SPEED FIRST - SAFETY SECOND

Monday, February 28, 2011

Here We Go...



Reservations are in for Camping at Born Free 3. A nice shady spot for Irish Rich, Me, and whoever else decides on getting rowdy with us cross-country(everyone says they're going, we'll see who goes and who bails at the last second). Shit happens, but I'm definitely not letting anything get in my way of this.

The month of June is filled with rides and parties, might have to quit my job in order to hit em all. First, I have to finish up the chop, she's getting a make-over. Almost everything is in order, just gotta dive head first into this shit once the last couple parts come in, hopefully soon.

See you in California...

Park : 
O'NEILL REGIONAL PARK
Facility : 
ARROYO CAMPGROUND
Arrival Date : 
6/24/2011      # Nights :  2
Facility Name : 5     

Occupant : 
STEVE GLENNON

TOTAL : 
$40.00

Hills -

In just over 5 months I'll be riding out of the Denver area for my first round of what is the Annual Sturgis Rally and Races. The week before shit hits the fan is one of the most anticipated weeks of the year for me.

That week would be the one leading up to the Rally. All the hoopla about too many people being there and cops cracking down on anything with a dick is nonexistent during this time. The cops haven't showed up yet and neither have the crowds. It's the calm before the storm.

Don't feel that this is an advertisement aimed at enticing you to visit during this time, as the roads are left to me, a group I call my second family, and the few others who get to the hills early.

You can feel what's coming, but the roads have a way of washing that away...

It rivals any other riding I've come across.


Funk at the campsite. We get there early and tape off the same large area each year, enough to fit 80+ people, bikes, and gear.

My dad's bike and my hammock, not much more

Something I could wake up to all summer long

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Paris Hilton Racing?

So, what's this I hear about Paris Hilton having a Grand Prix Race Team?

Really?

I don't know about you, but I'm not as excited as the kid on the right side of the picture. He's either caught in the headlights, or just really intrigued by her outfit...

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Rado Brews -

I love beer. Colorado has quite a few quality micro/craft breweries, some of the best being within 45 minutes from my front door. So, I thought I'd dedicate a post for those of you who feel as strongly as I do about brew.

Thirsty anyone?

Odell's Brewery, Fort Collins
- 90 Shilling is one fine brew


-Medium bodied amber ale. The name 90 Shilling comes from the Scottish method of taxing beer.
-5.3% Alc. By Vol.
-27 IBUs

New Belgium Brewery, Fort Collins
-1554 Black Ale is pretty damn good


-ABV 5.6%
-IBU 21
-Calories 200
-Hops Target
-Malts Pale, Carapils, Black, Munich, Chocolate
-OG 15.3
-TG 4.5

Left Hand Brewery, Longmont
-Sawtooth is delicious, got me hooked as soon as I moved to Colorado


-Style: American Style ESB
-Color: Amber
-Body: Medium-bodied
-ABV: 5.30%
-IBU's: 27
-Malts: Pale 2-row, Crystal, Munich, Wheat and Black Malt
-Hops: Magnum, US-Goldings, Willamette and Cascade

My favorite, Avery Brewery, Boulder
- They make a seasonal called Maharaja, shit'll knock you on your ass if you're not careful


-Beer Style: Imperial India Pale Ale
-Hop Variety: Simcoe, Columbus, Centennial and Chinook
-Malt Variety: Two-row barley, caramel 120L, victory
-OG: 1.090 ABV: 10.24% IBUs: 102
-Color: Dark Amber
-Availability: Seasonally produced from March through August

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Engraving -

I'm back from Kentucky. Long week on the road as well as at CJ's for three instruction-filled days, but it was well worth it.

To be honest, I had just as good a time hanging out with CJ than learning how to engrave. A little nervous at first, having never tried engraving before this, but once I started, all of that went right out the window.

Can't say enough about CJ, as a person as well as an instructor. The history and stories he's apart of and the cool shit he has in his studio say more than enough about who he is and where he's been - he's definitely a lot different than most bikers today, if not all.

In all, we had a lot in common from the get-go and the feel was pretty laid back the whole time. Good food, good class, good times - and, there's no way you can fail the class... or get your money back.

