Touring in Warm Weather - clothing choice

Message

Stokesy · #1 Post by **Stokesy** » Thu May 08, 2008 7:58 am

Off to Catalunya in 4 weeks for the GP

Having ridden over the weekend in the glorious 22c sunshine i have got to thinking about the climate and more importantly keeping cool.

Barcelona is currently 24c expecting to be circa 27 - 29 for the GP, we will be riding down over 2 days, and returning over 2 days so good 500 mile days (lots of time in the saddle) about half will be the dreaded auto routes and half a roads (we have set a challenge this year to avoid as many tolls as poss)

I have a number of choices for my riding clothing
1, Full Furygan 2 piece leathers - very warm in winter bot no stretch panels or ventilation in summer
2, Unbranded cheap but comfortable 2 piece lethers with stretch panels and a bit of ventilation
3, AXO 1 pice leather race suit with full ventilation
4, mix textile jacket with leather pants from option 2

I dont want to sacrifice safety but am worried about heat induced fatigue

Suggestions welcomed

TA

FlyingKiwi · #2 Post by **FlyingKiwi** » Thu May 08, 2008 2:37 pm

After touring the Pyrenees last june I'd say No. 2 plus a cheap 2 piece waterproof oversuit for when it rains in the afternoon cause it will (so the locals told us)

and don't forget the sunblock for ur face and neck.

Tweaker · #3 Post by **Tweaker** » Thu May 08, 2008 4:09 pm

What FK said - plus, an EZ top and leggings underneath - they really do help keep you cooler and you don't stick to the leathers. But, whatever you do, you WILL be hot when you stop - it's just the way it is when the sun shines

snapdragon · #4 Post by **snapdragon** » Fri May 09, 2008 11:13 pm

Which reminds me I must fish out the mesh jacket I bought last year

BikerGran · #5 Post by **BikerGran** » Wed May 14, 2008 8:23 pm

I remember in France some years ago on a club trip it was hot we had a '3 second warning' system for donning leather jackets - 3 seconds before riding away, that is!

One of our number went from the campsite to the petrol station (about 3 mins away) in a tee shirt - but said he felt so vulnerable he'd never do it again!

Gio · #6 Post by **Gio** » Thu May 15, 2008 10:41 pm

I don't care how hot it is I'll always wear leathers, just stop more often for drinks etc and take longer getting there.

alptrans · #7 Post by **alptrans** » Fri May 30, 2008 5:27 pm

Agree - I always wear at least a leather jacket and a pair of jeans if not the leather trousers. A thin cotton underneath the trousers can help keeping it cool. For the top, playing a bit with the openings of the jacket will help keep it comfy ... except in traffic jams!

D-Rider · #8 Post by **D-Rider** » Sat May 31, 2008 1:59 pm

I'm in Japan again. Few bikes but loads of scooters .... and a lot of funny feet-forward scooters.
Think I've only seen one person with half decent kit on - whatever they are riding.
Today in the rain I saw one bloke with waterproofs but no gloves!

..... the young ladies' choice of very short shorts as riding attire does have some appeal though ...........

Samray · #9 Post by **Samray** » Sat May 31, 2008 8:23 pm

I think this fella has the right idea.

Clip

#10 Post by **Kwackerz** » Sat May 31, 2008 8:27 pm

Oh dear....

Gio · #11 Post by **Gio** » Sat May 31, 2008 8:28 pm

Rawhide?

alptrans · #12 Post by **alptrans** » Sat May 31, 2008 9:02 pm

Free Willy !

Samray · #13 Post by **Samray** » Sat May 31, 2008 9:07 pm

Why do they call him the Big Yin?