Updates and Boots

I've finally gotten around to fixing a couple of page errors on my reviews and directory pages. I also received a wonderful review from Fiona R. (Thanks!) on her newest purchase, a pair of Sidi Jasmine Te-Por Boots. Read her review here.

I must also loudly thank Fieldsheer (Thanks Pam and Charles!!!) for sending me a copy of their newest catalog coming out for Fall. I am not that familiar with Fieldsheer products, so I look forward to learning as much as I can. I've read some great comments/reviews from women about Fieldsheer pants and jackets, so I hope to hear from you all as well. Please let me know if you have any of their products and send me a review! Their leather Tracker Pants even go up to a size 18. I particularly like the stretch panel that's on the backside of the calf.

You can even get optional kneepucks to tear it up on the track! Nothing like the smell of leather in the morning to get your day started.

If you have these pants, let me know~!
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On the job front, I am thrilled to say that I have 1 less job, for a total of 3 jobs!! Yeah!! My new client is thrilled as much as I am and I am so excited that I can finally focus a little bit. But, what fun is only 3 jobs? Why not start taking some college classes to while I'm at it? So, I bit the bullet and decided to take a video class taught by my smart, capable husband at the College of San Mateo. The title of this course is DV workflow. In this course, I'll be shooting a video series of Five 2-3 minute episodes every 3 weeks or so. Yikes! I have no experience shooting videos, but hopefully I'll be able to get some private tutoring sessions to catch up. ;)

So if you're interested in the progress I'll be making in class, please feel free to visit the other blog that I've set up for class here (womenride.blogspot.com). I can't wait to get started, I just hope I can keep up with the assignments. It's been 10 years since I've had homework. What have I gotten myself into??

Daytona Ladystar Boots update

This week I had the pleasure (and pain, will explain shortly) of visiting Helimot in San Jose, CA . The pleasure of this trip was created by the thoughtful and wonderful mini-tour I was given of Helimot's "factory". Unfortunately I'm unable to post many photos of the interior workings of this leather wonderland, but I can share an example of the tremendous quality of workmanship that Helimot puts into each and every one of their garments.

Everything is hand stitched, by real hands. No robots, no child slaves, just regular people who have highly technical sewing skills. Their gloves and custom suits are all hand made on site. Due to the riding season in full swing, there is currently a 10 week turnaround for a custom suit! The winter months are your friend, as the turnaround is only 2-3 weeks. Helimot is a celebrity on the track, when it comes to Daytona boots, their handmade leather gloves and custom leather suits (1 and 2 piece) .

I have a pair of Daytona Ladystars, which I adore and ride with everyday. Unfortunately I was having a minor problem with the boots becoming a little tight above the arch of my foot, due to a 'bunyon' growing on my foot bone. Ick, just saying the word 'bunyon' makes me gag. If you don't know what it is, just google it. Needless to say, it isn't fun and it's taken the fun out of wearing my boots for more than 20 minutes! I have fat feet and I guess they didn't like how the boot was fitting. They fit perfectly in length and width, and I don't regret my purchase at all. But in order to fight this bunyon creature, I had to take them down there and see if there is anything they can do for me. Luckily they are able to stretch them (very slowly and carefully) over a period of 2 weeks. 2 weeks! Shat. At the same time I was thrilled because they'll be able to stretch them out a little ibt. But then, it hit me. I will be without my precious Daytonas for 2 weeks. :***( The reason I bought these boots were so that I could have a little extra height on my bike and feel more stable when putting my feet down. For me they have made a tremendous difference with my self confidence on my bike as it does weigh 100lbs more than my previous one. As you can see by this photo, the insole of a Ladystar far exceeds the height of the insole of my Oxtars (or any other women's riding boot for that matter).

I can't wait to go back and pick up my boots next week! I'm also going to try and arrange for a short video tour and/or interview with Helmut and/or Linda so I can share a little more about their products on my site. Check back next week and hopefully I'll have some more to share.

Going back to my Oxtar Sunrays has been okay, but everyday I am reminded of how much I miss my Daytonas. It's quite sad, really. Who knew one could become so attached to a pair of boots?

Wearing Riding Boots and Crashing

Yesterday I learned the real value of wearing actual riding boots, my Daytona Ladystars.

Sadly I was run into by a car that was not checking their blind spot as they lane changed into me. I was in the far right lane and this vehicle was in the lane to my left. It made contact with the left side of my gas tank (not my leg, thank god) and then forced me into the sidewalk. Luckily there was scaffolding to break my fall. I ended up lowsiding kind of, on my right. I didn't fall forward of my bike, but the front end starting wobbling and then I fell over. My right foot was pinned between the bike and the pavement. I managed to pull my leg free but if it weren't for the reinforced ankle armor/protection built into my boot, I imagine my ankle would have been broken or crushed. I always wear these boots when I ride. (Not only for safety, but for the added benefit of the additional 1" of vertical height.

The one item I didn't wear was my First Gear Overpants, which have Hiprotec knee armor. Because of that I have a bruise on my right knee which I'm sure will heal quickly. I know, I know, I should've been wearing them even though it was 80 degrees outside (which is unheard of in San Francisco). What's really annoying is my left pinky and ring finger which are bruised (from hitting the scaffolding that I ran into, I assume).

Thank god I was wearing was my FULL face helmet (Arai Quantum, best damn helmet) There's a lovely battlescar where my helmet hit and scraped the pavement along the right lower cheek and chin. I can't imagine not having that added protection. I don't think I would've been able to eat the delicious steak, potatoes and asparagus that my friends cooked up for me tonight. I was also wearing a pair of Lookwell leather gloves with a gauntlet (which I wouldn't recommend, because the velcro on them suck! But of course, I would recommend wearing all leather riding gloves). Without these, I'm sure my hands would've been bloody and f'd up. And I was also wearing my Vanson textile jacket. They say textile doesn't offer as much protection as leather. Generally, I would agree. But I think due to the type of heavy textile that Vanson used for my jacket, all that happened to it was a few white scruff marks on my right shoulder. I decided to upgrade my armor to TPro

It was rather surreal. As it was happening, I was asking myself if this was real and how could this be happening? I couldn't believe it was actually happening to me. After 4 years of good luck, I should've realize that it was bound to happen at some point. I just can't wait to get my bike back. As soon as the estimate is approved I'll get her back in a week or so, I think. In the meantime, I have my husband's Suzuki VX800. I had no idea a Vtwin could be so much fun.

I'd like to keep this story short, so the moral of this story is wear your gear and specifically, boots with real ankle protection.