 Although Winter is on the finishing side of the fence
Here are some tips on how to get through the next set of bad weather.
Personally I have never worried about the weather and kind of enjoy riding in the rain. But you need to be ready teddy.
Here are a few rules and tips to follow. Some you may know some you may not.
1: First Rain. The very worst time to ride in the rain is the “First Rain” the roads are covered with oil and will be very slippery until the rain can wash the oil away.
2: Paint. STAY OFF the paint whenever possible. Paint is ALWAYS slick.
3: Be prepared. Don’t wait until it’s raining to try out your rain gear. Put all the gear on you are going to wear a couple of times. Then do it again. Take it off put it on. Know how it works know how it zips and Velcro’s.
4: Rain Covers. Again don’t wait, put them on BEFORE you go on your trip. Know how they work closed, expanded. Attachment points etc. Put them on take them off a number of times, and with the bags full of what you will be carrying. Rain covers will act and work differently with different size loads and weights.
5: Don’t Wait. This should maybe be number ONE! If it looks like it’s even thinking about raining PUT YOUR GEAR ON. Do not wait for it to start raining it will be too late. Your stuff will be getting wet, you will be getting wet. By the time you get in your gear you’ll be soaked.
Early last month I spend four days on the road. Beautiful weather. I left Ventura about 4 PM heading home to Windsor over 400 miles away. Rain was in the forecast. I decided to stop in Solvang and get a bite to eat and install raincovers on the luggage and rain gear on me. It was a very good idea. It did not start raining right away but about 20 miles up the road it started. It did not rain hard but it rained off and on the whole ride home. I arrived home nice and dry and toasty.
Toasty? Yup toasty Kathy and I have been using electric vests/jackets for almost twenty years now and they are the best investment you can make for your winter riding season.
We have added “Powerlet” electric wear to our line up so check it out on the website or give us a call. They are made and designed well and work well.
The jackets are priced at $199.00 and the thermostat controller is priced at $80.00 which includes the leather pouch free. The controller is mandatory in my book. I have used an on off switch for years and the controller really makes life easier. The leather pouch with clip attaches to the handle of my bag and is very easy to get to and adjust.
One of the mistakes people make is putting on a bunch of clothing ….. then the electric jacket on over that.
WRONG!
Put on a long sleeve tee shirt then the electric jacket, then another long sleeve t-shirt. unless is really really cold this is all I need under my outer riding gear.
IRide safe, Have fun.
|
