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The GPS Files: It’s In Your Pocket, Dummy

I would like to introduce you to my nemesis:

You folks who also have Garmin Zumo GPS’ know exactly what this is. It’s the little screwdriver tool that you use to “unlock” the GPS from its cradle.

It is also one more facet of the GPS experience that drives me bananas. Not because it does or doesn’t do anything on its own. It’s more… because I’m a moron.

I have this annoying little habit of losing things like my glasses and my wallet. This little Zumo tool doesn’t stand a chance against the power of my distracted-ness. I misplace it routinely.

In an effort to not lose things, I often come up with “tricks” and “plans” to remember where they are.  I can probably tell you what town a Muffler Man in Illinois is in off the top of my head, but heaven help me I can’t remember those places I put things so I would remember where I put them.

So, I am typing this right now in hopes that it will help me when I go haywire and tear apart the luggage on my motorcycle looking for it (like I did in California last fall):

“It’s in the inside pocket of your REV’IT jacket, dummy.”

Undoubtedly I will give that pocket a precursory squish, pat or poke and not feel it right away and assume all hope is lost. Again. But, rest assured it IS in there.

If only I could set up a GPS route to my pocket. :-?

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File Under: Is This Thing On? GoPro Self Portrait at 30 MPH

While sorting through GoPro pictures that were snapped during the 2012 Berkshire Big Adventure over the weekend I found another “Is This Thing On” self-portrait:

I have mastered the ability to not know whether my camera is running. It is always a bummer to find out that I missed capturing something good when I get back home. But all in all, having the GoPro shooting photos all day has been great. Love that little camera!

The Living the Goes Into Motorcycle Helmets

When you consider that you might have a helmet for say, 4 years – there is a lot of living that goes on during that time. Many roads traveled, friendships made, time shared and adventures experienced.

My old Shark helmet and I have been through a lot together. I suppose that’s why I felt a little twinge of melancholy when my new Shark Racer-R Sutra helmet arrived. Not because I would miss my old helmet per se but because it was like the closing of a chapter.

Is it silly to mark these occasions? Maybe. But I cannot seem to escape doing it.

My Gramma said that it was good luck if it rained on moving day. I carried that little piece of superstition with me and smiled when the rain drizzled down during my first ride home from work in my new helmet. I hope the good luck continues to carry me through the rest of our time together.

Some of the places me and my old Shark helmet have been together:

Thanks for the memories, Sharky. It’s been fun <3

Alpinestars Stella Bionic 2 Protection Jacket

Under my dirt jersey, I wear an Alpinestars Stella Bionic 2 Protection Jacket. I’ve had it for 2 years now and have been very happy with it.

All of the stitching, seams and straps have held up, the zippers are intact and none of the mesh has torn. AND best of all… it’s kept my upper body’s boney parts in one piece. knocks wood

When I began searching for protective off-road gear, I went on the premise that it would be best to spend the money up front and buy once. With some gear like jerseys, pants and gloves – you can find all sorts of discounted, last season and cheaper items. But with the hard stuff, I didn’t want to skimp.

With everything I looked at, I kept coming back to wanting all of my protective armor in one shot – full CE back protector, CE armor in the shoulders and elbows & some chest protection instead of just a roost guard and elbow pads. It seemed especially important because I don’t have a whole lotta skill in the dirt department. I’ve already gotten my moneys worth out of the shoulder and elbow armor.

There aren’t too many pressure suit-style choices made specifically for women. On top of that making concessions for my “fluffy” frame narrowed the field even more. The Bionic 2 set up seemed like a no-brainer.

Along with the armor at the back, shoulders and elbows, the jacket has molded plastic boob protectors. Bionic knockers, if you will.

Just this past weekend I discovered that said protectors are also good for honking the horn on my motorcycle. While next to the bike trying to push it and work it out of where I’d dug in a bit – my boob protectors kept hitting the horn button much to the amusement of my darling other half. ::honk::honk:: :lol:

I’m sure that the jacket is generally warmer than just a roost guard/chest protector. I know the back protector tends to hold the heat coming off your back close to the body. But, if it’s hot – it’s hot. Sometimes I opt to leave my jersey off to let more air pass over my body and make sure to drink plenty of water.

Aside from the actual protection and amusing boob honking feature, there is the added bonus of feeling like a superhero when I put the A* jacket on. We can all use a little more of that in our lives, can’t we?

Two Fuzzy Thumbs Up for The Alpinestars Stella Bionic 2.

Do you ride off-road? What kind of armor are you wearing?