I seriously urge all new and veteran riders to pick up the Proficient Motorcycling books which can be helpful in many riding conditions.
While up in Littleton, NH at Team O'Neil's the road leading up to the school was full of gravel and small rocks strewn all over the place along with some packed sand or clay (not sure) and at first it was a scary ride but after being smooth and calm riding on that road felt normal to me and the bike did not trip or slide once, even in the rain.
As for gear, there was a video of a german rider falling on a highway and getting ran over by a car and he came away with minor injuries because of his race approved attire. Those Icon Body vests protect the chest and back in the event of chest impacts (the Hurt report says that's one of the most common injuries in a crash).
