Evaporative/Wicking Wear

Today's the first Tuesday in July, so I'll be doing another segment with my pals, Larry and Roy of the Two Wheel Power Hour, at 3pm PT/6pm ET. My segment will be at 3:30pm Pacific. I'm going to recommend cooling baselayers that will help for those of you riding your motorcycles in hot weather. You're probably suffering in the heat and humidity right now, so I hope some of these recommendations, listed in order of price (low to high) will give you some relief. The right combination of baselayers + textile or leather gear can make the Biggest difference in comfort while riding in heat (or cold!).

#1  and #4 are the two options that are Not made for motorcycling.  They do have options for bicycling however, which I think comes pretty close.  My only problem with most bicycling pants and shorts it that they are padded in the seat.  I can't fit that extra layer of material in my leather pants, but if you don't feel like buying some of these products online, I would recommend bicycling shorts or pants as an option.

1. UnderArmour for men and women. HeatGear® is UnderArmour's proprietary technology: "For when it's hot. Keeping athletes cool, dry, and light. Ideal use: Extremely warm weather. Over a decade ago, HeatGear®, the original second skin layer, sparked the revolution of performance apparel." - Under $100 -Tops, bottoms (shorts and pants) and one piece suits. This one piece suit for women for $129.99 looks particularly interesting. The only issue with UnderArmour I find is with the bottoms, as they seat in my shorts is already starting to wear out. I don't think these are ideal for long distance riding, as you'll go through a pair of shorts in a year or so. I've had my current pair for almost 8,000 miles (a little over a year) and they're already starting to wear through.

2. Forcefield Climate Control "Inspired by Geothermic Phenomena observed on Earth the Forcefield Base Layer Shirt has been created using BeCool™ the first polyamide fibre with integrated airflow control a function that maintains body temperature during sports and leisure activities." Tops, bottoms (shorts and pants), balaclavas, neck tubes and gloves. - Shirts and Pants are unisex sizing. - Under $100

3. LD Comfort "Our garments are a base layer (underwear) designed specifically for the long distance motorcycle rider. They are designed to protect the skin. The superior wicking technology of our dual layer fabric keeps your skin drier than any other single layer "wicking" fabric." The videos demonstrate how effective the material is. I've seen it for myself and it's truly an amazing product. The seat of the pants are seamless, which I think makes LDComfort a more optimal for motorcycling. -Under $100 -Tops, bottoms, headwear and more.

4. X-Bionic "X-Bionic athletic apparel is the most advanced performance clothing on the market today. Featuring over 20 international patents for performance-enhancing technologies, X-Bionic apparel helps an athlete maintain a constant core body temperature of 37 degrees centigrade or 98.6 degrees farenheit, so that no energy is wasted in cooling the body and all energy is therefore available to maximize athletic performance. Recent studies have shown that athletes can expend up to 97% of their metabolic energy just to maintain a constant core body temperature. By trapping sweat and maximizing the surface area available for cooling, X-Bionic apparel literally "turns your sweat into energy", maximizing human evolution's cooling mechanism of evaporation, and making more energy available for peak performance." X-Bionic appears to be a high end performance product tailored for professional athletes. I've only read about their products, but it sounds rather convincing to me. A little too expensive for me, but I would love to get my hands on one of their products to try out. - Over $100 ($105 - $400). - Tops, bottoms, socks, armbands, headbands, caps, and more

DannaBand

• DannaBand
• $8 - $17 each
• Women's and Girl's sizing (both are one size fits all)
• Custom and Sport fabrics

HelmetHair. It's a never ending battle. For many women with long hair, it's always a struggle. You either have to braid it, wear it in a pony tail, wear a bandanna, a long head scarf, or some other contraption to keep it all under control under your helmet. That's one of the main reasons why I keep my hair short. Other than how much I love the way I look! It helps minimize the HelmetHair. But I still have the problem of taking off my helmet and then seeing the patterns of my EPS liner imprinted on my head. I don't think there is a cure 100% of the time, but the founder of DannaBand has tried to come up with a solution to help win the war against HelmetHair. I've worn balaclavas, bandannas and head wraps. By far, the DannaBand is the most comfortable, (and the cutest!) accessory I've tried. I also had a fellow female rider say that she enjoys the feel of letting her hair out after she gets off the bike and takes off her helmet. There's something truly sexy about seeing a woman get off of her sportbike, take off her helmet, and see all the beautiful, gorgeous hair flowing behind her. It's certainly a mystique of the 'Biker' look. (I'm no biker, btw, I'm more of a motorcyclist. But that's a different, much longer post for later). If you share this opinion, I think the DannaBand is something that would work since it doesn't fully cover up or constrict your hair, but will manage it under the helmet while keeping your locks flowing freely in the wind behind you.

