Shirts are Ready

2/20/08: Update. So Blogger doesn't like my shirts. I can only think that's why they won't upload my photos. Here are direct links to the photos on my own server:
http://www.gearchic.com/shirts/final1.jpg
http://www.gearchic.com/shirts/2a.jpg

Well they're finally here. After a couple months of designing and finalizing, they're actually here! If you're looking for a different type of women's tshirt that shows your interest in motorcycles, I think this will send the right kind of message.

This is a limited edition, small run so get yours today. After this design is over, it's onto the next! The shirts are by Alternative Apparel - "Destroyed". Description from their website:

aa1073 Destroyed Tee

regular fit s/s tee with grinding at collar, sleeve, and bottom. solid colors: 100% cotton jersey, 40’s 120gsm. heathered colors: 90% cotton, 10% poly jersey, 40’s 120gsm. 1x1 rib set-in collar and hems. blind stiched hems at collar and sleeve. garment dyed and washed, no shrinkage.

I'm wearing a Medium. It's super strechy, soft and comfy. I chose this shirt because I loved the color and the feel of Alternative Apparel shirts. The neckline, hem and sleeve trims are slightly worn (click on my pics and the link above for more detailed photos). I've already washed it and it hasn't shrunk at all. They're 100% cotton

Price: $30.00, which includes free shipping (2 day priority mail).
You can mail me a check (email me and I'll send you my address) or send a payment through Paypal to bennysmom at gmail dot com.

Sizes: S, M, L and XL.

budget gear and newenough.com

For those of you looking for a good deal on inexpensive, protective gear, remember to check www.newenough.com, they always have amazing deals (and reviews) as well. This week, they have Setup boots for $79 and River Road Mesh overpants for $30. Unfortunately the Setup boots are only in 4 sizes (european 38-41), but if you're lucky enough to fit these sizes, these can be a really good deal.

http://www.newenough.com/closeouts/bargain_basement/river_road/ladies_mojave_mesh_motorcycle_pants.html

http://www.newenough.com/closeouts/bargain_basement/set_up/grand_prix_motorcycle_boots.html?s=p
I wouldn't count on these carrying you for the rest of your life, but you're completely poor after shelling out $3k on your bike and another $500-$600 on insurance, then you probably don't have another $1k to spend on gear. BUT do start saving for better gear asap. This is good starter gear, but I wouldn't count on them forever.

Me and More about Anke-Eve

So I was lucky enough to be chosen to submit a reader story for Helmet Hair Magazine. They asked me to write a brief story about my riding history and this is what came out of it.

Check it out when you get a chance!

I also received another email from this gentlemen who initially told me about Anke-Eve. He sent me a few more photos of her earlier in her riding career and later in life.

http://www.gearchic.com/Pics/anke3.jpg
http://www.gearchic.com/Pics/anke4.jpg
http://www.gearchic.com/Pics/anke5.jpg

I wish I could find her and talk to her. Sounds like she may have already passed away or is unreachable.

Here's the latest email from my new friend:
*****
Dear Mrs. Donn,

Thank you very much, indeed, for your kind lines and the interest you take in Miss Goldmann. Yes, she was a very good lucking woman at her time, and a spectacular rider. I saw her performing in many race circuits on her BMWs, and she was the only woman I knew in those years, riding her heavy bikes also in heavy frost when almost all the males stayed at home. I have lost contact with her decades ago, I only know she stopped riding and racing after a fatal accident of her then closest friend, and afterwards spent most of the year travelling alone (hard-core) with a rucksack only throughout the Sunda Islands,Laos, Kambodja, Vietnam, and Burma. This is why she is almost entirely forgotten today, and in the Internet age nobody goes any more through the old motorcycle mags of the 50s and 60s where her articles on motorcycling women and race erports appeared regularly. I read her in German, English, French, Spanish, and Swedish, and I also remember publications in Japan and the US. She was a good looking, long-legged woman, 6 feet tall, and a school teacher for German language at an US Air Force School. It is a matter of satisfaction for me that you take such an interest in her. When discovering the American WIMA section in Internet I drew their attention to Anke-Eve because I remember that, back in 1957 or 58, she was one of the six or eight ladies in Europe establishing the European WIMA section.

I her later years she lefts the BMWs and shifted to 750 MV Agustas. I believe she was the first and long time the only female handling these machines. Today, of course, thousands of women handle such competitive bikes, but at that time it was sensational. As your website is also focusing on motorcycle gear one thing has come to my mind that might be of interest to you: Anke-Eve designed her outfits herself, and one of the leading producers ("Harro") successfully put a one-piece racing suit on the market they had created on her request: it introduced a zipper running diagonally and sideways instead of frontally. Anyway, I shall add two or three to this message. Apart from my memory I do not have any documentation on her, but if ever you come to Paris (and read French): I know that between about 1957 and 1965 "MOTO REVUE" regularly published Anke-Eve's reports. I wish you all the best, and let me know what additional information you would care to have.

*****

Amazing Women and A Good Deal

I've met some amazing women who ride. They're also beautiful, smart, highly intelligent and know how to work a one-piece leather suit. But here's a woman that I'd love to meet, if ever given the chance. Actually, I'm not even sure if she's still alive. But I'm hoping that she is. A very nice gentlemen forwarded me these photos of a woman by the name of Anke-Eve Goldmann. I don't know where lived, what she did, or where she rode. But I'm hoping to find out.

He mentions that she raced, rode year round in freezing winter temps in Europe and she valued her safety so much she made her own leathers! Look how fierce she looks on her Bmw.

Picture 1
Picture 2

On another note, for those of you looking for some inexpensive gear, come see us at Scuderia, where we have a few pairs of these Olympia Mustang jackets/pants combo (sold separately).

If you have only $150 for gear, here's your chance:
http://www.olympiamotosports.com/ladiesmustang/ladiesmustang.htm

Here's the rundown:

JACKET:

• Outer shell constructed in 500 denier Dupont Cordura®

• Airflow ventilation system at chest arms and back

• Cool Mesh Airflow lining

• Custom Fit expandable waist and bottom

• Eight multifunctional storage pockets

• Snap down/stand up convertible collar with throat latch

• 3M Scotchlite® reflective piping

• Sleeve adjuster straps to secure elbow armor position

• 8” zipper and belt straps connect jacket to pants

• Removable CE approved Motion Flex armor at elbows and shoulders

• Removable CE approved Motion Flex articulated back protector

PANTS

• Outer shell constructed in 500 denier Dupont Cordura®

• Custom fit expandable waist and side leg panels

• Custom fit EZ Hem boot cut bottom

• Custom Fit three-tier adjustable knee armor

• Relaxed tailored fit

• Cool mesh Airflow lining

• Five multifunctional pockets Concealed safety zipper pocket at back yoke

• 8” zipper connects pant to jackets

• Removable CE approved armor at knees

• Removable EVA compression foam at hips

If you have a few more bucks to spend, say ~$229, Scuderia has the R'evit Angel jacket on sale! Regular price is $289. If you need a warm, waterproof jacket for winter, this is the one you need.