winter

Horizons Unlimited 2012 - Cambria, CA

Horizons Unlimited Cambria California 2012

Last week I went to my favorite annual motorcycle event, Horizons Unlimited Travelers Meeting in Cambria, CA. It's truly one of the most special group of riders you'll ever meet.  

It's the only place that people who have traveled all over the world come together and talk about you guessed it, motorcycle travel. 

Although this was only my second year, I had a fantastic time and a great seminar. I was able to help a few women out and let more women know that there are gear options out there for us. There are always options and men's gear should be a last resort (after you've talked to me!). 

What HU really is, is an opportunity to gather with a bunch of likeminded motorcycle people and hear amazing, inspiring stories about riding motorcycles everywhere / anywhere they want to go. Alaska, China, Latin America, solo, with families, with significant others, via motorcycle tours. Basically every method possible to accomplish their dreams. 

I wish I had enough courage to get up and just travel solo for a month or two in difficult terrain, unfamiliar cultures, camping, breaking down on the side of the road, in extreme weather conditions and more. I really think adventure travel like this is a lot like people who run marathons. They're a part of a very small group of people who've accomplished something incredible. 

And that's the best part about HU. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things. HU takes place all over the world, including the Eastern US, Western US, Canada the United Kingdom and Latin America and more. 

If you're even thinking about taking a trip on two wheels, I highly recommend finding one near you and planning an excursion to a meeting soon.  

If you didn't make it, here's a list of all the vendors/speakers you missed: www.horizonsunlimited.com/meetings/California2012.php

What I Do

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More often than not, people ask me what exactly it is that I do. I help women like Nicole figure out what gear she needs, what fits, what doesn't and what she should look for as she gets herself back up to a healthier weight. Nicole, you rock and I hope I was able to help point you in the right direction.

First Impressions, REV'IT Legacy GTX Textile Suit for Women

Horizons Unlimited Cambria California 2012 revit legacy ladies Horizons Unlimited Cambria California 2012 revit legacy

Looking for the best 2-piece, textile, women's motorcycle suit, ever? I think we may have a winner. 

GearChic REVIT Legacy, goretex, womens, motorcycle, jackets, textile, winter, waterproof

REV'IT Legacy GTX Jacket
MSRP $549.99
Sizes Euro 34-48

 

GearChic

REV'IT Legacy GTX Pants
MSRP $449.99
Sizes Euro 34-48

I just rode in this outfit for the first time last weekend on my way to the Horizons Unlimited Annual CA Traveler's Meetup. 

I've never worn GORE-TEX on my motorcycle until now. All I can say is AWESOME. Simply fantastic. Both pieces of the Legacy feature the breathable, waterproof, windproof material as a layer that is already sewn into inside of the shell so you don't need to zip anything in or out to stay warm or dry. And contrary to popular belief, it doesn't make you hot! It breathes so well and keeps you comfortable no matter what the external temperature. 

When I left San Francisco last Thursday afternoon, it was ~85 degrees. It was definitely toasty, but between that and my Klim layers, I was super comfortable. It's true, GORE-TEX really does breathe. 

By the time I rode into Cambria, it was 50-55 with windchill. I took Highway 1 south most of the way (which also took 7+ hours) and when you drop into San Simeon, the valley opens up and it gets Cold, fast. The cross winds are horrendous and the marine layer kicks in after sunset. It wasn't foggy, thank god (although there's nothing quite like riding twisties on the side of a cliff in the cold, wet fog, in the dark. Which I haven't done in a few years) but it was windy and certainly chilly at low 50s. Whenever I ride down this way, I HAVE to pull over and layer up, or turn up the heated liner almost all the way in high winds. 

I always suspected that wearing a GORE-TEX lined jacket would block the wind but I had no idea how much. My comfort zone is short, very short. With the Legacy, I was stunned at how comfortable I was.

I've never found any jacket to provide some sort of happy medium for my temperamental self. Until now. 

 

Stay tuned for a full review after the next rainstorm. I can't wait for it to pour so I can test the waterproof-ability.  

 

Link to full description and specs

 

Update 11/5/2012

I experienced a wet ride home last week and was able to do a little bit of rain testing (city riding, ~low 50 degree temps, no wind). So far so good! Came home warm and dry. :) Stay tuned for more updates and a full review. 

REVIT Legacy GTX ladies motorcycle waterproof winter jacket

 

I'm a lucky, lucky girl.

GearChic REVIT Legacy, goretex, womens, motorcycle, jackets, textile, winter, waterproof

Horizons Unlimited cambria california

REV'IT is sending me the Legacy GTX to test out and review, as well as share with all the women riders coming out to Horizons Unlimited this weekend.

Stay tuned for pics from the road as I ride down to Cambria to meet up with my fellow motorcycle travelers. I'll be giving my gear seminar on Friday at 11:00am. 

Follow me on facebook, twitter or instagram (gearchic) to keep track of my whereabouts this weekend!