Baby, it’s cold outside!

In case you hadn’t noticed – it’s cold outside! I’ve always felt the cold badly – as a child I used to cry with the pain of it in Wintertime. Turns out that I wasn’t imagining it as last year my doctor informed me I have Raynauld’s.🥶

It’s incredibly common and is restricted circulation – and explains why I’ve always worn heated gear as soon as Autumn hits and use my heated grips on all but the sunniest days.

My weapon of choice has always been Gerbing – and I first bought heated gloves and a jacket liner 18 years ago. Gerbing’s heating element is guaranteed for life and indeed they replaced both my gloves and my liner when first a finger stopped heating and then my left arm.

Gerbing heated jacket liner and gloves
My original heated Gerbing liner.

But the gear finally had to go because after years of hard wear the connections were breaking, I really had had my money’s worth, and technology has moved on so much. I didn’t hesitate to replace like with like and invested in a new jacket liner, gloves and controller.

I picked up my kit from Sportsbike Shop, in Milton Keynes where I was fortunate enough to have the advice of store manager, Sue. She certainly knows her stuff, and was more than happy to help me try on several sizes (many times!😂) and pairs of gloves until we found the perfect fit.

The differences between the old and new gear are immediate  – the new liner looks and feels sleeker, it’s also longer, is nicer fabric and fits under my jacket better. I actually went down a size so it fits more snugly too and now I need far less base layers than before. Coming from a woman who’s probably responsible for the financial success of ColdKillers, that’s really saying something.

The fit and fabric of the new liner is greatly improved.

It still, thankfully, has heat down both arms, front, collar, shoulders and kidney areas. Added to this the new Gerbing gloves attach at each jacket wrist. My old gloves still work but would need an extra controller (and wire) to make them  useable with the new jacket, (think of kids mittens attached by a long string!) so it was far more practical to upgrade the whole system which links together.

(The gloves do come with the Y-wire you need if you just wanted to run them and not the liner. So as the weather improves I will be able to swop out my heated liner for the jacket’s normal liner and run these wires between the jacket and its liner, for comfort.)

Heated gloves with a touch button for temperature control

Speaking of upgrades, the gloves now have a heat button on each wrist to run them independently of the liner. The colour codes (blue, yellow and red) make it easy to see how high you have them. But the downside is that because the cuffs and buttons are tucked inside my jacket I don’t feel comfortable trying to make changes whilst I’m riding and so will set the heat before I move off.

The gloves are bulky but no worse than normal thick winter gloves, they’re leather with a waterproof lining and have a handy wiper on the left thumb. All have been tried and tested in the recent bad weather and work perfectly.

Leather, waterproof, with a connector to the jacket liner at the wrist

I have to admit the new jacket’s heat controller is not my favourite. It used to be a simple knob you turned, now it requires pressing to go from 1-5. No big deal except that as there is also no handy carrier, like the old one that you could clip to you or a tank bag, this has to be tucked into my jacket’s waist strap. In turn that means I can’t see the numbers on it which you press for heat, because my helmet’s in the way when looking down.

The main controller, attached to my jacket’s waist strap

Fortunately so far I’ve been quite comfortable with 2 and only occasionally have had to use 3 for a short period before I felt like I was overheating. So again I either set it before I move off, or have to wait until I’m in a safe position to adjust it, like at traffic lights. Otherwise it involves lifting the chin of my flip helmet, whilst riding, to be able to see the controller, which I don’t like doing.

I’m hopeful that the more I use it, the more instinctive it will become, because quite frankly the kit is a godsend and has proved its weight in gold from the moment I plugged in.

A very happy bunny – and as warm as toast too!

It’s been so good that several times in the last four weeks, I, who usually live with my heated grips on, have been out all day, stopping only for the odd cuppa and slice of cake, haven’t needed them switched on and am riding without a hint of discomfort.