Now all CJ has to do is get a bike so he can come out to the mountains and visit - maybe get the chop packed up and take a cross-country trip with him if he wants someone to roll with...

Here's some examples of the shoddy work I produced while I was there. It's not professional, but it's a hell of a lot better than I expected - and, everything gets better with time.





If you're serious about learning how to engrave, I highly recommend taking his class - either the 3-day or the 5-day.

I should have a short video coming out sometime soon on the class as well, so stay tuned.

-Til I see you again, thanks for everything CJ

Saturday, February 12, 2011

New Direction - East Bound

I've been sketching a lot lately and have wanted to take this trip for a few years now. So, tomorrow morning I'm headed out to Kentucky to take CJ Allan's three day engraving class this coming week. It's something that I've been wanting to get into and I'm finally pulling the trigger. I'm pumped to get out of town, see my grandfather on the way, and learn the art of motorcycle engraving from an icon - Anyone who Rich admires and talks about so highly has to be.



- Who knows, you might even get a glimpse of some of this trip/class on video in the near future?

See you in a week...

Friday, February 11, 2011

Gear Accessories -

WATCHES -
These watches can alert you as to whether you're gonna get dumped on or not in any situation. The sky could be clear while riding across the plains early in the day or bedding down for the night without something over your head, but that can all change in a matter of time.

Good watches with accurate Barometer readings can help you set up your camp better, change directions, speed up, or cut your day a little short before storms hit.

I know, most people don't wear watches because of the time being on their phones. However, these watches can do things phones simply can't do. Furthermore, if you enjoy the outdoors and are active, they can be a life-saver in a lot of different situations.

Suunto Core Extreme, $400

-Limited edition
-Altimeter with altitude log memory and altitude difference measurement 
-Barometer with storm alarm and weather trend indicator 
-Automatic Alti / Baro switch 
-Compass with semi automatic calibration and a digital bearing 
-Depth meter 
-Multiple watch, date and alarm functions with dual time and countdown timer 
-Sunrise/Sunset times for over 400 locations worldwide 
-Digital thermometer 
-Menu based user interface in English, German, French and Spanish 
-User-replaceable battery
-Barometer Watch: The sun has been shining for days, but you know you'll need to hunker down tonight thanks to the storm alarm on your Suunto Core Edition Everest. The storm alarm is activated by a rapid drop in air pressure over a 3 hour period.
-The automatic alti/baro mode senses movement, or lack thereof, switching between altimeter and barometer accordingly. -- -The weather trend indicator shows 3-6 hour barometric history.

Suunto Altimax, $175

-Easy, 1-button access logbook stores total ascent/descent, average ascent/descent rate, number of runs skied and duration of log
-Altimeter function ranges up to 9,000 m (or 29,500 ft.) in 5 m (or 10 ft.) increments, featuring vertical ascent/descent rate of ski runs/climbs
-Automatic 24-hour memory stores altitude and ascent/descent rate for every hour
-Barometer with automatic 4-day memory helps you see weather trends; ranges from 8.90 - 32.40 in Hg (300 - 1100 mbar) with 0.05 in Hg (1 mbar) accuracy
-Barometer provides data in 1 hour intervals for the first 6 hours, then in 6 hour intervals for up to 4 days
-Thermometer displays temperature range from -20 to +60 C/-5 to +140 F
-Water resistances ensures normal operation in wet conditions, not as a diving device. User should avoid pressing buttons while the unit is underwater

Highgear Alterra Watch, $160

-Altimeter watch. Extremely easy to use. Features an altimeter with altitude alarm and 15 data log book memory, barometer and weather forecast feature, tracks rate of acscent and descent, Compass feature, Ski Chrono tracks vertical speed, thermometer, time, date, daily alarm, chronograph with 50 lap/20 run memory, smart backlight, mineral glass lens, water resistant to 50 meters. Perfect for many outdoor activities: snow sports, hiking, trail running, biking.

