so when I rode to work today I put on my old riding boots. I just can't bear to throw away something that still has an ounce of utility left. About half way to work I could feel the squishing in my boots and a coldness seeping in
Luckily I carry a change of socks at work which I quickly changed into. I forgot that I also have to breathe out the side of my mouth in order to keep my shield clear. It also helps to keep it cracked open one notch to clear the condensation
We have two other riders at work, but today I was alone
I am glad that I purchased a Lumix waterproof TS3 camera a couple of months ago for days like these. It was my intention to use it as my rain camera, and also for mounting on my bike
It's Spring in Vancouver and the weather is unpredictable. There was thunder and lightning all around us and we even had hail a few days ago, but it was clear sailing for my ride home
Ok. I have a problem with your definition of utility. Which has better utility? Old boots with some life left in which you have to have spare socks around...or waterproof boots that dont require backup clothing or another thought of usage. If you must keep the old boots, wear them on dry days!! The alpinestars are great...just bought a new pair for myself. My old ones are relegated to be worn on the Honda offroading. :)
ReplyDeleteSteel Cupcake, aka: Puddles:
DeleteI'm thinking. . . what you said does make a bit of sense, but as I already have spare socks at work, in the bike, in my pockets I could still squeeze a bit more life into the old boots, and I do wear them on dry days as well. In fact I wore them to work today, and they are still a bit damp
The weather is still unpredictable, but at least the rain is getting warmer. I am with BeemerGirl on the Alpinstars. Mine haven't disappointed as of yet.
ReplyDeleteSonjaM:
Deleteeven our cold rain doesn't compare with Richard's Snow and Ice. I can't wait to use my AlpineStars* , the hardest part will be to cut the tags off
Bob
ReplyDeleteI'm struggling to see boots - all I can see is a Suzuki corroding.
What's happened to crocs(tm)?
Best wishes from drought stricken England, N
Nikos:
Deletethat's it ! I should be wearing Riding Crocs. They have holes to let the water out. Thanks for the advice
I just thought that I'd better chime in to say that my Alpine Stars are doing a fantastic job of keeping the damp stuff out so far...
ReplyDeleteAndrew:
DeleteEveryone raves about how dry the AlpineStars* are. I am content in knowing I have a new & unused pair just waiting for me for when I decide to "activate" them
Nothing's worse than riding with soggy toes. I've done it plenty of times too. When away from home on long rides, I would don my shoe covers in order to keep my boots from getting too wet, but often during day rides, I would just grin and bear it. One time we got caught in a pretty good downpour, and by the time we pulled into the driveway, my jeans were so soaked, the rain was just running down into my boots like a river. It literally felt like I had water sloshing around up to my ankles. Ick! My poor little toes looked like lily white raisins!
ReplyDeleteI like your self portrait in the mirror, BTW. Very impressionistic. tee hee!
Lady Di:
DeleteLast year I had to ride nearly 7 hours from Oregon back to BC in pouring rain along I-5 in my leaking ICONS. My toes were swimming and sloshing all the way back. At fuel stops I emptied the boots and wrang out the socks, but when wet, socks are hard to put on. Can't wait to put all of this behind when I switch to the AlpineStars*. (ie: no more "white raisins")
All a new pair of boots ever wants is to worn. It's their sole purpose in life...
ReplyDeleteMartha:
DeleteI can always count on you for wise advice. You have a way of looking at things from different perspectives. Thank you, for your clouds, the cows & now the pretty flowers. Soon I may know the names of the common ones.
Dear Bobskoot:
ReplyDeleteSteel Cupcake is right. The old boots are shot. Invite your rider friends over to the house for drinks and snacks, then solemnly gather in the yard, and give the boots a burial. If you really loved the boots, than you may deliver a eulogy, highlighting the miles you rode together, the things you saw, and the tragedies you avoided.
The Nolan helmet comes with anti-fog system that cannot be beat. Give it a shot.
Fondest regards,
Jack/reep
Twisted Roads
Jack:
DeleteI have a hard time throwing anything away, even if I never wear it again but you are right. Time to discard these boots after the summer, after all, the dry season is nearly here.
Did you manage to secure your new 2004 K1300GT yet ? I am itching to go to Crescent City . . .
I'm beginning my hunt for boots. What I'm wearing are okay, but not real riding boots. I'll have to check into AlpineStars.
ReplyDeletePam:
DeleteYou can't go wrong with AlpineStars* , they are waterproof and lots of positive feedback by many riders. I bought the ones with the velcro latching system. I have had problems with laces getting tangled in my shifter, so I won't buy boots with laces anymore. The velco makes it much easier to get on and off
Thanks for the advice! I wouldn't have thought about laces interfering with the shifter.
DeletePam:
DeleteMy shoe laces were long and when tied had big loops. Your foot goes under the shifter and more than once, the lace loops got caught around the shifter lever. I was in rush hour traffic and I couldn't put my foot down, it was laced to the shifter. Luckily I found a spot to pull over and untangle myself.
some laced boots have "clasps" which go over the laces and covers them, but I just decided not to buy laced boots anymore
Pam - I just bought Sidi Livia Rain Boots. A fair price and so far 100% waterproof through the rain and hail. I wear a 7.5 and bought an 8 and they fit fine. They zip part way then have velcro at the top to adjust for small or large calf sizes.
Deletehttp://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/sidi-livia-rain-boots
Trobairitz:
Deletethat sounds like what I meant to say. The velco on the AlpineStars* are sort of in two sections. One part goes over your foot and should be snug. the other part is above the creased/hinged part and adjusts for your calves. (I just had to say it)
I like the picture of you in the mirror of your bike Bob. Very creative.
ReplyDeleteAs far as your old boots, you could repurpose them as planters. Give them to Mrs. Skoot to plant some geraniums or pansies in them to dress up the front stoop. This way you don't have to get rid of them and they already have 'holes' for drainage.
Trobairitz:
DeleteOkay smartie, we are not gardeners. I don't mind looking at flowers but tending to them, not so much. It was my job to water the jade plants and cactii, don't ask me why we don't have them anymore.
that mirror self-portrait was a quick afterthought, but thank you