Gear Works

• Arai Quantum
• Racer High Ends
• Revit Ignition
• Olympia Pro Max
• Daytona Ladystar

My hand and neck are a little tired so I'll elaborate in another post in a couple days.

I was rear ended on my SV while at a red light the other day. I've been staying off my feet since it happened, except for going to the doctor twice. I hurt all over and found muscles I never knew I had.

Sometimes speed has nothing to do with gear.

Observations

So I've recently acquired a new job, or new responsibilities at a current job.  I'm now working in the office for the MSF School where I work as a RiderCoach.   If you ever call Bay Area Motorcycle Training in S. San Francisco, you might hear me on the other line as your friendly customer service agent.  This is the first time that I've had all motorcycle-related jobs. I'm so happy I don't have to work for a company or ceo that I despise. Yep, despised.  I actually care about new students and helping them get signed up for MSF classes.  I'm also going to be working at the Int'l Motorcycle Show in San Mateo (11/20-11/22) in the Club Connection booth, and potentially the women's center.   And, I'm still working part time at Scuderia a couple Saturdays a month.   By the way, Open House is Saturday, November 7th. Mark your calendars! With my new job comes a new commute of 16 miles each way. It's been awhile since I had a daily moto commute, but it's been easy to adjust to. I love being able to ride my bike every day. At my previous job, I worked only 1 mile from the office. It was a blessing and a curse. I really missed riding every day.  My new commute is the perfect distance, not too long, not too short. I have already learned quite a few things with this daily ride:

• People in cars DON'T know how to drive. Every time I come up to a sweeping curve, or a tight S turn, all I see are people braking into the corners. No one looks up from their newspapers, coffee cups and cell phones long enough to look ahead of the corner and see what's coming. If I'm not too careful, I can see myself falling into the horrible trap of braking all the way through my turn instead of accelerating all the way out of it.
• A neck warmer is a crucial accessory for the morning commute. Nothing like cold air blowing up your chin and on your neck. I'm contemplating getting a Rev'it Atlast H20.
• A Givi top box is BADLY needed. I'm giving in and getting a 39liter Monolock. I always told myself that I'd never violate the aesthetic of my bike with a topbox, but f*ck it. My neck and back can't take it anymore.  I've always wanted somewhere to stash a pair of high heels, my purse and a cute jacket to change into so I can show up looking like a girl when going to dinner or meeting friends, instead of someone who looks as if she just jumped off a ski slope.
• When it's pouring rain out, it's best to dry off before attempting to ride again, especially in the evening. I rode down to San Jose in the rain, but didn't dry off all the way by the time I had to go back up. I was so cold that I had to pull over halfway home and meet up with my husband at the college where he teaches AfterEffects classes.
• A heated vest will be required once the temps drop.  Especially if I continue commuting the rain. (Yeah! It's not that bad, with the right gear ;D ) I'm barely keeping up with 60 degree weather. If it goes down to 50s, I definitely need to upgrade asap. I'm a wuss, born and raised in CA!
• Daytona Ladystar boots are insanely waterproof! I rode in the pouring rain, riding 50-60mph, with not a drop of water getting through these boots. If you're going to ride every day, in all weather conditions, you really need these boots.

I feel like every day I commute, I figure out something else about me, my bike or the people around me.   I look forward to posting more observations as I ride even MOAR!

SSU Podcast, Winter Gear

Winter Time! The San Francisco Bay Area received it's first hit of winter the other day. Now, I know, we don't even have snow, or single digit temperatures. But we do have rain, especially this year which is supposed to be an El Nino Winter. Oh Joy. The idea of my poor baby sitting outside in the rain in a waterproof cover sickens me. I need a garage.

Enough about me, let's cover some winter jacket options for those of you who may need a really great textile that's going to protect you, keep you warm and function well.

1) First Gear TPG Monarch $249.99 on Closeout from Revzilla!

This one has a removable full sleeve liner that's almost like a fleece jacket. The cut is a little short, so if you have a short torso, this is a good option. It looks longer in the picture, but it's not as long as the Olympia below. It should sit right above the hips, not below.

2) Olympia AST $299.99 Along with the Monarch above, the Olympia is waterproof in the shell. The cut is a true 3/4, in that it will fall well below your hips.

3) REV'IT! Siren $299.99 The Siren has 2 full sleeve liners, one is insulated, and the other is waterproof/windproof. It's cut pretty small and narrow around the shoulders, so if you're a size 0-2, you'll need a size 34. Fantastic winter jacket, much better than my Pearl which is actually on closeout from Revzilla for $237.00.

4) BMG Adventure $279.00 Looking at the size charts, the women's extra small should fit me, as I'm a size 4 US on top. However, when I spoke to one of their representatives a while ago, he mentioned that they only run down to a size 6 US. I'm going to try and find them again at the next motorcycle show so I can try it on. With nifty features such as zip off sleeves and a removable hydration system makes this one a fantastic option for all the dual sport adventurers out there.

5) AlpineStars Stella Scout $399.95 The Stella has a removable, thermal full sleeve liner. The waterproof and breathable Drystar internal lining will keep you dry and comfortable. With a 3/4 length cut, this would be a good option if you have a long torso.

SSU Podcast tomorrow, 10/13/09

Since I screwed up the time last week when I was originally scheduled to be on SideStandUp, Tom generously rescheduled me to tomorrow, the 13th! The start time is now 4pm PT/7pm ET (not 5pm as previous shows!). We'll be going over Winter Gear options and accessories!

I'll be starting at 4:10pm PT.

Hope to see you there! http://www.sidestandup.com