Roadcrafter Suit

The ride is about 3 weeks away, and still planning it. I've been thinking about getting a Roadcrafter suit for some time. From the many reviews of riding equipment, the Roadcrafter is always among the top for serious riders.

The new Phantom suit by Olympia seems to get rave reviews, but when I looked at it, it felt very heavy and stiff. But more than that, was the degree of difficulty of putting it on and taking it off.

Comparing the two, I decided that ease of entry was a major issue for my style of riding. While I do some distance riding, I also do a lot of riding where I'll ride for an hour or so and get off. A suit that is easy to put on and take off is very helpful, especially so when I decide to ride to a meeting and need to wear dress clothes to the meeting. Obviously, I can change clothes in the parking lot, but I always have a fear of some security guard having something to say about an old man seen taking his pants off in a parking lot. So, the Roadcrafter makes a lot more sense.

Anyway, I measured myself and sent the information to Aerostich for sizing. They said I should get a 46S. I asked if they had a HiVis yellow with blue ballistic in stock. They did! So, I gave them my credit card information and they tell me it will be shipped later in the day. Last night, I got an email from them that included tracking information indicating that it will be received this Friday! I'm excited!! Assuming I like it as much as others like theirs, I already wish I had bought one of these before I spent probably twice that much on cheaper gear. Unless the sizing is wrong (which is a real possibility since my normal size is 44R and I've tried one on that size that felt pretty good), it's going to Utah. We'll see on Friday.

Hopefully the Belstaff coat and First Gear overpants will stay home rather than go to Utah. Given the bulkiness of the Roadcrafter, I don't think any space will be saved. I'll still carry the mesh coat and pants. But I think the Roadcrafter will give me more flexibility to for moderate to cool areas.

Gotta deal with some bike issues before going--new front tire, maybe a new chain and sprockets, and a general going-over of the bike. More on that in a post soon.....

Enuff for tonight...

Planning

This is my first attempt at blogging. I'm planning a motorcycle ride with my friend, Gary, to Utah in June 07, and have lots of planning to do. Gear to take? Clothes? Preparation for bike? So much to think about, and so little experience in dealing with three weeks on the road.

As far as gear, I think I'll take my Joe Rocket mesh pants and coat for the really hot times. And for the not-so-hot times, the Belstaff Trekkr coat and First Gear overpants should keep me warm and dry. I'll carry my Joe Rocket Saharah vest for extra cooling and the DryLiner for extra warmth when we're at high altitudes or cooler weather. Cold gloves, medium gloves, and summer gloves. Ear plugs.

As to clothes, I'm getting some long and short underwear designed to wick away moisture. I've found that if I can stay dry, I'm much more comfortable. One pair of convertible pants (short and long in one pair). Maybe one pair of jeans. One sweatshirt, and maybe 3 Tee shirts. Socks--3 pair of hi-tech and maybe 3 pair of regular cotton socks. Tennis shoes. Ball cap. What else??

Gadgets--I like gadgets, so I'll have plenty. Of course, the computer has to go, with charger. Hand held gps (Emap) for hiking. Camera and charger. Walkie-talkie and charger. StreetPilot for bike. Sirius radio. Cell phone and charger. What else???

I'll have 3 hard bags, all Givi. A V-46 topcase and 2 E36 side cases. Small tank bag. I can carry another bag on the pillion seat if needed, but it cramps my space just a bit, so I probably will not bring it unless needed.

We are not planning to camp, so there's no need for camping gear.

Guess this is enough for tonight.