Yea this is a growing trend around my area. Three of my buds just got quads, they are all in thier mid 30s. The gentileman who got me back into riding is 62, he just started riding again 2 years ago.
On the safety gear, first thing I did was went and got a brand new helmet(HJC CL-X4), boots(thor), goggles(Scott), Bark Busters. I have my chest protector that I custome made for SCA fighting, Hard leather is great for action sports. while I was putting all this stuff on a few days ago I thought , when I was 15 I just wore a helmet and work boots with regulair clothes, now I want all the protection I can get. Am I old, or is it true wisdom comes with age.