For most of you it is high season for motorcycling. But I split my time among San Diego, Borrego Springs and Baja California, and it is hot hot hot here! I’m not doing all that much riding, but when I do, I take precautions.
My Olympia Moto Sports Airglide mesh gear is awesome for full protection with lots of air flow. A woman at a gas station asked me how I could ride in this hot weather all covered up like that. I took off my jacket and showed her how airy it was, and also explained that riding uncovered is actually more dehydrating because the sun and wind just sucks the moisture out of bare skin.
More on gear: Thanks to Kiara at MotorcycleHouse.com for a couple of items to test out in this hot weather: an evaporative cooling vest (Oxford nylon outer with HyperKewl fabric inner and water-repellent nylon liner and black poly-cotton trim) and the Rig 710 Pressurized hydration pack. Motorcycle House is a new(ish) site that wants you to come visit them on the web. They have a surprising array of gear for a wide variety of riders – from cruiser to off-road – and some great deals.
I’ve used both of these items on a short hike and they are awesome! The evaporative cooling vest makes a huge difference for doing anything outside in over-100 degree weather. Now that I have one I’ve noticed that road workers and golfers are wearing them, too.
A good hydration pack is also useful for a multitude of activities and the Rig 710 the best I’ve owned yet. “Never Suck Again!” is Geigerrig’s catchy motto. There’s an inline bulb pump system that creates pressure in the bladder so that when you bite, water sprays into your mouth. You can also just pinch the biter and give yourself (or a hot friend) a nice cool shower. It’s made of “tactical” construction – very high quality – and has lots of adjustable straps and pockets. The 710 is just the right size, not too big, not too small, to carry water and stuff for your ride.
Do you have evap vests and hydration packs that you love? Tell me about them! I’m always on the lookout for the best gear and I’m happy to pass on your recommendations. (Have you seen my dual-sport boots review? I still love my TCX Infinity boots.)
I’ll review these two items more thoroughly on my ride up to the Sierras for Horizons Unlimited Travelers California at the end of September. Please join me there if you can. It’s an awesome event and I haven’t missed it once. And don’t miss my slideshows: one on the motorcycling I’ve been doing in Baja and the other, if you’re a writer, on self-publishing.
I may be riding special bike up there, too… stay tuned. I think you’ll be surprised.
Meantime, I love hearing about your journeys, your writing and publishing adventures, so drop me a line and let me know what you’re doing.
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I hope to see you on the road!
