Saturday, November 19, 2005
Motorcycle Boots, Anyone?
When we speak of motorcycle footwear trend, what comes first to our mind is boots. Wherever we go, we observe that people are fascinated with this footwear.
If we are to trace its origin, we can say that it started from humble beginnings. Hides were first used in Egypt. They are tied around the foot to give warmth and protection. Nonetheless, the first boot was known in Greece and Rome.
Nowadays, boots have already established its significance in the fashion industry. Not only that, boots also invaded the motorcyclist communities. In fact, online motorcycle apparel stores are putting emphasis on this footwear apparel. Some of the renowned stores are Alpinestars, Agvsport, Icon and Double H. If you are into classic boots, Harley Davidson’s footwear may be the one you have been long waiting for.
Boots come in different colors, styles and fit. Some have what we call ‘supertech boot’ that has removable liner. In addition, its inner structure is biochemically designed. Some boots are even made waterproof. Others come with aluminum heel slider and ventilated heel guard. All these features redound to the durability, comfort and elegance of motorcycle boots.
Boots protect you, they can make you shine. Keep kickin’, enjoy ridin’, potent boots are just a few kicks away!
If we are to trace its origin, we can say that it started from humble beginnings. Hides were first used in Egypt. They are tied around the foot to give warmth and protection. Nonetheless, the first boot was known in Greece and Rome.
Nowadays, boots have already established its significance in the fashion industry. Not only that, boots also invaded the motorcyclist communities. In fact, online motorcycle apparel stores are putting emphasis on this footwear apparel. Some of the renowned stores are Alpinestars, Agvsport, Icon and Double H. If you are into classic boots, Harley Davidson’s footwear may be the one you have been long waiting for.
Boots come in different colors, styles and fit. Some have what we call ‘supertech boot’ that has removable liner. In addition, its inner structure is biochemically designed. Some boots are even made waterproof. Others come with aluminum heel slider and ventilated heel guard. All these features redound to the durability, comfort and elegance of motorcycle boots.
Boots protect you, they can make you shine. Keep kickin’, enjoy ridin’, potent boots are just a few kicks away!
Friday, November 11, 2005
Why I still Prefer Leather?
I love leather. It’s perfect for my motorcycle apparel. I guess this is not only true to me but to the majority of riders, if not all.
Leather, as we know, is animal skin. Basically, since it is skin, it needs oil to keep it supple, flexible and soft to prevent it from cracking or chaffing. It differs with live skin in the sense that leather is not renewed from within and does not produce its oils to take care of itself. Nonetheless, leathers are treated with similar processes for skin like cleaning using soaps, conditioning and drying up.
There are a lot of materials in the market today like nylon, pleather, vinyl-based materials and mesh but they did not spoil my fascination for leather. Why?
First, because leather has a very high abrasion resistance compared to other materials. Every time I come off my bike and slide over a gravel-strewn stretch of asphalt, I know that I will need something that will abraid to shed speed without tearing.
Second, leather is pretty durable. The more you use it the more it gets better. In fact, it can last a lifetime. Compared to other materials, they can only last for 5 years – the most.
Third, it is not flammable unlike vinyl-based materials and pleather.
Fourth, other materials can lead to heat stroke. Unlike these materials, leather produces same rate of heat with the human skin, thus, it can less likely produce the same.
Actually, this is not the end of the list. There a lot more reasons to use leather but as for me these are the topmost reasons.
Leather, as we know, is animal skin. Basically, since it is skin, it needs oil to keep it supple, flexible and soft to prevent it from cracking or chaffing. It differs with live skin in the sense that leather is not renewed from within and does not produce its oils to take care of itself. Nonetheless, leathers are treated with similar processes for skin like cleaning using soaps, conditioning and drying up.
There are a lot of materials in the market today like nylon, pleather, vinyl-based materials and mesh but they did not spoil my fascination for leather. Why?
First, because leather has a very high abrasion resistance compared to other materials. Every time I come off my bike and slide over a gravel-strewn stretch of asphalt, I know that I will need something that will abraid to shed speed without tearing.
