Or, the more traditional way of actually doing some research and then trying to fit my ride around that certain destination. Generally speaking most of what I write in the first type of article. Free flowing and relaxed...I blame Jack Kerouac's influence for that.
The second type of writing is where I have a pure destination in mind. Various reviews, updates, and day trips fall into this category. I originally had one of two day trips planned. If I didn't go on one, I would take the other. I already had most of the blog piece written, I would just have to fill in the details.
This little piece of fluff is a combination of the two. My original plan was to take off early on a Saturday morning and travel north to Brooksville, Fl (about 33 miles away or 53 KM). It's a pretty well known destination for bikers in Florida since its surround by some lovely rural and twisting roads. Or I would use my back up plan to visit and explore Ybor (EE-bor) City (about 30 miles or 48 KM away) if that trip fell through for what ever reason.
Well....it was 31 F (0 C) when I woke up this morning and was slow to warm up. One thing lead to another and another and another till I finally left the house at 2:45 PM for a ride. Which got cut short due to a phone call telling me about a family emergency. I will not go into the details but everyone and everything in fine.
What I will say is that this is the first time I've worn the Freeze Out Jacket I received as a gift over Christmas. I've been wanting to review the jacket for some time but wanted to take it on a longer ride to fully form an impression of it. I'll say this. My first impression is very good.
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| Taken from the web |
The temperature gauge on my phone stated the high today was only 52 F (11 C) which was not a great test of gear that is supposed to keep you warm in cold weather. The wind however was blustery and that is the main concern for me.
As I rode one thought kept popping into my mind.
"I'm hot."
I was wearing a pair of jeans, long johns and a long sleeve shirt. I had the Freeze out gloves on but other than that just my usual riding gear...and I was warm. Hot even. Even my hands under my gloves were warm which I can only contribute to my core being warm.
Even though my ride was cut short (total about 40 miles or 64 KM) it was a good ride. The wind cut across the open plains but the only place I really felt it was around my neck and I could not help but think that if I had a balaclava I would have been happy as a clam.
I know, not much of a review but I was sort of weary of wearing this jacket. I can take my hooded sweatshirt and wear it into work with no issue. Fold it under the seat. Tuck it up around the back and bottom of my neck when I ride home of cool nights. Or wear the hood under my jacket. Old habits die hard I guess.
But I'll say this. This jacket made a believer out of me after a short ride on a cool windy day. I can't wait to see it handles the cooler temps that are in the near future coming home at night.
5 comments:
Good review actually. I think I need to investigate this jacket & gloves. We hit 11c today as well and I went for a ride & had my jacket & sweater, Kevlar jeans with long johns, I was fairly warm, but as the afternoon wore on and the temps started dropping I was starting to feel the cold.
Good review, thanks. I had contemplated about buying one. Either that or heated gear, as some riding temperatures I have been in are around freezing point.
Interesting how the Kerouacian approach slips into everyday activities.
You two are being very generous. It's not much of a review at all (in fact I would call this a "filler" piece". But do to life rearing it's ugly head all the time I wanted to post something up. A brief review of the jacket seemed the best option at the time. I'm sure I'll have more to say later.
You've got me interested enough to want to check it out. For early spring riding I am "bulked up" in a Tour Master denim jacket that weighs a ton. I'd like to find something lightweight and protective at the same time. I like thin, lightweight outerwear on and off the scoot.
Deb...this in not an regular motorcycle jacket. It's meant to be worn under your normal riding jacket to keep you warm.
I just want to clarify that.
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