Riding a Motorcycle in Dublin, Ireland with Alpinestars

For 1 week I was the lucky recipient of a free trip to Ireland! Luckily, I had a day to ride two wheels and here's my brief story.  It all starts with a surprise trip to Ireland on behalf of my husband, but without my husband. Let's just pretend it was a secret mission where I was preoccupied for 6 days and was able to rest on the 7th. So I decided to rent a BMW F650Gs, from Celtic Rider.

celtic rider bmw f650gs motorcycle rental dublin ireland

It was sooooo nice out! Maybe mid 60s and a few clouds but mostly blue sky. I rented a Garmin just in case and ended up heading south into Wicklow Mountains National Park. I had to stop and take this pic.

First road, the only dry part. Killakee Road towards Wicklow Mountains Nat'l Park

I felt like the clouds were moving away from me so I kept going, pretty slow ~45mph. The road was windy but no blind corners and hardly any traffic! This was probably the most cars I'd passed at once. Eventually I found some sheep and a couple of postcard perfect scenes that I had no choice but to photograph. I had to stop, pinch and remind myself exactly where I was. IRELAND!

Eventually I made it to this small junction, where a small parking lot looked good to stop and plan my next route. I met this lovely man named Eddie who was fascinated by my fancy Garmin.

Eventually I made it to the junction of Wicklow Way and Military Rd known as Sally Gap. Stopped and chatted with Eddie (wearing helmet).

View of the parking lot.

And this is where it gets rainy. After leaving this cute parking lot, it started pouring about a half hour later as I wandered further West. I rode for awhile in the rain and eventually I got sick of it so I decided to find a spot to dry off and get comfortable. I found an underground parking garage, had lunch and waited until it dried out. I then tried to get lost and wander some local towns since my Garmin wasn't cooperating.

Sadly I didn't get as far as I wanted to go. I stayed within 30-40 miles of downtown Dublin instead of heading west where all the good roads seem to be. :(

I relied on the 2 short suggestions that I was given and ended up not riding very far. Even with these minor disappointments I still had a GREAT time riding around Dublin. The people were so nice, the scenery was breathtaking and the BMW was awesome! I think they had a stock 2008 F650GS, and it was perfect. It only took me a short while to get used to the other side of the road too.

I definitely plan on making Ireland a riding vacation destination so I can explore the rest of this beautiful country. I know there is lots to see and I can envision renting a bike for a week to see and experience far more than I was able to.

I also managed to take a tour of the Guinness Factory! Freshest Guinness you'll ever drink, tapped straight from the newer factory across the street. 

The Gear

I was also able to wear this fantastic GORE-TEX outfit from Alpinestars, which made my wet ride perfectly comfortable. I stayed warm and dry the entire time.

alpinestars_new_land_gtx_jacket_black_front

alpinestars_new_land_goretex_pants

For a longer ride report and full gear review, please tune into Episode 25 of my podcast at Moterrific.com.

New Riding Jeans from REVIT, Fall/Winter 2014

 

(Picture Above: Broadway Ladies)

For those of you on the quest for the ultimate riding jeans, REV'IT has a few styles for you to try this winter, including 2 options for women. 

Broadway Ladies Jeans

Description from REV'IT:

The Broadway ladies jeans are designed by women for women. All of REV’IT!’s women’s gear is designed specifically with the female body in mind, and the regular straight fit of the Broadway is no different. The solid dark blue washing makes the denim stiff and strong, and is further strengthened by the PWR | shield panels and KNOX® protection in adjustable pockets at the knees.   With these jeans you will show everyone you are a fashionable woman on a bike.

