I commuted to work but my foot was not used to being angled upward, as when you release your brake. I also crammed into my riding boots, so it was a bit tight. I think the swelling is gone but I don't wish to stress it
it felt good to be back on 2 wheels, leaning and shifting the gears. I knew that it was going to be very hot in Oregon this time of year so I purchased a new jacket and riding pants. Last July I purchased a new pair of Alpinestar* riding boots as my old boots leaked like a sieve. I tend to "save" things so I have only worn these boots a couple of times to work. I have not yet worm my Tourmaster flex pants but yesterday I removed the tags in anticipation. Today I decided to try out my new Joe Rocket Alter Ego 11.0 Ballistic Jacket. There are two liners, the insulated one and the waterproof liner, which I removed. After work I removed the "panels" to reveal a full mesh jacket as it seemed very warm and I took the freeway route home
I plan to wear shorts and tank top under my riding gear
It was around 80°F and I was travelling in the HOV lane on the freeway and the wind felt nice and cool
The jacket and pant liners seem very bulky and they take up a lot of room in my sidecases, but I can't leave them behind.
by the time I add my cameras, chargers and laptop there will be no room for clothes. I also have a large two section tank bag which mounts high on my tank. I'm not sure I want that bulky thing there so I am going to try it out on my commute to see how I like it.
Last Saturday I came across this hanging on a wall and immediately thought of
you know who . . .
Glad your feeling better! Hope the ankle is 100% soon! Hope you like the flex pants, I think they are great!
ReplyDeleteDar:
DeleteI take very, slow steps. I removed the tags on my new JR jacket and wore it for the first time yesterday. I removed the tags on my TourMaster Flex pants but have only tried them on. Have not ridden with them yet, perhaps on Sunday as I have to attend a Group Ride. I bought a new helmet LAST YEAR and installed my BlueTooth Communication system, but I have not yet worn this either, other than testing and making sure the electronics work. I also bought a Motorola GMRS radio and have to figure out where to mount it.
I rode to work again today, and I almost feel normal, but I am taking it easy
YAY!! The new tags are off! Heat and ice that foot for stiffness. And flex it for exercise.
ReplyDeleteLori:
DeleteIt killed me to remove the tags. Haven't tried the heat or ice yet, I am stubborn . . .
you must be getting very excited too as you are leaving TOMORROW. Hope you got your bikes back as planned. Have a good trip and ride safe
Yay Bob, you mustbe getting excited!! Taking tags off already and all!!
ReplyDeleteHeh, dont do anything stupid on that foot and have a great time :)
Your shorts and tank tops wouldnt take that much room in the sidecases would they, just make sure you leave room for something pink.
Brenda:
DeleteThe weather seems to have turned instantly to an Oven. I keep looking at the map and can imagine riding already, but I have a few days to go before lift-off. I am still refining my packing. I decided to NOT bring my Jacket or Pant liners to save bulk. I generally like to wear the minimum so Tank tops and shorts don't take much room, as you say, but I may need to be more presentable so I have a lightweight pants where the legs unzip, and I need a presentable shirt.
this year the problem is carrying camping equipment, tent, ground pad, sleeping bag, MSR stove and fuel bottle, which fills one case. I hope to save some room for my PINK Crocs©
Taking tags off before the night before........ Are you feeling okay?
ReplyDeleteI am glad you tried out the jacket and it worked well for your commute. I checked the weather forecast and we are looking at hight 80's and low 90's for the trip. Going to be toasty.
Hope your ankle is race ready. You still have a week.
Trobairitz:
DeleteRemoving tags is an emotional experience for me, as then the item isn't NEW anymore. I don't like to wear new things whilst the old ones are still serviceable. I should be wearing my new TourMaster Flex pants, but I wore my old JR Alter Ego yesterday. For the IMBC2010 I bought a new leather jacket which turns into mesh, but I have gotten more porky, and zipping is tight. So it sits, nearly new just hanging there.
