Hot Weather Riding Gear

[jmilucky]

Sunday, Leeanne and I rode with Goldwing friends, Bill and Sharon. We had stops at River Ranch, Dairy Queen in Sebring and Hammock State Park. Temperatures ranged from 88 to 95 degree's.

Bill has written a wonderful analysis of cooling gear in place and my comments follow below. This was a typical day leaving at (9AM and returning 7:30PM. Florida has 123 days of 90 or better [to make up for the lack of snow].

Hope the attachment works,

Jim



Bill,


Your analysis as usual is complete and I agree with the bang for buck conclusion you reach. I have used the low end version of the cooling vests successfully for years – the trick is to reload [dunk in the cooler] at each stop.


Based on the 90+ degree temps we ride in, my biggest concern are the Noland helmets that offer no cooling at all. Formerly the old KBC helmets had much greater air flow and combined with the other techniques made the day long rides tolerable.


Regarding the cold pack insert vests, I would have this to offer. If they can be recharged during the day and out of pocket cost is not a deterrent, then they really do cool best. After riding two hours neither Leeanne nor I were hot or sweaty. These vests really keep you cool. The limitation is the recharging during a day ride. I think if we could have dunked them in one of the bag ice coolers found at the quickstops, for 20’, we would have enjoyed them throughout the day.


Thanks for you call regarding my recovery – the arm is already healing and I expect to be back in the saddle by the weekend. We really enjoyed the ride and tour of River Ranch and of course my compliments to the Grill Master!!



Jim