• $239.99, Sizes US 24-32, one color
• 11oz Cordura® denim
• Lining: polycotton plain weave
• Protective layer: PWR|shield
• Outer shell: 85% cotton, 15% , lining: 80% polyester, 20%
• Knox® Lite CE protection at knee,
• CE prepared for SaS Tec® CE hip protector (YES! Finally jeans with armor at both points)
• PWR|shield knit protection layer at seat and knees, PWR|yarn
• 3M Scotchlite™ reflection at turn up
• Regular fit
• Adjustable protector pockets
• Zipper fly front closure
• Comfort seat
• Triple needle stitching at side seams and back, extra comfort by mechanical stretch of the outer shell, safety stitching at side seam

I would only recommend the Broadway simply because it offers Hip and Knee armor. I've crashed twice and both times hip and knee armor protected my body. I never ride in pants without hip and knee protectors anymore. I'm anxious to see these in person though. And I would would wear them in the city. (no highway riding)

Madison Ladies

Description from REV'IT:

The Madison jeans are so comfortable you could continue to ride for days with them. The jeans are made of 12.5oz Cordura® denim with COOLMAX® element, which means they are stiff and strong but will still wick moisture away and keep you comfortable. They are constructed with triple needle stitching, safety stitching and feature KNOX® knee protectors for safety. The Madison jeans are designed to capture the freedom and are the ultimate riding trousers. 

• $199.99, Sizes US 24-34, one color
• 12.5oz Cordura® denim with Coolmax® element
• Cotton twill lining
• outer shell: 50% cotton, 30% polyester, 20% polyamide, lining: 100% cotton
• Protective layer: 100% polyester
• Knox® Lite CE protection at knee, PWR|yarn (no hip armor)
• 3M Scotchlite™ reflection at turn up
• Regular fit
• Adjustable protector pocket
• Zipper fly front closure
• Comfort seat
• Triple needle stitching at side seams and back
• Safety stitching at side seam
• Extra comfort by mechanical stretch of outer shell
• Moisture-wicking function by Coolmax® element

It looks like the Madison are a lighter version, with only knee protection and Coolmax for more breathability.

I think it's awesome that they're offering the sizes in US waist! Meaning, you measure your waist and that's your size. Voila!

Teiz 1-Piece Textile Suits for Women, 30% OFF

I'm happy to share this special deal with my fellow women riders.

Since 2011, Teiz MS has offered this fully made to measure suit for women riders. Regularly priced at $899, I'm allowed to offer these suits on behalf of Teiz at 30% off retail.  

Teiz Revolution Suits

For a full description of features, click here.

The catch is that the offer only applies to the 2 suits hanging in my hallway above.  They're brand new, clean and ready to go. If I can find someone who fits these suits, I'll take pics so you can see the proportions / fits. Overall these suits have more of an American fit, but tailored for women.

I tried on the Plum suit, and it felt like someone who's a size 6-8 with curvy proportions would fit this suit really well. It was also a few inches too long for me, so I think if you're 5'5"-5'6", this would work.

Whereas the Yellow suit had much curvier proportions for someone also ~5'5"-5'6", I'd say a size 8-10, very generous in the hips/thighs. I'm in the process of getting the original measurements for the female customers these suits were originally designed for.

Here are the measurements for each suit:

The plum suit
Neck	13.5
Torso	23-24
Bust	39.5
Waist	30
Hips	41.5
Thighs	25
Knees	15.5
Calves	14.5
Should to shoulder	14
Sleeves	23
Wrist	6.25
Inseam	29
Armhole	16.5
Biceps	13
Knee to floor	15
The mango suit
Neck	14
Torso	28.5
Bust	37
Waist	30
Hips	42
Thighs	23.5
Knees	16
Calves	15
Should to shoulder	15.2
Sleeves	24
Wrist	6.5
Inseam	29
Armhole	17.5
Biceps	12
Knee to floor	18.1

If you're in the SF Bay Area and want to try these on, drop me an email or comment on this post, and I'll contact you.

Wearable Technology.

What an interesting idea! Fashionable, wearable technology that also provides a safety element. 

Everything motorcyclists are searching for, right? Well, not that I'd run around town in a little black dress with an LED belt. Ok maybe, but underneath my leathers. Check out this kickstarter by Anders Nelson. He's hoping to raise enough money to produce these. Other options include patches that you can stick on anything.