Gear ‘n Groups on 66
kindly submitted by Tony Toner – Road Captain
In addition to protection from injury during an accident protective clothing must keep you dry/warm and hopefully make you more visible to other road users?
On a warm day (65 degrees Fahrenheit) a motorcyclist riding 45 to 55 mph experiences a chilling effect equivalent to 33 degrees. That’s only one degree above freezing, putting ill-prepared riders at risk of hypothermia. Clothes that are right for motorcycling in Irish weather can be too hot across the Route.
Dressing in several layers will allow you strip down as conditions warrant. On a blistering day, you will stay cooler with at least one layer over your skin. Covering up retains the moisture that helps your body cool itself, and blunts the dehydrating, fatiguing effects of direct sun and wind. Intelligent clothing that wicks away body moisture and keeps you dry and cool in the heat will also keep you warm in the chill of evening and early morning.
As we will be crossing 4,000 kilometres of the North American continent in 9 days, your clothing must provide you with the everyday need to be comfortable and safe. Ventilated clothing is particularly effective, but you will need to carry a wind-cheater for those late evening and early morning miles.
There will usually be a trade off between comfort and low weight in one hand against level of protection afforded during an accident on the other. Hence you need to think about speeds and how much movement you need to make while riding. This should help you to choose the best compromise for your particular situation.
ALWAYS TRY ON YOUR GEAR BEFORE YOU BUY
- It is too tight or loose – what will you typically be wearing under the clothing? Leather garments usually need to be a snug fit so that they do not move excessively on the body.
- Are the impact protectors correctly located?
- Can you move comfortably while wearing the clothing?
- Put on your helmet, gloves and boots. Then try simulating typical riding actions. Is there any discomfort or area of tightness? – If in doubt don’t buy – Do not worry about looking foolish. It is better that than buying a garment and then not being able to get on your bike.
Use and Care of Your Gear
Once you have made your investment you need to look after the garment as one day you may be grateful of its protective qualities.
- Carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions and always follow the advice given.
- Only clean the garment in accordance with the labelling.
- Always wear the garment fully fastened and correctly adjusted.
- Never carry bulky or sharp objects in your pockets or on your body as they can cause injury during an accident. Remember the only way they go in a bump is in.
- Damaged garments will not offer the optimum level of protection so should be repaired by a competent person as soon as possible, or replaced altogether
- If the garment is made of leather and becomes wet, do not force dry it, instead allow it to dry naturally away from direct heat sources such as radiators and fires.
- Always remember that no matter how good your garment is, it may only mitigate injuries unless you ride with care at all times.