Second, leather is pretty durable. The more you use it the more it gets better. In fact, it can last a lifetime. Compared to other materials, they can only last for 5 years – the most.
Third, it is not flammable unlike vinyl-based materials and pleather.
Fourth, other materials can lead to heat stroke. Unlike these materials, leather produces same rate of heat with the human skin, thus, it can less likely produce the same.
Actually, this is not the end of the list. There a lot more reasons to use leather but as for me these are the topmost reasons.
5 Steps in Maintaining Leather
To retain the optimal condition of leather, there are 5 steps to consider: They are the following:
Sealing
It is the process of waterproofing the leather. In doing so, seams, edges and holes are fastened with the use of sealers. Sealants come in few varieties and brands. For apparel that is not so critical with oil exposure or that has 1 day absorption, products which have high mink oil content. Mink oil is a good moisturizer and softener.
Stripping
Stripping is the act of removing all oils from the leather. Light petroleum-based solvent is used to remove the oil and sealant to expose the raw leather beneath them.
Dying
Dying is the process of staining or restraining leather to achieve its desired color. Leather dyes are available in a wide variety of colors. Usually, it can only be dyed to a darker color or back to the color it was originally dyed.
Conditioning
Conditioning is the act of adding oil and wax to moisturize the leather in order to make it supple, shiny and pleasing. Dry leather cracks when flexed. Thus, we must moisturize it to avoid damage. Be aware though that that leather conditioners often darken the appearance of most leathers.
Cleaning
Finally, we clean the leather. It is the process of washing and soaping the leather to remove dirt, excess oils and stains. Saddle soaps are great for this job. Don’t soak the leather, just clean its surface.
Those are the five indispensable steps to a supple, durable and healthy leather!
Sealing
It is the process of waterproofing the leather. In doing so, seams, edges and holes are fastened with the use of sealers. Sealants come in few varieties and brands. For apparel that is not so critical with oil exposure or that has 1 day absorption, products which have high mink oil content. Mink oil is a good moisturizer and softener.
Stripping
Stripping is the act of removing all oils from the leather. Light petroleum-based solvent is used to remove the oil and sealant to expose the raw leather beneath them.
Dying
Dying is the process of staining or restraining leather to achieve its desired color. Leather dyes are available in a wide variety of colors. Usually, it can only be dyed to a darker color or back to the color it was originally dyed.
Conditioning
Conditioning is the act of adding oil and wax to moisturize the leather in order to make it supple, shiny and pleasing. Dry leather cracks when flexed. Thus, we must moisturize it to avoid damage. Be aware though that that leather conditioners often darken the appearance of most leathers.
Cleaning
Finally, we clean the leather. It is the process of washing and soaping the leather to remove dirt, excess oils and stains. Saddle soaps are great for this job. Don’t soak the leather, just clean its surface.
Those are the five indispensable steps to a supple, durable and healthy leather!
Thursday, November 10, 2005
ROSSI’s Racing Suit was on eBay
It’s amazing! Valentino Rossi, the 7-time World Motorcycle Racing champion, together with Dainese, auctioned the former’s racing suit which he wore at the GP race in Sachsenring, Germany. The incredible offer of 38,850 neuro on eBay started last October 27 and ended last November 3 at 12 o’clock noon.
Dainese website made the following write up:
“The process of the auction was captivating, with vertiginous bidding managed by eBay.it which always watched over the correctness of the publications, checking the data of the potential buyers in real time.
In the last few minutes the neck-for-neck race between the British user wj15 and a user in Australia saw the victory by 50 euro of the British bidder who also has an additional reason to be pleased with his purchase. Dainese Spa will devote the whole proceeds of the auction to the financing of a scholarship for a project on motorcycle safety, in collaboration with the mechanical engineering department of Padua University.
