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.