My work colleague, Gavin Grewal, a solicitor at White Dalton, swears by his Keis heated jacket liner. You may have seen our Facebook posts about our gear and how Gerbing squares off against Keis.
Clearly we are both big fans of heated gear, and each of us adores their chosen brand.

Whichever one you may be thinking of, we agree heated gear is a game changer for enabling winter riding, helping to keep you warm, alert and therefore increasing your safety.

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Women in Moto Exhibition

The search is on for my tribe!
Now that I’m back into biking, lots of fun things keep popping up in my social media fields and I was thankful that one was the Women in Moto Exhibition . As soon as I say it and delved into the show details I knew it was one for me and I had such a blast😍.

I don’t actually know that many female riders so I jumped at the chance to go to an event focusing on women and what we ride, and everything from clothing to customising bikes, to training,  off roading, adventures and more.

Meeting the awesome speakers panel

The show did not disappoint – I was there for one day and could easily have done more. I thoroughly enjoyed the key speaker sessions I attended. Ruby Rides, Sophie McGann, AJ the Honest Biker, BikerKaz and Rosyulina the racer all shared their experiences of how they got into biking, how their passions have progressed and the highs and lows of their social media experiences. They also had top tips on handling the pressures of trolls.

One of my favourite – and completely packed out sessions, was the talk by Ruby Rides on how to wear makeup under your helmet. My guy was with me and couldn’t understand why that was one on my list  – then he took one look in the packed out room and said “That’s a lot of interest – I’ll see you later”😂

It was an excellent talk, with really useful handy tips, names of great products and where to get them, and her model looked great at the end of it. As soon as the weather stops hitting 30degrees when even suncream is sliding off my face, I’ll be going shopping😁

Ruby Rides demonstrates the Holy Grail – how to wear/apply makeup that lasts under your lid

It was great to see lots of ladies getting a taster of biking, in the paddocks with Honda’s training team – the smiles were beaming and reminded me of when I passed my own CBT.

I was also fascinated by things I’d never even considered – like a biker’s funeral. I met Marian Sinclair who runs Motorcycle Funerals and was seriously impressed by the range of vehicles they have which can transport you to your last resting place. She’s quite correct when she says, “if you’ve always travelled on two wheels, why would you take your last journey on four?”. It’s certainly food for thought.

Motorcycle Funerals

Off-roading has never appealed to me because I don’t like dirt – and I really mean that. But chatting away to ladies from the Trail Riders Fellowship got me thinking about its benefits such as riding control when skidding and riding on loose surfaces. Having a (deep) gravel drive, which makes the beginning and end of every ride a pain in the proverbial,  I was interested when they talked about their women only training camps in Wales. As one of the riders put it “women do learn differently and that’s really accepted on the course – they know we like to have it fully explained, see it in action, explained again and then we have a go” – well it may be generalisation to some but it’s spot on for me and the way I learn so that’s another added to the list “To Find Out More”.

One of Karen Wick’s bikes – the first woman police motorcyclist in West Yorkshire.

Having lived and worked in London, I’ve completed two BikeSafe London days there, from the Ace Cafe over the years. First on my GPZ500 and again on my FZ6s. I was chatting away to the Derbyshire Police Bikesafe team who suggested I do a session with them. Unlike London, where the environment focuses on built up city roads, Derbyshire Police has country and twisty roads which of course is much more the sort of roads I’m on now. Again, another one for the list.

It soon became that whilst yes there are lots of male bikers, there are also many female bikers in or around the area I live in and also different groups to find them through as well as the long reaching arm of social media. So I’m looking forward to getting out and meeting up with them too.
If you’re in the Buckinghamshire area please feel free to send me details of any cheerful, welcoming groups, bike nights and meet ups and I’ll add them to the list as it’s much appreciated.

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On the flip side – a Neotec ll will do nicely

Apart from hearing the words “I love you” from my husband now and then, I have to admit that it’s just as nice to hear those other magical words he occasionally utters like “isn’t it time we bought you a new lid?”