As all fans are well aware, the seven times World Champion Valentino Rossi is very jealous of his racing suits and keeps nearly all of them. This is the first time that Dainese, who have provided clothing and protection for their favourite since the beginning of his career, have relinquished such an important memento. As if all this were not enough, the Sachsenring suit has an even more special significance: “The Doctor” returned it to the Dainese Racing Service on 29 July 2005 after his fall at 150 kilometres per hour during the free trials on the German circuit. Protected by that perfect suit, the champion walked away unharmed after flying into the gravel, then took first place in the race to win his 76th success in the top racing category, thus equalling the record of the unforgettable Mike “the bike” Hailwood.”
This is the first time that Dainese, Rossi’s motorcycle apparel sponsor, has given a racing suit with historical interest. The reason behind the auction is to support the study grant dedicated to a motorcycle rider safety project which is in collaboration with the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Padova.
Hail the modern heroes!
Dainese website made the following write up:
“The process of the auction was captivating, with vertiginous bidding managed by eBay.it which always watched over the correctness of the publications, checking the data of the potential buyers in real time.
In the last few minutes the neck-for-neck race between the British user wj15 and a user in Australia saw the victory by 50 euro of the British bidder who also has an additional reason to be pleased with his purchase. Dainese Spa will devote the whole proceeds of the auction to the financing of a scholarship for a project on motorcycle safety, in collaboration with the mechanical engineering department of Padua University.
As all fans are well aware, the seven times World Champion Valentino Rossi is very jealous of his racing suits and keeps nearly all of them. This is the first time that Dainese, who have provided clothing and protection for their favourite since the beginning of his career, have relinquished such an important memento. As if all this were not enough, the Sachsenring suit has an even more special significance: “The Doctor” returned it to the Dainese Racing Service on 29 July 2005 after his fall at 150 kilometres per hour during the free trials on the German circuit. Protected by that perfect suit, the champion walked away unharmed after flying into the gravel, then took first place in the race to win his 76th success in the top racing category, thus equalling the record of the unforgettable Mike “the bike” Hailwood.”
This is the first time that Dainese, Rossi’s motorcycle apparel sponsor, has given a racing suit with historical interest. The reason behind the auction is to support the study grant dedicated to a motorcycle rider safety project which is in collaboration with the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Padova.
Hail the modern heroes!
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Riders: Next Target of Impotence and Loss of Libido
Stupefied. That was what exactly happened to me when I read the study on riders regarding the possible loss of libido or impotence of riders. For a couple of minutes, I wasn’t able to move. When I return to my normal reflex, I think it over. Getting injuries and feeling numb at times are manageable and ordinary. However, when you say impotence and loss of libido – no way! It means ‘death’ in the bedroom and on the fields of escapades.
Dr. Steven Schrader, a reproductive health expert at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, said that it was no longer a question of "whether or not bicycle riding on a saddle causes erectile dysfunction but what are we going to do about it?"
The studies conducted by researchers at Boston University and in Italy, found that the more a person rides, the greater the risk of impotence or loss of libido. On one hand, researchers in Austria have found that many bikers experience saddle-related trauma that leads to small calcified masses inside the scrotum.
Dr. Goldstein said, when a rider sits hard on a narrow saddle, the artery and the nerve are compressed. Over time, a reduction of blood flow can mean that there is not enough pressure to achieve full erection.
Whoa! Quite alarming… Great efforts must be therefore exerted so as to possess the protective (not destructive) saddles.
Dr. Steven Schrader, a reproductive health expert at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, said that it was no longer a question of "whether or not bicycle riding on a saddle causes erectile dysfunction but what are we going to do about it?"
The studies conducted by researchers at Boston University and in Italy, found that the more a person rides, the greater the risk of impotence or loss of libido. On one hand, researchers in Austria have found that many bikers experience saddle-related trauma that leads to small calcified masses inside the scrotum.
Dr. Goldstein said, when a rider sits hard on a narrow saddle, the artery and the nerve are compressed. Over time, a reduction of blood flow can mean that there is not enough pressure to achieve full erection.
Whoa! Quite alarming… Great efforts must be therefore exerted so as to possess the protective (not destructive) saddles.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
A Kit to Remember..
