Unshoes: Wokova Feather Minimalist sandals

For about a year or so I have been trying to find an alternative to walking BF . Last year I purchased a pair of Teva Zilch the most minimal sandals that Teva made. The were fine for short durations, like during a weekend but for a recent holiday to Hawai'i they started to rub and cause a blister. I started checking what else would be available and came across Unshoes . I did check into other huarache type sandals and nearly settled on Invisible Shoes but there was a problem with their finicky lacing system.

The Unshoes: Wokova Feather came highly rated and receive stunning reviews. As a matter of fact they compare very well as compared to their competition .

I decided to order both the Wokova and Feather sandals and last week I received this package delivered to my office



I was so excited that these finally arrived. There was a delay at the factory and after an exchange of emails from Terral Fox, the founder of Unshoes, he decided to forward these to me by Express Mail.



It was great that these minimalist sandals came with minimalist packaging. Simple with a paper band around each pair. These sandals are basically two pieces of Vibram soles cut to the shape of your feet and held to your foot by 3 anchor points for each side. Each sandal is custom made to your own feet. If you go to all the links above you will find that you have to prepare a tracing of each foot and send it to Unshoes, from which they will "make" a custom pair of sandals for you. This process can take from 4-6 weeks depending upon how busy they are

There is lots of information from the above links describing their form and performance, so no need for me to re-invent the wheel. The difference between the Wokovas and the Feather is the sole thickness, the Feather being the thinnest to give you the sensation of feeling the contours of the ground



Here you can see the difference in sole thickness, the Feathers are the top ones. When you wear the Feather it is like you are not wearing anything, they are so light. Most customers would wear these for (barefoot) running. Going barefoot is not necessarily accepted by modern society, and as I like to go BF as much as possible I needed a more friendly solution which would give me the same BF feeling but appear that I was wearing normal sandals. These unshoes have Zero Drop and many people who are not used to walking BF would have to "build up" certain foot muscles which do not get to be used while wearing normal closed shoes.

I couldn't wait and as soon as I had a chance to rip open the package, I just had to try them on


at the office

You can see how thin the Feathers are. The strapping system allows you to easily put them on or off


Unshoes: Wokova Feather

During the past few days I have been alternating between the Wokova and the Feathers but so far I love the Feathers and even the Runners like them



wearing the Feathers

If they had a shifter Pad I would even wear them while riding . . .



The first thing I did when I got home was to ditch my riding boots and put on my new Unshoes

I know some of you like to wear minimalist shoes. These are very comfortable and I am loving them very much. I have been walking around BF for so long that I find it hard to keep my feet clean. These are going to help a lot

Getting the straps adjusted to the "correct" tension doesn't take long but first you have to put them through the paces, which is what I did at the first opportunity. I like them a bit on the loose side . . .

I am NOT a camper

I am NOT an Adventurer. I like the comforts of home. I like running water. I don't like to be cold. I don't like to be hot . . . so I bought



a Tent. I had been doing a lot of comparison shopping, checking out all the websites wondering which model to get and finally one came on sale at a reasonable price. So I made the big leap and bought it. I purchased a ground sheet a couple of years ago so I layed it out so I could see how easy it is to set up this Marmot Traillight 2p 3-season tent. It comes with its own ground sheet, fly and DAC aluminum poles. It is very light weighing under 5 lbs

I unpack the contents, spread out the tent, connect the cord locked poles and put the ends into the grommets at each corner



so far it seems too easy. The tent hangs on the outside frame and all I have to do is to clip the plastic tabs onto the aluminum poles. There is a larger ring for the one in the middle where they intersect



I notice there are a lot of mesh panels for air circulation. Now I unwrap the fly and drape it over the tent. The pole tethers at the front have colour-coded ribbons (RED) sewn in so you know which way to attach the fly. Otherwise the doors won't line up with the fly

I decided to try out the tent, I climb inside and find it is too short. My head is hitting the side of the tent and I can't get my feet inside.



Notice that the fly forms a vestible where you can put your riding gear out of the elements. I decided to turn myself lengthwise and finally I could fit fully inside. This is a 2 person model and it would be a bit tight for two, unless you were on your honeymoon, but for one it would be sufficient



It doesn't hurt to do a dry run, to test that it works and also to make sure you have all the pieces. Now it was time to dismantle and try to pack it back into its carrying pouch



I unclip all the plastic fasteners, collapse the poles and start folding everything



I carefully fold the ground sheet, the fly and the tent trying to minimize its bulk. The aluminum DAC poles and J-pegs are in separate bags which I place in the middle and I gently roll the set back up to be able to fit inside the original pouch



Mission accomplished. I managed to get the roll small enough to fit back into its tubular package, including the poles and J-pegs



I plan to strap it onto my rear seat between my side cases as an emergency measure, along with an old sleeping bag which may be packed inside of a waterproof dry bag



It's like packing an umbrella with the hope that it never rains

My Riding Gear is Wearing out

and needs to be replaced. For instance, I have a few riding jackets that I don't wear much and are just like new but my Joe Rocket jacket is the one I have been wearing for nearly 5 years. It is my daily driver jacket and the one I throw around and abuse. Recently I mentioned that I purchased a new JR Ballistic Alter Ego 11.0 . I tried it on at the dealer and got it for a good price.