THE GUIDE
How to: Understand Your Watch’s Weather Warnings
Information you need about: the weather.
By Jason Stevenson
-Your fancy mountaineering watch fixes your elevation and predicts the weather by measuring barometric pressure, or the weight of the column of air above you. The higher you go, the less air there is, the lower the pressure. Likewise, an approaching storm can cause barometric pressure to free-fall hours before any clouds show up. When pressure drops for an extended period and elevation isn't the cause, a watch's storm alarm beeps, or an image of menacing clouds appears. Suunto's new watches give a warning when pressure declines continuously for three hours. But always double-check any storm alarms by scanning the sky. If pressure drops are accompanied by southerly winds, warmer air, and heavier cloud cover, expect rain within 12 hours. If those atmospheric clues aren't evident, your watch's pressure sensor could be acting up. Recalibrate it by inputting the known elevation of a city, airport, or trailhead at your current location.

WEATHER APPS/INTERNET ON PHONES -
-The Weather Channel offers an app for your phone. Don't know how reliable it is, but it's supposedly free for Android, iPhone, and Blackberry users... Laugh all you want, but everyone uses cell phones - Maps, Directions, Weather, Whatever - why not get the most out of them on the road? Anyway, with the way phones are advancing, these things are gonna be wiping our asses soon enough if we let them.

HANDWARMERS -
In a pinch, if your really freezing your ass off, these take up no room and can save your hide before you get adequate shelter or a fire going.

Grabber Warmers, all different sizes and heat-times


HEADLAMPS -
Nothing makes breaking down, finding things, or setting up camp in the dark more enjoyable than being hands free and having more than enough light to see/accomplish what you're doing.

Tikka 2 Petzl Headlamp, $30


Black Diamond Gizmo Headlamp, $20



CONTAINERS/TUBES -
Ever buy a big bottle of sunscreen/contact solution/shampoo/Etc. and not want to haul it on trips? These types of containers are small and just enough to fit necessary amounts for most long-distance rides.

GoToobs - 2oz. Silicone Travel Bottles


COOKING SYSTEM -
If you're really gonna go all out and be as self-sufficient as possible on your trips, you can take dry food and some sort of cooking system. Here's one of the most efficient of its kind. The burner and fuel canister fit into the cooking cup to save space.

JetBoil Cooking System, $80

-The Jetboil Camping Stove Personal Cooking System (PCS) is a multi-award winning lightweight, super-efficient, quick-boiling camping stove that has revolutionised outdoor cooking.
-The Jetboil Camping Stove can operate in the bleakest of weather and fits into its compact 1 litre insulated cooking container for easy packing. Combining the stove and the pot together not only reduces pack size, it also gives super fast boil times.

Fuel Efficient
-The Jetboil FluxRing yields fuel efficiencies of over 80% compared with the 30-40% typical of standard camping stoves and cookware. A single 100-gram Jetpower canister boils 12 litres of water, saving you money, space and time. The Jet Boil will boil 500 ml of water in just 2 minutes, approximately half the time of a standard camping stove.

Light and Compact
-Jetboil stows in places standard cooksets won't go, like your bumbag or your backpacks side pocket. At 15 ounces, Jetboil rivals the very lightest titanium cooksets and micro-canister stoves.

ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES THAT ARE USEFUL/COMPACT -

Leatherman - easy access to common tools strapped to your belt(instead of having to fish through your tool pouch)

Goggles/glasses with replaceable lenses - one frame, two sets of lenses(shaded/clear), saves space. Replaceable lenses will fit in your pocket, just cover them up nicely so they don't get f'd up.

Butane Lighter - windproof and reliable in any situation

Map - I usually stop and look at convenience store maps or use my phone

Bike Rag/Towel - You'll use this more than you'd imagine

Bandanas - Keep your head a little warmer and double as a temporary front fender if rain hits

Duct Tape - wrap some around a screw driver handle or wrench so you don't have to take the whole roll.

Stirrups - To keep your jeans from riding up your leg while you rip down the highway(I made my own with supplies from my local Hardware Store - clamps and webbing)

-- If you have any other suggestions, feel free to comment or send me an email(email's at the bottom of the page). Been getting some good feedback on these gear posts...