Life’s full of surprises. And most of these surprises are not even wanted. They oftentimes catch us off guard. Defenseless as we are, we have no other recourse but to suffer life’s cruel aftermath. However, there are times when we can preclude things from getting worse. Or better to preclude them from happening.
In riding, there are instances when you wish you have done something to save the day. This situation has also happened to me several times already. I’ve experienced injuries and fractures that could have been prevented if I have the right things. Now I’ve learned my lesson so every time I travel on my bike, I always bring with me my very precious motorcycle accessory – my first aid kit.
My kit has antiseptic and burns ointments, latex gloves, a pair of scissors or shears, distilled water, pain reliever, sterile gauze pads, muslin triangle bandages and ice bag. In cases where one is wounded, it is easy for one to cleanse the wound with water, apply some ointment and cover the wound with gauge or bandage if said materials are accessible. If in case, there is bleeding, latex gloves can be used to avoid contamination. Gauge and bandages can also be used to staunch the bleeding. If in case there is fracture or limp, careful handling is necessary. It is better if riders have knowledge in first-aid. Emergency hotlines must also be familiar to riders for quick assistance.
Now, I’m more active and confident!
In riding, there are instances when you wish you have done something to save the day. This situation has also happened to me several times already. I’ve experienced injuries and fractures that could have been prevented if I have the right things. Now I’ve learned my lesson so every time I travel on my bike, I always bring with me my very precious motorcycle accessory – my first aid kit.
My kit has antiseptic and burns ointments, latex gloves, a pair of scissors or shears, distilled water, pain reliever, sterile gauze pads, muslin triangle bandages and ice bag. In cases where one is wounded, it is easy for one to cleanse the wound with water, apply some ointment and cover the wound with gauge or bandage if said materials are accessible. If in case, there is bleeding, latex gloves can be used to avoid contamination. Gauge and bandages can also be used to staunch the bleeding. If in case there is fracture or limp, careful handling is necessary. It is better if riders have knowledge in first-aid. Emergency hotlines must also be familiar to riders for quick assistance.
Now, I’m more active and confident!
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Taking Rider Course
Taking Basic Rider Course can be pretty exciting. They teach you the importance of driving smoothly, maturely and safely. They also impart to you the significance of protecting yourself by wearing helmet and motorcycle apparel to reduce the gravity of possible injuries.
Aside from being exciting, it can also be tough at times especially when you are required to do the tests continuously. Lack of sleep, exhaustion, being hungry and other causes like the penetrating heat of the sun will test how tough you can be. However, when you finish it all, whew - it’s overwhelming!
Andy Wismar said in his blog entry Learnin’, Learnin’,Learnin’, “Spending 16 hours in full-length shirts and pants, with a helmet on, sitting on a running bike, on a giant, shadeless slab of parking lot, in 95 degree heat, is a great recipe for the meanest back-of-the-neck sunburn you can imagine. And heatstroke, but I avoided that one. Other than that, I had an absolute blast, and feel tremendously better on a bike now. I had previously mastered going fast in a straight line, which I have to believe is the easiest of the motorcycle skills. Turning, braking, swerving, and about ten other things really needed work, and I think I got that this weekend. Things started a little slowly, but they do have to cater to the lowest common denominator. I'm glad I did it, it was worth the sunburn”.
Aside from being exciting, it can also be tough at times especially when you are required to do the tests continuously. Lack of sleep, exhaustion, being hungry and other causes like the penetrating heat of the sun will test how tough you can be. However, when you finish it all, whew - it’s overwhelming!
Andy Wismar said in his blog entry Learnin’, Learnin’,Learnin’, “Spending 16 hours in full-length shirts and pants, with a helmet on, sitting on a running bike, on a giant, shadeless slab of parking lot, in 95 degree heat, is a great recipe for the meanest back-of-the-neck sunburn you can imagine. And heatstroke, but I avoided that one. Other than that, I had an absolute blast, and feel tremendously better on a bike now. I had previously mastered going fast in a straight line, which I have to believe is the easiest of the motorcycle skills. Turning, braking, swerving, and about ten other things really needed work, and I think I got that this weekend. Things started a little slowly, but they do have to cater to the lowest common denominator. I'm glad I did it, it was worth the sunburn”.