It is shorter than the one it replaces so I thought that it wouldn't ride up so much, and that would be a good thing. It was mentioned to me by someone recently that I should actually try it in "riding" position to see how it felt. So finally I assumed my usual riding position and it seems to fit better than my old one.



The jacket seems more tailored, slimming & form fitting. It feels good. The next step is to unzip all the liners and see how it feels when I convert it to a mesh jacket. It will be a project for next weekend then I can make sure all the zippers work. I wanted a convertible mesh/riding jacket for my tour of Oregon this summer

A couple of years ago I purchased a new pair of riding boots. I wore these new boots to Oregon for the IMBC2010 and the buckle broke before I got home. I returned them to be repaired and it was a nuisance trying to take care fastening them (they looked flimsy) so I got discouraged (ie: fed up) and gave them away.

I had an older pair of Icons which I wore on my tour to Montana last year and they leaked like a sive. After I got home I told myself that I had to buy a new pair of waterproof riding boots and bought a pair of AlpineStars*. I wrote about this last year and I am saving them for my upcoming trip. They are ready and waiting,



All I have to do is to cut the tags off and put them on. They have been patiently sitting here since last August or September, just waiting to be taken out

I am not in the habit of buying expensive helmets. I pay a moderate price and usually replace them every two years. Last year I decided to replace my helmet and I bought a new one. It has been sitting on the floor since last summer as I didn't want to wear it out until I got the last ounce of utility from my older one. I have a wired headset/boom microphone installed which is very useful on group rides where I can connect an FRS/GMRS radio and be in contact with other riders. This year I decided to upgrade to a Bluetooth Headset unit



After I cut the lawn last Saturday I grabbed my new helmet to wire in the speakers and boom mic. I also charged the Bluetooth unit so I could try it out. I really hate to open new things and it was a struggle to finally cut the tags off, but I did . . .



I sat on my front stairs and breathed in the warm sunshine as I did my installation work. It's not a difficult operation, I unsnapped the padding and used double sided tape to mount the ear pieces on both sides, and then the boom mic. The unit also comes with a velcro'd mic for installation on the chin bar of full face helmets.



I really wanted a full face but I have a funny head and with glasses they just pinched too hard. I have a modular helmet I bought a few years ago. It is still new and unused. It makes me feel claustrophobic. Because your right hand is on the throttle, I mounted the Bluetooth unit on the left so I could reach the buttons. The helmet is curved so I had to move it around to the back of the helmet



My new helmet also has an inside sliding sun shield which is engaged by moving a lever. The Bluetooth works great. I have already synced it with my iPhone4 and it is clear with loud volume. The person on the other end says that I sound great (ie, like normal) I have two BTA: BlueTooth Adapters. I have connected a radio to the BTA and the audio comes out of the helmet speakers, and I have also played old radio shows which I have stored on my iPhone. I have another BTA which can be attached to an FRS/GMRS radio, so hopefully this function will work as well.



I'm slowly checking things off my list, getting ready for my yearly m/c tour to Oregon. I have my new Joe Rocket Ballistic Alter Ego 11.0 jacket, my new Helmet with BlueTooth communicator helmet set, and my new AlpineStar* waterproof riding boots. I need to replace my riding pants soon

Bike maintenance will be next. I had new Michelin Anakee2's installed last September, so they should be okay. I am thinking that the antifreeze should be changed and check out the sprockets, chain & brakes. I will order parts as necessary and have all the work done late June

Clumsy Me

This morning I did something stupid and crushed my finger



It really hurt and took a few moments before it settled down and became bearable. Now it doesn't look that bad but as the day marched on, it got worse and started to go darker



We went out for a short ride, had brunch and did a bit of shopping. The we cut the afternoon short and headed for home as I had to cut the grass again. This time of year the grass grows like weeds. It was only last week that I did the cutting and now it needs to be cut again



I changed into my grass cutting suit and got my lawnmower out. I could feel my finger starting to ache again but I managed to cut both my front and rear lawn. This time I also started my gas weed trimmer and trimmed the whole yard. It is nearly a 2 hour ordeal . . .



