I'm pretty confident...that if you show up to a ride with us...not wearing a helmet...people will shoot you looks, and not want to ride with you. Pretty simple. Gear does it's job. Not saying you need race leather's, especially with your experience (shouldn't be going that fast anyway) Helmet, jacket, gloves, good riding pants (1000rider) knows of jeans with knee pucks. Also, a good pair of footwear. No flip flops. Good luck with everything, and +1 to what everyone else has said. Get gear, and wear it. Chances are it will save your life.