Gas Mileage and More
What attracts me most about bikes is its performance. The horsepower and the torque must really excel in order for it to be considered a good bike. Other important things to consider are the following: engine power, gas mileage, and quality of its motorcycle parts. The fact that it won’t be troublesome riding on it is a great factor. Looks of the motorcycle only comes second.
In Motorcycle Fuel Efficiency, a blog entry authored by Travis, he introduced the issue on gas mileage. It still one issue that rings a bell. Gas mileage has still a long way to go and riders have to evolve with time.
Earnest efforts were already made by the United States, Asia and other continents and there are a lot more efforts to be exerted in order to make the automobile market efficient both to the riders and the environment.
The release of the hydrogen-powered motorcycle is an effort to cleanse the air we breathe from carbon monoxide and other harmful release. But, said change is only the beginning…and more to come…
In Motorcycle Fuel Efficiency, a blog entry authored by Travis, he introduced the issue on gas mileage. It still one issue that rings a bell. Gas mileage has still a long way to go and riders have to evolve with time.
Earnest efforts were already made by the United States, Asia and other continents and there are a lot more efforts to be exerted in order to make the automobile market efficient both to the riders and the environment.
The release of the hydrogen-powered motorcycle is an effort to cleanse the air we breathe from carbon monoxide and other harmful release. But, said change is only the beginning…and more to come…
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Watch what you eat
Are you health conscious? This is for you, then…Gotta have enough of those calories to keep the fun out of riding going!
Here are the essential nutrients for riders and other active individuals:
Carbohydrates
Like any other active individual riders must be fueled by a carbo rich diet. Carbo can fuel both slow and high-intensity activities like riding. It is the most ergogenic nutrient. It means that it stimulates performance. Rice, sugars, pasta, beans, bread, grains and starches are rich in carbo. Lack of carbo especially when you are physically active may result to premature exhaustion because the energy stores are depleted.
Fats
Fat is not ‘all’ bad. In fact, it is another energy source that fuels performance. It supplies the body with essential fatty acids which are essential to our skin and other organic functions. It also carries with it fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) which are good for eyesight, blood clotting and other benefits.
Fat only becomes bad when taken more than twice as other energy-dense nutrients. Saturated fat or those that are generally solid at room temperature are less healthful compared to unsaturated fat. Thus, rider must prioritize unsaturated fat.
Protein
Protein is our body’s guard against wearing and tearing of tissues. It grows new tissues in order to repair the damaged ones. Nuts, tofu, peanut butter, red meat, beans, cheese, chicken and fish are rich in protein. Riders must set 15 to 18 per centum of protein in their daily diet.
Calcium
Dairy products like milk and cheese are best sources of calcium. Other sources are broccoli, kale and collard greens. Calcium is for strong bones and teeth. It also helps protect against muscle cramps.
Sodium
Do not cut on salt because they are essential in the absorption of water, stimulation of thirst reflex and maintaining fluid balance.
Potassium
Bananas and orange juice are good sources of potassium. Potassium is an electrolyte which sometimes gets depleted over a long period of hard work. Riders must have enough so as not to deplete electrolyte.
Live healthy, ride hard!
Here are the essential nutrients for riders and other active individuals:
Carbohydrates
Like any other active individual riders must be fueled by a carbo rich diet. Carbo can fuel both slow and high-intensity activities like riding. It is the most ergogenic nutrient. It means that it stimulates performance. Rice, sugars, pasta, beans, bread, grains and starches are rich in carbo. Lack of carbo especially when you are physically active may result to premature exhaustion because the energy stores are depleted.
