Chaps

Last weekend riding in the 30 F weather, I could feel my knees were not happy. After my 4 hour ride, I could feel the stiffness for a while. I realized that during my rides, I am warm everywhere except on my knees and thighs. I have been thinking about it so I finally broke down and bought the Fox Creek Leather Chaps. I never would have paid this much for chaps, but as much as read (and I read a lot), Fox Creek had the best reviews consistently.

I got home last Wednesday to a waiting package. I opened it up and tried on the chaps. It was the first time in my life where I tried something for 15 minutes and was compelled to write a review. It was a raving review.  The quality of leather, workmanship, service was unparalleled. It was a great feeling to know that there are companies out there who sell their products with so much pride and hence the quality and service. I walked around the house for sometime, since it was raining outside. The leather while being the thickest I have ever worn was so butter soft that it just draped around me. My kids could not stop feeling the leather and were completely amazed by the feel of the material. The snaps, zipper, seam all screamed dedication to quality. .

Today it is 30 F and I will be heading out for the first time in these chaps. I learned how to put on chaps by reading the instructions on the Fox Creek Leather blog. I found out people who have been putting on chaps for 15 years learned to put chaps a bit easier using those instructions. The other thing I learned is to have a darker jeans under the chaps so my butt and front side don't just stick out. Everyone is different, but that is the look I prefer.

I will add my feedback after the ride.

Sunday Morning Ride

Leaving at 6:00 AM for my solo Sunday morning trip. For last few days, I have been riding through 30-45 degree weather. It will be nice to breath in warmer 70 degree wind during this ride.


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Gerbing Heated Gloves and my toasty hands

I tried the Gerbings T5 gloves. Along with the gloves I bought the temperature controller which is a must. After wiring to the motorcycle battery and attaching a wiring harness to the inside of the existing jacket, I was ready to go.  I really liked the T5. They get warm with in a few seconds. I rode first in 45 F, then in 40 and lastly today in 30 F. My hands and fingers were toasty. Prior to these gloves, my finger tip froze up and started to hurt within 30 minutes of riding. Now, I can ride for hours. Unfortunately the left glove had a defect where it became particularly hot in one area. I went to exchange but the store did not have a right size for the T5. While waiting for them to order, I am trying the G3 instead. The difference between T5 and G3 is the extra protection that T5 provides plus a longer gauntlet. Hmmm, I love the G3. The fit, the look, awesome. While T5 has a more racing gloves looks, G3 is something you can wear anywhere. They looks like elegant leather gloves, but with an built-in oven. I might end up keeping the G3 if they hold us good in next few rides.

Riding in the Cold

As much as I love to ride, doing it in the grip of cold is just deflating. I had to start building my tools to keep warm. First came the underarmour to keep me warm, then came the heated gloves, neck and face mask etc. The heated gloves changed everything. I got Gerbings from a Harley store. Yes, I know, a Yammie buying from a Harley store. Well, I have been thinking about Gerbings for a while and when I found out that Harley dealership had one, I had to go and grab a pair. The folks at Woodstock Harley are awesome. They were friendly, helpful and genuinely engaged in my purchase. I spent a small fortune there. But that changed the game. I am warm while riding, which helps with the safety. Since my fingers are not blue from cold, I have better control over the bike. Today, took my beautiful lady to downtown Chicago again. Riding in the cold was never better. There is no doubt that I will be riding through the winter as long as there is no ice or snow :) I am going to have some fun now.

Riding in the fog

Today was the ride to Chicago day. The plan was to leave at 6:00 AM and head up north on Lake Shore drive to Sheridan all the way up to Lake Cook rood. It takes you past beautiful landscape, lake view, great architecture and incredible houses. This route goes through Downtown Chicago, Evantson, Wilmette and Winnetka. You can stop at the Bhaii Temple (which is known for its architectural beauty and a peaceful place to reflect) and also the Botanical garden.

I had the bike sparkling last night for the trip. We did get up early and left by 6:30 AM only to ride through a dense fog. Beads of water were forming on my gloves,  boots and windshield. The visibility was about 50 feet and with the water covering the wind shield it was becoming a game all by itself. Cars looks like blurry shadows darting out into the streets. We decided to turn around. A 3 hour ride turned into a 20 minute adventure. From a positive perspective, I learned about fog riding. Two words...Pull Over. If you have to keep riding, get ready to get wet and ride real slow.

CastleRock State Park, Illinois

Where do we fit on the road

Not a day goes by that I don't read a news story about a serious motorcycle accident or fatalities. I read a story about this 60 year old guy who took his wife on a ride last Saturday in Palatine, IL area. They were hit by a car driver who drove out into the street from a gas station without looking and hit these riders. Both riders were killed.

I do search these stories, to help me learn and keep me sharp while I am riding. In most of these online new stories there is always a debate between the riders and "cagers" (car drivers) about who is at fault. I believe, we riders do need to understand that we are taking higher risks and are more vulnerable to injuries in even a small accident. Actually, there is no such thing as a small accident for motorcycle riders. What I fail to understand is the sheer number of riders who don't wear any helmet or protective gear while riding. This particularly applies to cruiser riders. Why is that? What am I missing? If mountain climber takes risk climbing cliffs he or she has the right gear to cope with that risks. We have to prepare for the risk and the rest depends on  our riding skills, external factors that sometimes we cannot do anything about.  I fail to understand. I love to ride, but I have to protect myself so I can continue to do this for a big part of my life.

The car drivers, well that is another story. I drive a car too and I know how the drivers are ridiculously distracted i.e. Cell phone gabbing, texting, putting on lipstick, reading through office files while they are operating a 4000 lbs machinery on wheels at over 40, 50, 60  or higher mph. Imagine if a semi truck driver start doing that. Can you imagine the mayhem? We have to respect everyone on the road, and that means, responsible driving. Mistakes still will happen which is why we have safety belts for car and protective gear for riders. It is a matter of reducing the risk. That is a responsibility for all.