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**mr_ed** · 07-20-2003, 04:35 PM

I've discovered a good down coat is superior to leather, that is unless you slide along the pavement. I chance it. I can squeeze a down jacket and sleeping bag into an incredibly small space. I had a custom leather jacket made is SF nearly 30 years ago. Hardly ever wore it. Question is what do you do with it when it's hot, and that poses a problem when you're packed to the hilt. Also, it's difficult to "hide" when you leave the bike to investigate an ancient pueblo or climb to the top of a Mesa in Arizona or Utah for the night. I will admit that the ladies seem more impressed with the leather though. Guess it's a trade off.

**Jerry** · 07-21-2003, 09:15 AM

I wear a Tourmaster 2-piece suit and Shoei helmet, even in hottest weather. Has been over 100 deg F for most of the month so far, and even in the high country (Aspen, Leadville) daytime temps are in high 80s to low 90s. Record temps.

Anyway, wearing suit is cooler than a t-shirt. Reason is that evaporation rate is controlled by the jacket. I don't know all the details, but know the body can only perspire at a given rate, and when temps get very hot, you get no additional cooling from your perspiration. Basically with a light shirt you get the direct sun on your skin and the air just makes you hotter. With the jacket your skin is covered, evaporation forms a layer of cooler air near the skin, and with adjustable vents in the jacket you can regulate the air flow over the skin to some degree.

Jacket does get hot when you stop for gas or a look over the landscape; I take it off then and hang it over the luggage rack.

I rode with a light jacket before I bought the Tourmaster outfit in 2001. Riding jacket is cooler than the lighter fabric jacket. Don't know about leathers; have never owned a set and don't plan to in the near future. Would like an AeroStitch suit but the TourMaster was about 1/3 the price; jacket and pants were about $260.00 with shipping.

A problem with not wearing a helmet.....dust and bugs. In May I was riding from prescott, AZ to Rifle, CO. Stopped in Kayenta for gas. A storm cell had generated a lot of wind and was kicking up a fair amount of gritty dust. Couple harley riders came in, none wearing a helmet. Faces and hands red from dust sanding away the skin. (I also wear gloves while riding.) I shrugged, pulled on the Shoei, dropped the shield and went on my merry way. Given the bugs I clean off my headlight and face shield I can't imagine not wearing a helmet just for the protection from the elements it provides.

I keep hearing stories about how hot riding gear is, and my experience does not bear this out. I am more comfortable in full riding gear than in shorts and t-shirt. Again. most of my trips are 200- 400 miles, involve some freeway driving, and not all that many stops. Stop and go city traffic may be another story; the suit does depend on moving air for comfort. I don't ride out of town without it.

**mr_ed** · 07-21-2003, 10:34 AM

riding gear

Hi Jerry. When I got my first bike in 1945 there were no helmets so I used a football helmet as did most of my friends. I wore it not for safety but because I got ear aches if I didn't. You're definately right about shorts and a T shirt, These are pure folly. I cringe when I see a poorly dressed biker, having lost yards of skin myself. I Raced bikes for 7 years, commuted year round for over 40 years. I've tried just about every combination and for me the down coat fills the bill. I frequently stop on my journeys and a down coat warm enough to keep you comfortable in a blizzard can be wadded up and stuffed into a 6 inch nylon bag for easy "toting". That same bag makes an excellent pillow. Having slept on and under many a picnic table I do appreciate that small comfort.

**Pat Kelly** · 07-21-2003, 06:22 PM

Mr Ed
What part of nor cal? I'm in Modesto.

**Rubba** · 07-21-2003, 07:02 PM

Well Hello!

I agree, the suit worked better than a t-shirt and a helmet does more than protect you in a crash.

I ride with some very active groups in the bay area. If you guys are looking for a day ride or get-away trip lemme know and I'll send a link to a proposal.

Thanks for responding!

**mr_ed** · 07-21-2003, 08:05 PM

To above resoondants.

HI guys. We're in Lake County. A little village called Hidden Valley Lake. That's about 12 miles from Clearlake. We like to meet folks who travel on bikes, having covered over 500Kmiles in our younger days, so if you're in our area or need a stop off let us know in advance and we'll give you a phone number. My email is mr_ed@access-4-free.com.

**Rubba** · 07-21-2003, 11:13 PM

Last Weekend!

I met two guys in Santa Rosa and we took 128 to the coast. Got stuck behind a 20 vehicle caravan for about 25 miles but the rest of the trip was amazing. Stopped in Elk (?) on One for lunch, took a break at Stewarts Point then came in from there.

Excellent roads and (relatively) considerate drivers, we had a blast right in mr_ed's back yard.

**mr_ed** · 07-21-2003, 11:53 PM

north coast

Hi again. I had 20 acres west of willits on the way to Ft. Bragg, just recently sold it. West of Santa Rose highway 1 is a great ride. Try it in the Fall, Harvest festivals are free and informal and there are a lot of them. Inland a bit, Hwy 29 goes north through a lot of familiar name wineries and is an often used route for bikers. Calistoga is the next town south of us along hwy. 29 and is famous for their drinking water. Incidentally, there's a free Calistoga water fountain along hwy 29 north of calistoga in the Robert Lewis Stevenson park, CAn't miss it, there's always a line of people filling up bottles, jugs, and barrels with the water. best wishes, mr_ed.

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