Kenny and Pimmie both rode with GoPro Hero HD cameras throughout our Alpine trip. Kenny mounted his on the side of his helmet for a “you’re seeing what I’m seeing” point of view and Pimmie mounted his GoPro on the front of his Tuono near the right mirror stalk.
Each day, they shot about 4 hours worth of riding video. In order to conserve the battery, this meant turning the camera on and off on less exciting stretches of road or during extended stops.
While looking through the videos, I found that many video clips start with a view of either of them looking into the camera with an “is this thing on?” expression. Kenny’s signature move was to look into his left mirror to see if the record light was flashing, while either Pimmie, Kenny or sometimes both had to look at Pimmie’s bike from the front see if his light was flashing.
It’s interesting to note some of the backgrounds, scenery, cars and bikes going by. This is like one big photobomb blog post. These photos are some of those video still frames:
Five or six years ago, my dear friend from Wales brought Kenny and I each a nifty little motorcycle luggage bag. It’s called the Oxford Handysack. It looks like a pretty standard foldaway nylon bag, but the front pocket offers a really useful option. It opens out into a pocket that accommodates a full face helmet.
So how is it?
Me likey! It isn’t the fanciest bag in the world but it’s cheap, small and does a great job of giving you one less thing to carry and keeping your hands free. When you get to where you’re going, zip it up into itself and you’re done. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
Details:
Zips into itself, folding up into an approximately 6in. x 6in. square.
Made of 600D polyester
Zip out helmet pocket!
Big enough to accommodate a sleeping bag in the main compartment
When asked for advice on different brands and styles of wash and wear, comfortable underwear and socks that would be good for motorcycle traveling – my blog readers came through with some great ideas. Our commenters are apparently a wealth of knowledge in the underpants department.
Here is a listing of some of their suggestions:
Underwear
LD Comfort
I got a response from Catfish who used these during the 2009 Iron Butt Rally. He said they worked great for wash and wear and he would absolutely use them again.
Ex-Officio
A few folks gave these a nod in different styles from briefs to boyshorts. Boyshort styles offer fewer irritating seams. Ex-Officio’s Give-N-Go fabric was noted as fast drying, breathable and comfortable. I have not been able to find anything in local stores, so I can’t give anything a touch-feel test. Would have to buy online.
Under Armour
We got a few votes for Under Armor. The range of garment styles they offer is diverse; from long legging tights to briefs and boxers. The upside of this brand for me is that it is readily available in many places. Many outlet malls stock their goods as well – if you aren’t picky about colors you might be able to get a pretty good discount.
Basic padded bicycle shorts
Available in a myriad of bicycle shops. Probably fairly easy to find and try on locally.
IceBreaker clothing
Merino wool has excellent temperature management properties and is less stinky than other synthetic technical clothing fabrics.
Sports Bras
Without getting too specific, I am difficult to fit in the sports bra department. Being able to find items locally to try on is a huge plus for me.
Moving Comfort
This was a brand that I was able to find locally to try on at Dicks Sporting Goods. MC offered more defined cup/band sizes than just S,M,L which was a welcomed option. Their website offers a Sports Bra Basics buying guide as well.
Under Armour
I was able to try on or… attempt to try on an Under Armour Endure model. It was a pull over style – no hooks or zips. It was simply too tight to pull on. I was afraid I was going to get stuck half in and half out of it in the dressing room. Who wants to make that call for assistance? I wriggled my way back out and decided that without some sort of closure hardware, maybe UA isn’t for me. Or more specifically that style of bra, regardless of brand isn’t for me.
Though I failed to mention it in my previous blog post, if I am not wearing a legging under my riding pants I prefer socks that will cover my calf at least as high as my boot goes. I like to put a layer of fabric between me and the boot. Whatever socks I ultimately choose will have to be fairly long.
Women’s undergarments have a long history of being cruel, hateful things. Whale bones, laces, wires – all of them evil, all of them found in ladies intimates. Sitting on a motorcycle all day can really showcase just how uncomfortable a pair of underpants can be.
For an upcoming trip, I am looking to find some new travel-friendly socks and underwear that provide all day comfort in the saddle. With luggage space being a premium, I’m specifically looking for items that can easily sink-wash and dry overnight so that I can pack less of them.
Wash and Wear
For underwear, the Ex-Officio Give-N-Go bikini briefs on REI.com get great reviews as do the Patagonia Active Briefs. I think they’ll be on my short list. See what I did there? Hopefully the elastic in the legs openings don’t become a problem after sitting all day. If you have experience with either of these pairs, brands or fabrics – please comment below!
The same applies for sports bras. I’m looking for a sturdy and supportive wash and wear options that can carry me through the week on the road. I welcome any suggestions.
For socks, I’m a little up in the air. I don’t know what to pick. I like SmartWool socks very much but the ones that I currently have are a little bulky to pack several pairs. Also, I’ve yet to wash them in the sink to see how quickly they dry. Is there something better, something slimmer, something that can do a fast wash and wear overnight? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Let’s hear from you:
Do you have tips or tricks on how to bring less clothing without “suffering” on a road trip?
Do you have any experience with any particular products that we should know about?
On Sunday, I slipped out for a quick mid-morning ride. By 10am the temperature had already risen into the 90′s where it stayed for the remainder of the day. As I rode along the merciless black tar of the Long Island Expressway, the heat radiated all around me. I don’t often wish I were just going right back home instead of riding on… but yesterday was one of those days. It was utterly miserable.
How hot is too hot?
At some point, you have to ask yourself if it is simply too hot to ride your motorcycle. It is an entirely personal question to which the answer is sometimes, yes.
Today when I got into my car after work, the outside temperature read 104°F and crept up to 106°F while moving on the Expressway. I blissfully drove along in the cool of the AC. It was simply too hot to ride.
If you Decide to Brave the Heat
Hydrate, hydrate and then hydrate some more. Skip the caffeine, soda and alcohol. Go for water or a sports drink.
A good option to keep your fluids at a healthy level is to ride with a Camelback and sip as you go. It’s important that you try to stave off any of the symptoms of dehydration before they occur.
Palpitations (feeling that the heart is jumping or pounding)
Confusion
Sluggishness, even fainting
Inability to sweat
Decreased urine output: Urine color may indicate dehydration. If urine is concentrated and deeply yellow or amber, you may be dehydrated.
Keep Cool with Evaporative Cooling
Wear a wet bandana or maybe Aerostich’s Evap-odana around your neck. There is also the option of using a cooling vest or the old-fashioned soaked t-shirt method.
Insulate your Body from the Sun and Heat
ATGATT helps with the heat too. Keep your skin fully covered and insulated.
Soundrider.com also notes that if the air temperature is below your regular body temperature, keep the vents open on your gear or opt for mesh garments. Once the temperature rises above your body temperature, close up vents to fight against the hot air. The moving hot air will heat up your cooler skin.
Use your Head
If you decide to ride in the high heat, listen to your body. If you feel a little woozy or maybe just a little “off”, do yourself a favor and pull off somewhere. Try to cool down by getting off the hot motorcycle and finding a shady spot, an air conditioned store or gas station and just chill out. By the time you feel the symptoms, dehydration could already be settling in.
Your Hot Weather Riding Tips? Do you have some hot weather motorcycle riding tips to keep to share? Put them in the comments, please!
How about you?
What’s the hottest temperature you’ve ever ridden in?
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