Horizons Unlimited 2012 - Cambria, CA

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

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.

Ducati North America reports increase in sales for Q3

Ducati just announced a 24% increase in quarterly sales for Q3 2012. 

If you don't ride a Ducati, have you ever considered owning one? Why or why not? 

If you currently have one, what would you tell someone who's considering one? 

*****

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

DUCATI NORTH AMERICA REPORTS NINE CONSECUTIVE QUARTERS OF RETAIL SALES GROWTH

• Q3 Retail sales increase by 24 percent 

• Nine consecutive quarters of retail sales growth

• The Diavel sets strongest product family growth in September

Cupertino, Calif. (October 24, 2012) – Ducati North America reported a 24 percent retail sales increase in Q3 compared to the same period in 2011, earning the company its ninth-straight quarter of retail sales growth. The month of September was especially positive with a 40 percent increase versus 2011.      

“We have paid very close attention to the desires of our customers in North America and believe that we have successfully developed the most appealing product offering in the brand’s history,” said Cristiano Silei, CEO of Ducati North America. “With this consistent, positive momentum in retail sales, we are confident that 2012 will finish as a record year for Ducati. And, we look forward to a great start for 2013, with the recent announcement of several new models.” 

Ducati credits its growth to the strong customer demand of several new products, including the brand’s newly released Superbike, the 1199 Panigale. Ducati’s flagship motorcycle, characterized by its revolutionary design, state of the art technology and extraordinary performance, has achieved unprecedented sales records across North America.

Significant growth is also attributed to the innovative Diavel, which recently received the prestigious Cycle World Magazine “10 Best” award in the cruiser category for the second year in a row. The Diavel is gaining a tremendous following: in the month of September it was the company’s highest growing product with a 66 percent increase compared to the same period in 2011. 

For more information about Ducati North America and Ducati’s line of performance motorcycles, please visit the new www.ducatiusa.com or your local Ducati dealer.

### 

Tim Collins

Public Relations Manager

Ducati North America, Inc.

10443 Bandley Drive
Cupertino, CA 95014
off. +1 408 343 4414
cell. +1 408 326 9957
efax +1 408 877 1539
tim.collins@ducati.com
www.ducatiusa.com

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

 

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

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

 

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.