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Goodson Tri-Hauler Bike For Sale

Dennis Goodson, the talented craftsman and maker of the famous Goodson Air-Cleaners, built this custom tri-hauler a few years back and has it for sale now. A really unique bike for a guy/girl who is restricted to a wheelchair and still wants to enjoy riding a motorcycle.

Dennis is a stand up, cool guy, as well as a friend - so when he asked me to help him get this bike shot on video and out on YouTube for people to see, I said no problem.

If you or anyone you know could use this bike, get ahold of Dennis.
(303)455-4054.

Feel free to copy and paste the video as well and/or spread the word about the bike's availability. It's a killer three-wheeler and now-a-days, with blogs and websites, information spreads fast. Anything helps...




Some more of Dennis Goodson's creations include:

Goodson Air Cleaner

Hand-hammered Eagle Sculpture Dennis made for David Uhl's Studio in Golden, Colorado. Stole these pictures from Irish Rich. Five-finger discount Rich!

Up-close shot of the Eagle. Amazing piece of work.

Knuckle that Dennis built. Again, for David Uhl.

Pic of Dennis and Uhl's knuckle outside of his shop here in Denver, Colorado.


These are only a few of his artistic pieces.

- Dennis Goodson, High-end metal art...

Sunday, February 6, 2011

SuperBowl Sunday

Well, Happy Holiday, the greatest day of the year is upon us, Superbowl Sunday. If you don't like football, I don't care. I don't understand how anyone can not love the game of football. Even though it's been getting softer and softer as of late, it's still the greatest professional sport in the world... as well as racing.

Outside family and friends - Motorcycles, my dog, and Green Bay Packer football are three things that I love more than just about anything. In the state of Wisconsin, there are certain things that are engrained in you growing up. Hunting, fishing, brats, cheese, beer, Harley Davidson, fried food, and Green Bay Packer Football. That's Wisconsin in a nutshell... and big girls.

Call me crazy, but there's no better professional organization than the Green Bay Packers. It's pretty hard to not like them, or at least respect their presence in the NFL, past and present. The team is owned by the people, not some rich asshole with more money than Jesus. The organization will never, and can never be moved from the city of Green Bay. The stadium(as well as my dog - yeah) is named after the great Curly Lambeau, not a Corporation like most other fields. The greatest trophy in the sport is named after our greatest coach, Vince Lombardi. And, there's no other team in the league with more history and influence than the Packers have had since August 11th, 1919 - not to mention with more Championships, 12(about to be 13). Well, maybe the Bears, but as we like to say in Wisconsin, the Bears still suck(no offense Chicago, it's a love-hate type of thing).

I'm about as big of a GB fan as it gets, but, obviously not as big as the guy who owns this bike... wow.


If you ever get a chance to go to a game at Lambeau Field, don't pass it up. Truly, it's a one of a kind experience. When it comes to football, Lambeau Field is a mecca for any NFL and tailgating experience. It's an all-day party, most of which you won't remember, but, that's what pictures are for.

No matter what, It'll be a great game.

Defense wins Championships and Clay Matthews is thirsty for blood - Benny better run fast.

Go Pack...

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Tents, Tarps, and Gear Bags -

BAGS -

Mont Bell Mesh Gear Bag, $34.

These bags work great for storing extra gas containers on long trips. Keeps the containers together, as well as separate from other gear.
-Interior zippered pocket to secure personal items
-Padded shoulder straps for comfort
-Top compression strap for load control
-Nylon webbing waist belt provides additional stability
-Size: 16" x 11.2" x 7.2"

Sea to Summit Mesh Stuff Sacks, $9-$14.

-Black mesh with 210D nylon base & drawcord sleeve in assorted colors
-Uniquely reinforced where base attaches to mesh
-Pull handle on the bottom
-Packaged in zip lock bags; 7 sizes fit on the STS curved displays

Sea to Summit eVent Dry Bag, $30.

