunk Show," we cater to female riders, mostly in Northern New York state, showcasing and selling clothing that was created by either a woman or a family-owned small business, apparel that is stylish, protective, and that fits in our busy lives.

Think of our "trunk show" as a little biker boutique. But since BRAMMOTO, as a business and a brand, came from the way we live our "in-between" time, it was essential for us to set it as a small family operation.

In other words, it had to fit in with our lifestyle, respecting the reality of our geographical location, our job schedules, and our parenting responsibilities.

We also wanted to make it kid-friendly so that Vince can take part in shows and trips.

Check out the making of our "trunk show" in the video below.

FULL CYCLE

by Gabi

In the early 1900s, my great-grandfather arrived in Brazil from Lebanon to build a new life. He settled in the countryside of São Paulo State, where he began to sell household goods and sewing materials. He traveled from farm-to-farm, with his merchandise in a buggy.

Later the family established a brick and mortar place in the city. Years passed, and the new generations went on to more academic careers. And even thou, I don't remember the year the family store closed its doors, I am one of the few in my generation who got to take naps under the store's countertops.

Fast forward to a new millennium, and here I am: like my great-grandparents I too migrate from my home country to build a new life. In 2019, not only I established this business, but I also finished my naturalization process, becoming an American citizen; and I am selling goods in a traveling show.

Can life be more beautiful than this?

Let's talk about riding pants

Did you know road rash injuries can be fatal? And that there are three levels of road burn, just like if you were to be burned by fire? Well, if you didn't know about that, now you do. And as the saying goes: "knowing is half of the battle."

Point is: both Barret and I are from a generation that grew up riding cars with no seat belt or car seat. Yes, we survived just fine, but knowing as much as we do today, we don't do the same to our son. I also remember riding (backpack) motorcycles all over my hometown, in the countryside of São Paulo State, Brazil, with no helmet. Another example of something I wouldn't do knowing as much as I do today.

Total throwback, circa 2013.

At BRAMMOTO we are an ATGATT - All The Gear, All The Time - kind of crew. That means, helmet, gloves, jacket, closed-toe shoes, pants, etc. And we made it part of our mission to empower riders to go further wearing proper riding gear.

Here is where I'll talk to you about riding pants. Made with material that offers abrasive resistance, often equipped with hip and knee pads, these pieces are like a helmet for your skin. And as the female riding community grows, the market is waking up to fulfill our style needs, combining fit designed for the woman body and safety.

CORSE riding pants

When I started riding on my own, in 2012, I became obsessed to find a pair of pants that not only would protect my leg from accidental exhaust burns, but that would also give me a chance with the pavement. Years went by, and I got a small collection. But, all this while, my greatest struggle was to find something that would fit my needs, my budget, and my curves.

Yes, there was a lot of returned purchases, size exchanging purchases, and a few disappointments with the final product upon its postal delivery. But overall, I've been riding with Kevlar-lined pants since I was able to hold the throttle myself.

BRAMMOTO PANTS

The pants featured in this article are made by the Brazilian company, Corse. They are Kevlar lined and come with removable knee and hip pads. The outer shell of these pants is made with a cotton and elastane blend, that is light enough for warmer days and very form fitting. The high waist of Corse's pants will protect you from showing too much when in riding position; and they do make the cropped top look sharp.

Respect your curves

Another brand of riding pants we are excited to carry is GogoGearLA (picture bellow). Their riding leggings, fully Kevlar lined, can be used as is or as an underlayer for colder days. One of the best investments for your biker wardrobe.

Ideas and tips

If you want to learn more about riding pants, brands, and styling ideas, send me an email or leave a comment below. As a multi-brand store, and BRAMMOTO's inventory curator, I'd love to hear more about your riding style, your impressions, and needs on riding apparel; and as a style fanatic, I'd like to help you find clothing that translates your personality while also protecting your beautiful skin.

Our son's first motorcycle ride

Vince was 7 years old the first time he went on a real motorcycle ride (around the house). And his smile...

2017: Our son is now 7 years old, and I'm pretty sure that in his little mind he may have been a rider since day zero. And I suppose our habits do not tell him contrary. Since he could understand the world, Barret and I were always two "happy campers" as the riding season started in the very North of NY State. Add to that, the always present grands, who loved to host the little one for sleep overs, when we wanted to go for a long date ride.

Although we were (and still are) very happy with the "us" time, we also couldn't wait for that day when Vince would be tall, heavy, aware, and balanced enough to become a motorcycle passenger, so he could start joining us on little motorcycle trips - usually a lunch or ice cream run.

According to NYS DMV:

there is no age legal restriction for passengers on motorcycles in New York State.

The thing is, as parents who really love motorcycles, we tried not to push him to it. Barret and I had it very clear within ourselves, that we were going to try not to influence his decision of riding or not riding with us.

We wanted it to be on his time.

So, last year, he asked to try "Daddy's new motorcycle", and Barret took him for a ride around the house. That was Vince's oficial first ride, and by the looks of his face (photos below), I knew he was getting hooked.

After the ride was over, he was happy and didn't ask to ride again.

That was until, this year: not only has he grown, but he also took the training wheels off of his bicycle. Huge milestone for the little man. So, recently, we were riding out to meet up with him, and Barret's family, at a local car show, with the plan that Vince was coming home with us, on the motorcycle.

As we geared to head out of the house, we packed his gear too: a proper fitting helmet, a pair of gloves, the thickest pair of pants he has, and a thick coat. That was huge for us.

And so, THAT DAY FINALY ARRIVED.

As all our attention and focus was in to make that day, that ride, and that moment the most secure and memorable we could, there is no photographic or video registration of the exact first ride. The photo above, was his second ride - on that same day - when we went for ice cream. But, I can tell you this: he loved it.

Vince is a particular fan of dirt bikes, so later that day, I also got this little shot of them riding around the house:

And so the saying goes:

#startthemyoung

Motorcycling isn't safe. And we know it. But we also know that living isn't the safest thing either. Yet, we brought another human to the world and we are raising him strong, confidente, and respectful of all matters and things. So, on that note: as Vince grows on the back Daddy's bike and learns from our biker behaviors, we hope he will be as mindful as us when we ride safe.

What about Mama taking the kid?

Guys, for now, I (the Mom) don't have the confidence to carry him. But, I also would like to tell you, dear reader, that I'm not big fan of bikes with wide tanks, like the Honda Shadow, aka "the mule" being the one we picked for Vince's rides (when out of the yard).

Do you take your kid on motorcycles rides?

For more information about riding with your child remember to check the rules with your State's DMV. For New York here is the link: Child passengers on Motorcycles.