I should be nearly packed by tonight and I am going to ride around with all the stuff to see how the bike handles. I have a test ride coming up on Sunday where there is a Group ride on the highway. I will be carrying everything except my chargers, 2nd camera and laptop. Hard to believe that next week at this time I will be "on the road", and you will still be at work
Glad to see you are back on the bike. If your foot issue continues you might want to look at a maxi scooter one day. Plus: almost unlimited storage with luggage system, top case and the trunk under the seat...
ReplyDeleteWhy don't you toss the camping gear for this trip and keep it easy going as long as you are not back to a 100%.
Sonja:
DeleteRight now I feel 99%, and I still have to take it easy and try not to walk so much. I used to have a Maxi-scoot, a Kymco X500Ri which I rode to Oregon for the Soundrider.com rally in Stevenson, WA. We went on a group ride to Mt Hood and had a meal at Timberline Lodge. I rode down there by myself and met lots of people on that trip.
I have spent a lot on good camping stuff, I have to take it along as it won't get used if it sits at home. It is for emergency as I have not booked anything past Joseph when we leave, besides I may have found a "reluctant" experienced camping mentor . . .
You guys are lucky to be all meeting, I was talking to Geoff the other day and we both wished we were there.
ReplyDeleteKeepingh my fingers crossed you are all healed up by the time you leave.
Roger:
DeleteNot too late. I am sure you could probably get some last minute discounted flights to Oregon and rent a couple of bikes. Only thing we all drive on the wrong side of the road.
Not looking forward to the 100°F+ temps in Eastern Oregon. All of us are going to look like raisins . . .
Bob, glad to hear you are up to 99% you've got a bit of time to make it to that 100% if you take it a bit easy. I'd be happy to teach you the finer things about camping - how to grill a cheese sandwich, bungied to your top bag en route, how to heat beans in your saddle bags so they are ready when you arrive, but most of all, how to enjoy that swimming pool at the campsite. See you soon.
ReplyDeleteKaren:
DeleteKaren, Karen . . . you may have noticed that I like to type "Karen". I know you are a camping pro. I am a Virgin, be gentle, it's my first time
should I stop at a store and pick up a couple of tins of beans ? or RTE ravioli, we can heat it up
Bob, I hope the foot continues to improve and you're up to 100% soon.
ReplyDeleteI have started to get my gear together, but I haven't started to load the bike yet. I'll be heading out Monday a.m. and plan to be there by noonish, Friday.
See you soon.
Erik:
Deletewe were wondering when you were leaving. You are coming from a long way, ride safe and don't take any chances. See you next week, won't be long now
Glad to hear that you are feeling much better at least good enough to actually remove the tags! I broke down and ordered a evaporative vest to be delivered at the hotel in Santa Cruz. These 100°F days are killing me...
ReplyDeleteRichard:
Deletesorry about the heat. It's been extremely hot all over North America, just not so much up here on the West Coast. I wonder if I need an evaporative Vest. I could probably just take an older T-shirt and soak it in water before I wear it.
Oh, I laughed out loud and almost clapped when I saw that thermometer. Was it me you thought of? Or some other strange, frog-loving person. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love your reflection shots. I wear shorts under my riding pants, which is awesome on hot days when you stop and need to cool off.
Kathy:
DeleteYes, the frog was for YOU. I did put in a "link". Everytime I see a frog I say "Hi Kathy". A Frog is actually a derogatory word in Eastern Canada, or said towards a French Canadian person.
On hot days I wear the minimum, Just Like You. Except for my mesh riding gear I only have on my; tank top, underpants, and shorts, plus socks with boots. When I stop I always remove the riding pants and change into sandals. Not looking forward to 100°F temps in Hell's Canyon
Thanks. NOW I see the link. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's sweet of you to think of me, even if it is a derogatory term.
Kathy:
DeleteI think of you all the time, and when I notice a Toad, again I think of you. I think that all of us are reminded of you when we see Toads. Same with Cows, but we don't have any of those in the City
I was glad to read your comment that "Removing tags is an emotional experience for me, as then the item isn't NEW anymore." I thought I was the only one.
ReplyDeleteWhen I finally get my bike, I'll have your blog handy for knowledge on what and where to pack.
Glad you're going! Foot looks much better, judging from your latest.