Backpacker Magazine Editor's Choice Award Winner.
-Unique compression idea - allows air to be pushed out to compress, but water can’t get in because of the waterproof, air permeable eVent® fabric base
-Rugged 100 D nylon body & lid
-Waterproof seams - double stitched and tape sealed
-Roll top Hypalon™ closure with lid and 4 straps evenly compresses and maintains compressed size
-Reinforced stitching on all stress points
-Pull handle on the bottom
-Super compact and very light

SeaLine Baja Dry Bag, $36.

-Reliable Protection: Dry Seal™ roll-top Closure ensures the best watertight seal possible.
-Built Tough: 19 oz. scrim-reinforced vinyl side with heavy duty 30 oz. scrim-reinforced vinyl bottom
-Proven Design: All-purpose, reliable protection for your gear.
-Made in USA

Cabela's XPG Compression Sacks, $30-$45.

-Constructed of durable ripstop nylon with sturdy nylon compression straps, these stuff sacks compress your gear for easy packing. They also ensure it stays completely dry in the wettest conditions. A manual air valve lets air escape when compressing. Exterior D-rings for convenient lashing. The dimensions listed are overall dimensions before the bag is rolled for 100% waterproof protection.

Granite Gear eVent Sil Compression Sack, $27.

-Waterproof and ultralight
-As the sack is compressed air is forced out the eVent® bottom
-See-thru Sil-Nylon fabric allows you to see what's inside.
-Keep gear organized and color coded.
-Fully finished seams
-Compress lofty items to a rock hard state without bulging
-New bloc shape makes them perfect for stacking in your pack
-New Lineloc technology is 30% lighter than webbing compression systems

SHELTERS -

Coughlan's Tube Tent $7

-This rugged 2.5 mil polyethylene shelter is fire retardant and lightweight. Shelter sets up in minutes and provides enough room for 2 people. Cord included.

A tarp does the same job, tied up to some trees or draped over your bike - just make sure you don't set up in a vulnerable spot if it starts raining or your sleeping bag might turn into a canoe.

The next two tents pack down really small and provide more than adequate shelter when you're on the road. Use your rain gear or tent vestibule to cover up bags and gear outside of the tent to save space inside.

Again, a good camping spot can make a huge difference if a freak storm rips through in the middle of the night. Choose the high-ground with good coverage, high and dry.

Black Diamond Spotlight Bivy, $200.

-Single shock-corded DAC Featherlite pole over the head and shoulders
-Large zippered entry; net door
-Large mesh panel with awning for ventilation
-Proprietary NanoShield single-wall fabric
-Season : 4
-Minimum Weight : 510 g, 1 ib 2 oz
-Average Packed Weight : 670 g, 1 lb 7 oz
-Dimensions : 234 x 76 x 51 cm, 92 x 30 x 20 in
-Area : 1.7 m2, 18.5 sq ft
-Packed Size : 10 x 19 cm, 4 x 7.5 in

Sierra Designs Stash 1, $190-

-PVC-free seam tape
-Superseal Floor
-Continuous pole sleeves
-Reflective door trim and/or guy outs
-Long floor length
-Ultralight D-door
-Vent
-Grommet pole attachment
-Locking pole tips
-Capacity: 1
-Season: 3
-Trail Weight: 2 lb 7 oz / 1.11 kg
-Packed Weight: 2 lb 13 oz / 1.28 kg
-Number of doors: 1
-Number of poles: 3

EXTRAS -

Some other accessories you might want to consider taking with you on trips:

SilNet Seam Sealer $7

-Specially formulated for sealing seams on tents and other outdoor products constructed or coated with silicone, such as silicone treated nylon. Silnet may also be used as an in-field repair material for moderate rips, tears and areas of abrasion. Available in 1.5 oz. Blister Pack.
-Use this before or after trips and you should be fine out on the road without it

Aluminum Stakes $8(six pack)

-Replacement 18 cm (7 in) aluminum tent stakes for any tent/tarp set-up
-Small and lightweight, can fit a few of them in your tool pouch if needed

If you think that you can get away without staking or tying your shelter down, you're dead wrong. I've had my tent and rain fly go flying during big storms, even when they were staked down well. The more secure, the better.

Tear-Aid Patch Kits, $8.