Lol!  For a woman with an expensive shopping habit, I still tend to have a terrible memory when it comes to renewing key bits of my kit. Thankfully, the other half is my line manager at White Dalton Motorcycle Solicitors and as such wants to make sure all his team’s biker kit is appropriate.

So off we went to our nearest bike accessories shop, Sports Bike Shop where I got the Shoei Neotec 2. Incidentally I was delighted to find the manager at the Milton Keynes shop is Sue Hurley, who sold me my very first motorcycle gear after I got through CBT almost 20 years ago. If ever there was a woman who knows her stuff, it’s Sue, as she’s been involved in the bike industry for a whopping five decades! (And yes I did end up roadtesting that kit and thanks to Sue was able to walk away in one piece.)

I used to be devoted to Arai helmets. Found them super comfortable and the paint designs were second to none. However with touring and commuting a fair bit I found a flip was a necessity when stopped at traffic lights in town as I get instantly hot, and I also got fed up of trying to get it off and handle the bike, gloves, and documents, when being stopped at passport control. Not to mention the terrible months I had when I had a few health issues that resulted in projectile vomiting – there’s nothing quite like that panic of trying to get a full face helmet off before your lunch reappears!

This matt grey Shoei Neotec 2 is my third flip having started with a silver multi-tech, then the black Neoctech l. ( Having reviewed the multitech back in 2012 I thought I’d give you my views on my latest lid.)

I could have waited for the latest version, but there were murmurings it wasn’t coming out until 2024. As it is, the Neotec 3 was released this week – just a week after I bought this. But at £620 it was out of my price bracket anyway. The Neotec 2 came in at a reasonable £399 – and has that coveted Ride Best Buy green triangle so it gets my vote.

Taking it out the box this flip weighs in a tad bit heavier than the previous models at 1.75kg over the previous 1.48kg. But since I’m used to the weight of a flip it’s not noticeable to me. What was immediately noticeable was the pressure of the new cheekpads. I definitely felt a little like a chipmunk but realised that the pressure isn’t hard and uncomfortable or made me feel in danger of biting the inside of my cheek – just more secure feeling than my old lid where the pads are probably like old slippers to me.

This lid looks a little different to the previous incarnations as Shoei has apparently focused on making it more aerodynamic. They have also catered directly for one of the biggest users of its lids- those who want to use microphones either to talk to pillions, or answer the phone and have ports on each side of the helmet and a battery area at the back so it’s all neatly tucked away. It’s made to incorporate the Sena comms system which undoubtedly should mean a “built-in” design will cut down on wind when communicating with others or trying to listen to satnav or using the phone. And you’ll have less wires/leads to tuck away in your jacket.

It’s not something I’ll be using so can’t comment on how good a job it’s doing. I used to have an Autocom in my Arai when I first started riding which worked well, but eventually found I prefer the peace of not communicating with anyone when I’m on the bike. I’m lucky enough not to need to make or take phonecalls whilst riding anyway and I actually prefer to read my instructions on my sat nav. Whilst I do listen to music I have that through my trusty ipod and my  Ultimate Ear plugs.

The vents are easy to reach on the top with a slide system for the front one. This time they’ve gone with the logic that you don’t need an open or shut on the back vent, it’s just open since it’s purpose has always been to allow the air inside the helmet to flow outwards. The other is at the chin and a slightly thinner design than the previous model. The internal sun visor has the same slider system on the left hand side and the usual accessories of pinlock visor, breath guard and chin curtain are included.

I took this for a spin and immediately was struck by how comfortable it is with a real reduction in noise. I was wearing my Ultimate earplugs, which is standard for me since I happen to like my hearing the way it is. So it made sense to wear them on the test, but obviously I didn’t put any music on for this.

I never have music on so loud that I can’t hear my engine, emergency vehicles or car horns tooting but I want to be able to block out that “windy vibration” for want of a better description. This lid does that very well. It also has the ear areas slightly recessed so you don’t get any extra pressure of the pads pressing on your earplugs and giving you a headache.