By now my finger is acting up and complaining. It is starting to throb. Right now even on the keyboard it feels very tender. I guess I am stressing it too much as it is getting a bit red and swelling up



I suppose having to cut the grass is one of life's necessary chores but for some reason it always gives me green feet. I must be doing something wrong


Grass exercise from last week

We decide to have our first BBQ of the year and after dinner after I am all cleaned up, my finger is feeling worse than ever. It hurts more than ever. It is my clutch hand and I don't think I will be



able to ride my bike for a few days

Vancouver: Parking Rally

We had our last rally back in May 2010 when I posted *** THIS ***
and *** THAT ***


You can read more information HERE and HERE2

When you park at a City of Vancouver parking meter, the charge is the same whether you park a scooter or a car. The same price for both even though a scooter is much smaller. The City will reduce the parking by 50% if you "phone in"



but even at Half of the regular rate it is too much so again we are demonstrating our point by taking ONE space per scooter or motorcycle and hogging all the parking spaces along Robson Street, the premier upscale shopping district in Downtown Vancouver



the point of this photo is to show that you can "cram" up to 10 scooters in ONE parking spot so 50% of the parking rate does not seem fair for a vehicle which occupies so little space. We are pushing for 25% or FREE parking for all 2-wheeled spaces in the Downtown area. The point of the "fallen" scooter is to show what happens when cars get aggressive and "bump" (damage) our scooters/bikes



The purpose of our Rally is not to inconvenience the merchants with resultant loss of business so we arrive early and intend to leave around 11am



Oh look ! A V-strom . . .



I am not the only Adventure Tourer here today



Earlier the weather was iffy with a bit of spitting rain, now the sun has arrived and it is getting warmer



The person in the white jacket across the street is Ian Tootill, our organizer and spokesman


Ian Tootill

Pudgey as in pleasingly plump

That's a term I learned a long time ago. If you are portly or slightly thicker than you should be, then you may be "pleasingly plump", a nice way to say you are a bit overweight. I wished that I had the fortitude to stick with a plan but I have no will power. I don't know when to stop. If you put food in front of me it will be devoured, gone in an instant. During the winter, bulges can be covered by bulky winter jackets and fleece liners. During the summer the bulges become visible as during the warmer weather, jackets are discarded for the simplicity of T-shirts, tank tops & shorts. Every year I think that I should start my reduction plan in advance of Spring but procrastination sets in and progress is never made in the reduction department.

I noticed another unflattering photo taken a few days ago. It makes me think that I should do something about it



but I am weak and I love food too much. Just when I think that I should be strong and not deviate from my plan, a tray of cookies suddenly appear . . .



The temptation is too great, my mouth is drooling and again, I find that I can't stop eating these delightful morsels

Helmetless with sandals

We got a late start because I spent all morning washing our cars. Then we settled in for a homemade brunch. As you know, Sunday is usually a non-riding day, so with a clean 'Vette where should be go but to the motorcycle swap & show and shine. I find it refreshing to feel the wind in your hair (or rather what's left) and not have to wear cumbersome motorcycle boots



By the time we arrive there is not much going on. We had been seeing groups of bikers riding towards us as we navigated our way towards Tsawwassen. Having a modern bike like a V-strom I am not in need of any parts but I always like to look over the bikes for sale



There are also many bikes on proud display by their owners



This Triumph sidecar rig was also here last year



Here's another BMW R1150R



There are all kinds of stuff for sale, like this older Beemer home-made hack rig. I am not sure it is really roadworthy but it has been around the world and held together with wood planks, wood pegs and wire



Here was a pristine, vintage BSA



More MotoGuzzi's all parked together

Then I saw it !! The most beautiful Ducati . . . and it was for sale, for a cool $5,000.



I heard the owner talking about it. It seems that this was a Special Superbike from 1994. It was originally ordered by a local in 1994 and picked it up at the factory in Italy, to be used for touring around Europe. The original owner put 21,000 kms on it then had it shipped back to Vancouver. The second (current) owner purchased this bike 12 years ago and has only put on 2,000 kms during all this time only using it 2 times a year to local show & shines. I was really tempted to buy it



A couple of Beemers

The following photo is a teaser. This bike won first place in a biker build competition. I am not sure which one as I was evesdropping as the owner was talking to other people and I was not close enough to catch the whole conversation. He had a whole book of photos documenting the complete build from start to completion. The bike is a masterpiece of ingenuity. I gather that this man was a machinist as he had to machine and make all the parts himself. He even made the wheels and his son is a master motorcycle mechanic and knows how to string spoked wheels. It is a replica of a 1930's bike. I snapped many photos and it deserves a post of its own, if anyone is interested . . .