-Repair tears in your pack, tent or waders with an easy-to-use peel-and-stick patch. The patch forms a watertight seal in seconds and resists extreme use for years.
Each kit includes:
-3" x 12" Tear-Aid Patch (cuts with scissors to any size)
-7/8" x 7/8" patch
-1-3/8" x 1-3/8" patch
-36" reinforcement filament for repairing tears at edges
-Alcohol prep pads 



Even with rip-stop nylons, a patch kit is great to have when a hole needs to get sealed up on the road.

The Type A kit is used to repair non-vinyl materials:
-Canvas
-Most fabrics
-Rubber
-Most plastics
-Neoprene
-Fiberglass
-Nylon
-Stainless steel
-Aluminum
-Polyethylene
-Non-oiled leather
-Sunbrella®
-Polypropylene
-Polyurethane

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Stuntman Mike -



The woods are lovely, dark, and deep. And I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep. Did you hear me butterfly? Miles to go before you sleep...



Texas girls know how to get down...

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Rain Gear -

When you're out on the road, riding through wet weather, you need waterproof gear that'll hold up. Flying down the highway with everything from a light mist to heavy rain or even hail falling down on you is something you're gonna encounter whether you like it or not. Having lightweight, durable, and compact rain gear is essential if you don't mind riding through storms on your way from point A to point B. Obviously, trips on bikes take longer than in cars, having to stop short on a trip to wait for storms to pass or your gear to dry is a waste of time and can be a frequent occurrence if you're passing through a moist climate. Prepare and pack right and you won't have a problem when the barometric pressure drops and dark clouds start rolling your way.

Again, these are a few examples of available rain gear. Size up for under-layers with every piece of rain gear for when the temp drops, even gloves(thin liners are nice to have in really cold situations). Buy cheap and it'll last through one, maybe two storms if you're lucky. Get rain gear from a trusted brand and not only will it save space, but it'll last you season after season, storm after storm...


Seirus Xtreme All Weather Gloves - $45


-A low-profile design and a waterproof breathable membrane put the Seirus Xtreme All Weather Glove into its own category of versatile all-mountain performance.
-Durable four-way stretch material
-Seirus lined the Xtreme All Weather Glove with microfleece to improve wicking and increase warmth while you ride.
-The Seirus Xtreme All Weather Glove provides the performance of bulky all-mountain handwear without the bulk.


River Road Cheyenne Cold Weather Gloves - $40


-The Cheyenne Cold Weather Glove from River Road features a reinforced leather palm combined with a durable textile back
-Waterproof, breathable and windproof Hipora® glove insert
-Thinsulate™ insulation for warmth
-Reflective piping for safety


Feildsheer Deuce Gloves - $18


-Aniline finish goat skin
-Anatomically fitted for great touch while riding
-Micro fleece and synthetic fur lined
-Fieldsheer RainGuard 100% waterproof/breathable liner
-Double layered palm
-SP insulation
-Tab fastened, Velcro wrist adjuster


MotoCentric Mototrek Boot Covers - $20


-The MotoCentric Mototrek Boot Covers are an easy and quick way to keep your feet dry while wearing your everyday riding boots.
-The Mototrek Boot Covers are ideal for riders that encounter consistent rain/bad weather.
-They are Waterproof and utilize Reflect-A-Light™ reflective piping on the sides for extra visibility, an essential feature for boot covers that are usually used during times when visibility is low.
-These boot covers are extremely easy to get into; all you have to do is slip them over your riding boots.


Tour Master Deluxe Boot Covers - $23


-Heavy-duty PVC-coated 200-denier nylon
-Elasticized top
-Easy entry and exit
-Snap and Velcro seals out wetness
-Elastic stirrups


Patagonia Torrentshell Rain Pants - $90


-2.5-layer 50 denier 100% nylon ripstop shell with a waterproof/breathable H2No® barrier and Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish
-Pull-on, elasticized self-fabric waistband with internal drawcord
-Pockets: two zippered handwarmers, zippered back; all with Deluge DWR-treated zippers and storm flaps
-Articulated knees
-Adjustable, self-fabric hook-and-loop closure at ankle with flapped, Deluge DWR-treated zipper to the knee
-Pants stow in left handwarmer pocket
-272 g (9.6 oz)