Speaking of headaches when I stopped for break, about 40 minutes in, I was struck by the lack of pressure on my forehead. I’ve always had just a pinpoint of mild pain there from my helmet which was never immediate but would build up over time as I rode. It wasn’t debilitating so it was never a major concern. But I’m really pleased to sat that it’s disappeared with this Neotec 2.

The previous flip lids have never been able to beat the Arai for having a fixed gap at the visor’s closing, where you could get a sliver of air to cool down or combat sudden steaming up. Sadly Shoei still hasn’t introduced it on this model so you’ve either got the wind blasting in your face, or if left ajar it will slam shut just as you picked up speed. I was using this lid on a full day’s riding in 30degree heat and I’d have given my non-existent firstborn to have that gap😁🥵

The good news is that the vent at the chin is a big improvement in that it does a good job of letting in air without blasting it so hard that I get my eyebrows frozen in place anymore. 👍

So what’s left to say? Not much really. All the additional bits like the chin curtain and pinlock do what they’re supposed to. This chin curtain is a little deeper and wider than the previous model so it’s definitely better at keeping the wind off your throat especially when worn with a neck warmer.
I actually prefer a D-ring for closing my helmets as I just find them less pffaffy. But once you set the Neotec’s ratchet strap to your required size there’s nothing more to think about.

Last but not least, this lid still fits perfectly inside my topbox, which is a 52litre Givi. (I’ll just add that the document holder is removed as I never store anything in it and it just takes up space).

All in all I am very pleased with the Neotec 2 and think it’s a good improvement on the previous model. No doubt the latest version Neotec 3 is even more fab, but if it’s out of your price range, then the 2 is great value for money and holds the Ride Green Best Buy triangle👌.

Prendy.

What a difference a year makes!

A week ago I headed off to France (Bonjour!) for a long weekend as part of some birthday celebrations. This is the fourth time I’ve ventured round these foreign parts and the second time on my beloved Silvano – and as usual my main thoughts concerned getting on and off the ferry in one piece!

I don’t know why but there is something about wet metal surfaces that sends fear through my heart…. yet lo and behold, to my surprise there were no mad moments of wheel spinning, slippin and a sliding anywhere – and that “surprise” turned out to be the theme of the holiday.

Wagons roll!

Admittedly the first time I rode Silvano around France, at five months we were still in the early stages of our relationship. A year later and more than 9,000 miles between us it was a really different matter. This time I felt settled on my baby – I know how he reacts to corners, switchbacks, wet roads, gravel and high winds. I know his braking points and how much clutch control  I need. It is really amazing what a difference  a year’s made 🙂 Although initially we had thought of going to Millau we opted to take things easier and headed over to Reims, then to Charleville-Mezieres. I love this place with its sweeping and twisty roads and it’s only a short hop across the border to Belgium to enjoy their lovely roads too.

Same place next year?

But just as I was getting into the swing of things disaster struck… NO I did not fall off or drop my bike 😛 – instead we found ourselves in Mons. A rather quaint yet bubbly place to spend some time, rather picturesque with plenty of historic architecture to gawp at……and everywhere you go, whether pavement or street it is COBBLED 😦 Oh ye gawds I cannot remember the last time I was that scared – it made the fear of the ferry seem but a moment of hesitation).

At one point I had to turn a corner, head downhill, avoid pedestrians on the crossings and tackle three way traffic!!! I found myself frozen – at first I couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t moving. Then I realised my foot was refusing to obey and move off the back brake! I literally had to tell myself off  (“Man up girl and get off the brake so we can get the hell out of here”) before I could gather up the nerve to move. Needless to say I was pretty grateful there wasn’t any rain to add to the mix and I was ready to get off the wheels, kneel down and kiss the tarmac when I finally got back to a “civilised” road lol. Congratulating myself on getting through it was obviously too much for the universe which decided to throw in some more cobbles as we ventured through Tournai – but by this time I was ready to laugh at myself and just got on with it!

