Gear

[Howie B]

Just a reminder.. In order to enjoy the ride, be safe and repeat that over and over again, be sure to wear your gear. This includes your helmet, boots, good riding pants or jeans, and a jacket.. There are summer jackets out there for the summertime as well. Don't take my word for it, do some research on the subject and I promise you that your ride will be alot more enjoyable if your wear all your gear EVERYTIME!!! Thats all folks, CARRY ON!!!

[Lou]

Just a reminder.. In order to enjoy the ride, be safe and repeat that over and over again, be sure to wear your gear. This includes your helmet, boots, good riding pants or jeans, and a jacket.. There are summer jackets out there for the summertime as well. Don't take my word for it, do some research on the subject and I promise you that your ride will be alot more enjoyable if your wear all your gear EVERYTIME!!! Thats all folks, CARRY ON!!!

Good advice Howie.

Thanks for the post btw ... first one ... lol. Few more things to finish up and we'll be kicking the site back in gear.

[scout1930]

OK, I will admit that I carry a jacket and use it as weather dictates, however with temps at 95 degrees and 80% humidity *Florida in the summer) there is nothing better than a T-shirt or light cotten shirt.

For the summer months I rattle can my black helmet with white (oil based) Kiltz paint. This will cut the ambient temp that the sun put on the top of your head by 10 degrees.

I also carry cool wraps (available at most bike shops, Walmart and sporting goods stores), these are great, For the short 1 day rides I will carry 2 of them in a large zip lock full of ice and water and will swap them out through out the day. When touring I carry them in my cooler so as not to risk getting the interior of my bags wet.

The most important thing to remember is to hydrate often! Freeze water bottles and take with. Stop often and take a break from the heat. When traveling at 50 to 60 mph you will not notice that your sweating, but trust me your are losing fluids rapidly! When touring I also wear "Wickers" body armour, this stuff is great for wicking the moisture away from your body.

Don't forget your sun block and chap stick, both have saved me more often than I can count.