Mountain Hardwear Epic Rain Pants - $90


-Made to keep you dry: lightweight, fully waterproof, breathable backcountry shell.
-Partial elastic waist for comfort
-Articulated knees for mobility
-9" ankle zips for easy on/off


Icon PDX Rain Bibs - $115


-Following the same design criteria as the PDX Jacket, the ‘rain gear that doesn’t suck, Icon brings you the PDX Bib.
-The same rip-stop waterproof material but cut into a high backed same seam sealed bib.
-Full-length leg zippers eliminate the ”one-footed man in an dance contest” all too common with waterproof over pants.
-Finally, Icon finished up the garment with some well placed cargo pockets and reflective graphic hits.


Tour Master Sentinel LE Rain Jacket - $80


-Waterproof and breathable Rip Stop Nylon shell with sealed seams is rated MVM 5000 for maximum breathability
-Features an Aqua-Barrier under-the-helmet hood to help eliminate seepage in the collar area. The hood easily stows in a hidden collar pocket
-Self-contained storage pouch allows the jacket to stuff into itself for convenient storage
-Chest map pockets feature waterproof zippers, Tour Master’s Scoop Vent System and a mesh backing so they can be opened for ventilation when needed
-Three large waterproof bellows pockets maximize carrying capacity
-Waterproof zippered underarm exhaust vents allow warm air to exit from the jacket interior
-3M™ Scotchlite® reflective piping and Tour Master’s signature reflective triangles help increase nighttime visibility
-Sized to be worn over motorcycle riding apparel
-Shock Cord waist adjustment seals the sweep and provides a tailored fit
-Full wind flap and Velcro® main closure keeps moisture sealed out
-Elastic cuff with Velcro® closure helps eliminate water encroachment into the sleeve
-Hanging loop is built into the collar for post-ride air drying


Patagonia Torrentshell Rain PullOver - $100

2.5-layer 50-denier 100% nylon ripstop shell with a waterproof/breathable H2No® barrier and Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish

-2-way-adjustable hood with a laminated visor rolls down and stows
-Microfleece-lined neck and chin for comfort and enhanced protection of waterproof/breathable barrier
-Center-front zipper with storm flaps to keep water out
-Elasticized cuffs for a secure fit
-Stows in zippered chest pocket
-Drawcord hem
-286 g (10.1 oz)


Mountain Hardwear Epic Jacket - $120

Lightweight, fully waterproof, breathable backcountry shell.

-Attached, roll-away Ergo hood with laminated brim and quick single pull adjustment
-Micro-Chamois™-lined chin guard eliminates zipper chafe
-Lightweight, watertight pit zips and mesh front pockets for ventilation
-Articulated sleeves for mobility
-Arm pocket for ID, keys, other small items
-Dual hem drawcords for quick fit adjustments


Marmot Aegis Rain Jacket - $150


-Marmot MemBrain® Strata™ Waterproof / Breathable Fabric
-100% Seam Taped - For Full Waterproofness
-Attached Adjustable Hood that Rolls Into Collar - gives you the option to tuck-away when not needed
-PitZips™ - Underarm Zip That Extends Into the Body for Aggressive Venting
-Handwarmer Pockets with Water Resistant Zipper
-Sleeve Pocket with Water-Resistant Zipper - Sleeve Pocket with W/R Zipper
-DriClime® Lined Cuffs with Adjustable Velcro® Tabs
-DriClime® Lined Collar and Chin Guard - Moisture Wicking Fabric for Comfort Around Your Neck and Face
-Elastic Draw Cord Hem - For Adjustability in Serious Weather
-Angel-Wing Movement™ - Allows Full Range of Motion in Arms so Jacket Doesn't Ride Up


One more thing:
I hate helmets... But, a full-face helmet is a life-saver when you hit rain. Not only will it keep the rain from pelting your face the entire time, but it'll also keep you warmer and protect your eyes better than a 3/4 or 1/2 helmet. I'll never ride into a wet climate without one again.


-All descriptions are from the manufacturers' websites- - -Check them out for more details...