WASTED SUMMER

[rboe]

Summers in Phoenix suck so I typically get a little bit in in the morning (Sunday morning coffee and Tuesday coffee) and that is about it. One trip to Datil for a rally (ride home the temps ranged from 48 to 103 - gah!).

Up north I could easily entertain thoughts of long rides/tours but living down here I just can't get excited about it. Long hours in the saddle in excessive heat is not fun. I got into motorcycles for cheap practical transportation. Just for the fun of it (entertainment purposes) is a fairly recent development for me so I still tend to look at what is the proper tool to get from A to B and many times the car/truck wins because it has AC.

Paid my dues in Minnesota and Wisconsin, got nothing left to prove.

[dbarkdoll_imp]

Upon reading this thread, I realized I have been rolling the dice way too long by riding without a jacket this summer. My leather one is far too hot, so I have been squiding it for several months. No more.

I went and picked up a mesh jacket after work from KTM dealer, it’s a Speed and Strength brand. Removeable back, elbow, and shoulder armor. Minimal logos and accents, just flat black. Fits great, looks great. Went for a little ride with it immediately after in 90+ degrees. It worked flawlessly, really surprised me how cool it kept me. I’d recommend it, only $130 on Revzilla and available in a bunch of different colors.

[Cormanus]

Sensible decision, dbarkdoll.

[the Ferret]

also if you get hot in a mesh jacket, pick up a bottle of water and pour it over your neck and shoulders, put on your jacket then ride. The evaporation process will cool you off post haste.

[Houtman_imp]

It is better to sweat than bleed.

Sweat = shower / Bleed =pain

[peterbaron]

It is better to sweat than bleed.

Sweat = shower / Bleed =pain

+1..
I have 2 jackets (+1) and one set of pants = no regrets so far, sometimes too warm or too cold = motorcycle nature

[Banned_imp]

Yeah, it has been brutally hot and humid here too and I am 100% Canadian cold-stock, I absolutely despise the heat. Guys in my platoon called me "Tundra Monkey" because I would be wearing a t-shirt while they were all bundled up.

I have a mesh jacket and pants as I am an ATGATT guy, after 25 years in the Army it's just natural to put on protective gear prior to setting out. I don't ride into the city when it is hot as getting stuck in traffic sucks. I also mostly go for rides in the evenings when it is bit cooler but not too close to dusk as that's when the critters roam.

Too expand on Ferret's advice, when it is really hot I wear a long sleeve shirt and completely soak it in water before riding. I also have one of those neckerchiefs that has the little balls in it that expand when wet and hold water to help keep you cool. I wear a Camelbak under my jacket filled half water, half ice to both drink and get the cold on my back.

[dbarkdoll_imp]

Gonna have to try out the wet t-shirt trick (haha). We gots plenty of hot weather left in Arkansas this month.

[LongRanger_imp]

It works great in the arid West. I can't imagine it being comfortable in humid areas.

[dbarkdoll_imp]

It works great in the arid West. I can't imagine it being comfortable in humid areas.

Good point, I might never dry out haha. I’ll do some experimenting. Or just stick to my morning rides til it cools off.