Fats
Fat is not ‘all’ bad. In fact, it is another energy source that fuels performance. It supplies the body with essential fatty acids which are essential to our skin and other organic functions. It also carries with it fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) which are good for eyesight, blood clotting and other benefits.
Fat only becomes bad when taken more than twice as other energy-dense nutrients. Saturated fat or those that are generally solid at room temperature are less healthful compared to unsaturated fat. Thus, rider must prioritize unsaturated fat.
Protein
Protein is our body’s guard against wearing and tearing of tissues. It grows new tissues in order to repair the damaged ones. Nuts, tofu, peanut butter, red meat, beans, cheese, chicken and fish are rich in protein. Riders must set 15 to 18 per centum of protein in their daily diet.
Calcium
Dairy products like milk and cheese are best sources of calcium. Other sources are broccoli, kale and collard greens. Calcium is for strong bones and teeth. It also helps protect against muscle cramps.
Sodium
Do not cut on salt because they are essential in the absorption of water, stimulation of thirst reflex and maintaining fluid balance.
Potassium
Bananas and orange juice are good sources of potassium. Potassium is an electrolyte which sometimes gets depleted over a long period of hard work. Riders must have enough so as not to deplete electrolyte.
Live healthy, ride hard!
Communication Remedies among Bikers
Bikers are a creative lot. They are also great in expressing themselves and communicating with each other without having to speak face to face. Having access to a lot of medium for communication have made it easy to cross the communication barrier between them.
These medium may be through their motorcycle apparel and accessories. Aside from clothing, their bodies also become a medium. As to their speaking with fellow bikers while riding a bike, it is a crucial thing remedied through the use of handy communication gadgets built especially for motorcycles and the use of bikers.
Here’s some of those gadgets. See if you already have one with you
Motorcycle Two-way Radio Communication Kit – this is a flat helmet speaker with noise reduction microphone. This kit is controlled by a button for handlebar. This gadget helps to have bikers speak with each other freely even as they are on a ride.
Helmet Speaker and Microphone kit – this gadget has basically the same features as the two-way radio kit. Its additional feature is its accommodation of inter-bike communication.
Both these kits can have speakers to easily fit into the helmet. The buttons can also be quickly mounted on the handlebars.
Meanwhile, another gadget, a Motorcycle Two-way Radio package with helmet speaker and microphone kit has two – way radio as a feature in its package.
The Bluetooth-enabled Motorcycle Helmet set is very sophisticated. Having this helmet will enable you to make or take calls. Both open-face and close-face helmets are suitable for this set of communication medium. It has up to 7 hours talking time and 1 week stand by. Volume is adjustable depending on the speed and noise level of the bike.
Great huh? So who says aye to this proud pieces of motorcycle apparel and accessories that aims to bridge the gap among bikers all around.
These medium may be through their motorcycle apparel and accessories. Aside from clothing, their bodies also become a medium. As to their speaking with fellow bikers while riding a bike, it is a crucial thing remedied through the use of handy communication gadgets built especially for motorcycles and the use of bikers.
Here’s some of those gadgets. See if you already have one with you
Motorcycle Two-way Radio Communication Kit – this is a flat helmet speaker with noise reduction microphone. This kit is controlled by a button for handlebar. This gadget helps to have bikers speak with each other freely even as they are on a ride.
Helmet Speaker and Microphone kit – this gadget has basically the same features as the two-way radio kit. Its additional feature is its accommodation of inter-bike communication.
Both these kits can have speakers to easily fit into the helmet. The buttons can also be quickly mounted on the handlebars.
Meanwhile, another gadget, a Motorcycle Two-way Radio package with helmet speaker and microphone kit has two – way radio as a feature in its package.
The Bluetooth-enabled Motorcycle Helmet set is very sophisticated. Having this helmet will enable you to make or take calls. Both open-face and close-face helmets are suitable for this set of communication medium. It has up to 7 hours talking time and 1 week stand by. Volume is adjustable depending on the speed and noise level of the bike.
Great huh? So who says aye to this proud pieces of motorcycle apparel and accessories that aims to bridge the gap among bikers all around.