I normally wear a regular bandanna under my motorcycle helmet and was asked to try out the DannaBand instead. I'm happy to report that I love it and prefer it over my 2 bandannas. The process of tying it and retying it is annoying for me, and I love the ease of on and off.  It just slips on over your hair with very little effort.  The band is also elastic (fully covered in the fabric of your choice), and should adjust to fit all head shapes and sizes. It's not super tight, but not super loose. It tends to come off when I take off the helmet. I don't want something that tight wrapped around my head anyways.

Aside from the plethora of patterns that you can order from the website, you can also submit your own fabric and have them make a band out of that instead! They even have a Sport line, made with moisture wicking materials.  I went with the Blue Zen Flower pattern and really like the way it looks and feels.

I have short hair so it's far less of a problem under my helmet than it is for many of you with long hair, but I still have occasional helmet hair.  I will say that this band helps me manage HelmetHair about 90% of the time. It's only when I leave with my hair a little wet that it'll come out looking super funky.  But I don't think that's the fault of DannaBand, or any bandanna for that matter. Unfortunately, because my hair is so short in the back, the band is always showing. If you have long hair, it will be hidden at the base of your neck. But for me, any kind of bandanna will look funky from the back.   So my only wish is that it had a smaller, thinner elastic band. But even with this detail, I still think it's a better option. I think the DannaBand would be great for any woman who is active and would like something to help manage her hair while she's bicycling, jogging, or whatever, will find the DannaBand useful as well.

If you're looking for something that isn't as long as a Buff, but not a bandanna, I suggest you check out the DannaBand as an option.

I'll be posting this on my Reviews page next week along with more photos.

New Givi Cases, Test Rides

If you're looking for a new top box for your scooter or motorcycle, Givi is usually the first name you may think of. And for good reason!  Recently, they've upgraded the design on 3 of their boxes. The lower left box, the 46 Liter (46N) is what I'll be getting my hands on this time next week!  If you have a scooter and are looking for a new top box, you'll want to check out the E300B, which has a white cover and clear reflectors.   You won't find these boxes on Givi's website yet.  Don't ask me why, because I have no idea. I'm just lucky that I know the Bay Area Givi representative, who turned me onto these new boxes. I really like the style of the new reflectors on the 55 liter (E55NT), but that's just a touch too big for me. I think the 46 will look perfect on my tail. Pics to come after I get her mounted up.

Contrary to what you might think, I'm not planning any long trips or adventrues anytime soon.  The main reason I want/need this box is so that I can ride even more.  Having the flexibility of a secure place to stash my motorcycle boots, full face helmet and puffy overpants is something I've been wanting for a really really long time.  I make decisions on where/when I'm going to ride, based on the type of places I'm going to ride to.  When you live in San Francisco, it only makes sense to ride everywhere you can. But if I want to put on some peep-toe high heels, and a cute jacket, it isn't convenient to carry overpants, a jacket, boots and a helmet with me. I don't expect to put all these items in my box, but if I can manage to at the minimum, stash 3 out of 4, I'm happy to carry something.

Most recently (last week) I accepted a full time position to work as an office administrator for a really cool engineering firm in downtown San Francisco.  As much as I love the part time schedule, I need the full time pay in order to keep up with my motorcycle addiction activities.   I anticipate I'll be running around town picking up things, and having this box is really going to help. Especially when parking costs an arm and a leg for more than 15 minutes.   If you're interested in ordering one, email me and I'll put you in touch with my local rep.

I've also got a sneak peak at some photos taken by an amazing photographer, Robert Stokstad last week on the Suzuki GS500F test ride and photo shoot I went on for CityBike magazine. I'm also wearing the Corazzo jacket I'll be reviewing soon for CityBike.

RKA Motorcycle Luggage

Check out the newest addition to my Directory page under Accessories!  RKA is based in Sonoma, CA.  If you don't live near Sonoma, then come on in to Scuderia to check out some of RKA's soft luggage.