Feeling under the weather one day I was happy to go pillion to enjoy the views even more – and the Irish Coffee 🙂 and was eternally grateful I’d made that decision as the heavens opened for a torrential downpour 😉 Nothing like having a big bloke in front of you to shield you from the rain lol.

He’s also very useful at other times of the break when you realise that your bike’s battery is flat and you can’t get it started with a push! One set of jump leads later, a kind English man (spotted from his Brit plates!) and less than 20 mins later we were on our way 🙂 I may well have European breakdown cover but it’s so much quicker to have your own handyman with you lol (many many thanks honey 😉 )

Enjoying the great wines France has to offer!

France is a beautiful country to ride around (if you ignore the flat north part) and I enjoyed the roads particularly along its mountain rivers which roll out in front of you edged by massive  rock walls. With the autumn colours coming through it’s breathtaking.I use every opportunity I can get to practice my french and whilst my accent is probably pretty execrable it didn’t seem to annoy the patient receptionist at one hotel whose sign said “sorry we only speak French here” and was happy to converse about extra towels, a parking space for two bikes avoiding the local police as well as the extra code for late night entry to the hotel.

Much as I love the riding I do find I am always grateful to get off my beloved Sprint 955i at the end of the day to relax and unwind with a good meal and enjoy the sights.

Here I am at a wine tasting (that’s why there are so many glasses) and watching the world go by wondering where all the French people are. On a Friday and Saturday night it seemed deserted!

Just over 600 miles later and I was back at home, having had a safe and pleasant journey and already am planning the next one (as well as a course to overcome fear of gravel, wet metal and cobbles lol!)
Ride safe

Water water everywhere….when waterproofs go bad!

I’ve been caught out in some of the most horrific wet weather we’ve had for years and that uncomfortable seeping cold feeling when you realise your knickers are quite soggy has become second nature. For some unfathomable reason my once trusty waterproofs have given up the ghost and decided to leak…..quite  a lot 😦

As I am commuting more and more on Silvano and am unwilling to risk coping with sodden leathers I decided enough was enough and it was time to bite the bullet and fork out for a new decent pair. Of course two things happened – first it stopped raining and the sun came out with a vengence and secondly….literally two days after purchasing my new waterproof trousers the shop went into administration!!

Yep Hein Gericke UK is to be no more. Oh well. I can’t be too grumpy about possibly saving myself some muller since it is highly likely a swarm of locusts, otherwise known as penny pinching bikers, would descend on any of the branches and strip the racks clear before I could get there.

Besides I am extremely pleased with my purchase which I carefully researched beforehand – it needed to be Goretex, with removable lining, preferably with vents and shapely enough that I wouldn’t look like I was wearing my old man’s gear 🙂

Three styles later (and yes I was surprised they had them and the sizes in stock)  I found myself the pleased owner of a pair of Grace – and in a size smaller than I thought I needed. Yes – if you want your fat ass to be studied and commented upon in detail – make sure you not only take your bloke but ensure you bump into two mates in the shop and insist they stay and give their opinion too!

Once I’d made my choice I was rather pleased to see they had a deal on that gave me a very decent 50 quid off so yes – I might just possibly have got this pair even cheaper now they are closing down – but there was a greater chance that I might have missed out altogether!

UPDATE:  since writing this I’ve been on a short break to Cornwall – Bugle to be precise to see my sis and boy did my waterproofs get a trial. The 250 mile journey back was filled with non stop rain – at times it was so bad that I couldn’t see the tail lights of the vehicles in front 😛 A change of gloves was needed part way through the journey but that was all – I was warm and toasty for all the ride.

Who wants to be reminded of wet weather! This is Looe looking fab and I can recommend the Cornish Lust Strawberry and cream liqueur!

Ride safe (and dry!)