What an incredible trip we had to Salem this past weekend – perfect riding weather, scenic roads, and such an historical, and spooky town!  Such a great way to kick-off our favorite season!

The only unfortunate part – we only had two days and 400+ miles ahead of us.

​After riding for many months in regular Levi’s jeans which didn’t compare to the full-piece race leathers I wore years ago, I’d been longing for a pair of proper riding pants. I don’t ride as hard as I once did, so there’s no need for a full leather suit.  Also, I’m not a fan of the “motorcycle streetwear fashion movement” at all.  I was looking for something that would actually function for protection rather than just “look the part”.  I did countless hours of research on many trusted internet sites and read a ton of reviews - AS many as possible.  So in an attempt to save anyone who might be in the market, the time I spent researching, read on for my saga of finding the “perfect” pair of every day riding pants.

Wow, an epic motocamping trip this Memorial Day weekend!  Although it was a quick trip, it couldn’t have been better!  

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​Although we’ve been mostly focusing on prepping for our road trip through the Great Smokey Mountains, we decided that we NEED a getaway this upcoming Memorial Day weekend.  We chose moto-camping to be sure and keep costs down, while still experiencing all we can during this ongoing pandemic.  

Beyond thankful to have been able to ride so many miles this weekend!  While it seems like most of the world has fallen into COVID despair, we have been fortunate to get out, enjoy the beautiful weather, and share lots of smiles (all while social distancing).

When you know it's going to be a beautiful Saturday, and have zero commitments, you plan a nice long ride - I figured it was finally time to give my Indiana guy a full tour of Long Island.  Since we spend so much time riding east, I decided it was time to head west.  Using what seems to be a great motorcycle app - Scenic - I put together a 200 mile ride with lots of twists and turns, and gorgeous water views.  Has anyone used that app?  If not, what navigation app do you use?

Best present of the season (other than my brother surviving a car accident on Christmas Eve – yes, God is good!) The Cardo Packtalk Slim – helmet communication device.  Never having any type of communication device beyond a cell phone with wireless headphones that fell to the ground every time I took off my helmet, THIS feels completely surreal!  I can finally listen to music, talk to fellow riders, communicate with Siri, and control the device-all with my voice!

(No more texting and riding!  Safety first – New Year’s Resolution)

I haven’t put on a full face helmet since I traded in my sportbike for a chopper over ten years ago.  I had then opted for a brain bucket before settling on the vintage open face style of helmet which seemed to better suit the Sportster/bobber I purchased once I moved back to the States.  And, that style also seemed to work with my most recent purchase – a Triumph Thruxton R. 

But during the recent chilly fall days, my boyfriend had me go to Maximum Motorsports to pick up his brand new Ducati 959.  So it was time to dust off the old full face Suomy (couldn’t be seen on a luxury machine with a nerd helmet).  And instantly, I remembered the advantages of a full face helmet (beyond safety, of course)  I was significantly warmer than when I wore the open face helmet.  And for me, that was a game changer.  Those of you that know me, know how stubborn I can be, especially in regards to gear.  And my dislike of the typical bulky, stiff, uncomfortable cold weather gear, has kept me from riding on cool days for…about…as long as I can remember.