Finally I rode today

After what seems like weeks on end of no riding I took to streets of Spokane and rode 40 some miles around the back woods. In fact It was a very invigorating a beautiful scenic drive. I call it the Indian Trail ride, as it's midway point is the Indian trail that is a favorite stop for hikers and wildlife onlookers. I should include this trip in the must haves. It's super winding and scenic, I saw a doe today crossing the road and it was no more then 10-15 feet and without a care in the world... I even honked as I went by. The road is slow but twisting and narrow in all sorts of directions something that would challenge any rider! It ends across the bridge of the little Spokane river and then on to the North side of Spokane (which is under construction). It was actually fun to ride today especially since I've waited so long to get out of the house.

Soon I shall have maps and record my trips with the minions and solo expeditions across Spokane and neighboring cities so subscribe to keep updated!

New Gear

This Is my new gear, The pant's and jacket are both from Xelements. The pants are lightweight 38x32 They only make pants that are 32" long :( However they are bigger so I can use them as over-pants.

The Jacket is a racing armor jacket. I really like the added shoulder padding on the outside it looks really cool. It's also armored with a Rubber back, shoulder, and elbow protection. The Jacket is an XL which is a little tight but it is adjustable with the side straps. It also has a Waterproof liner that is removable in the hot summer heat... if we ever get any.

After riding in the rain and getting soaked from shoulder to toes I looked online to find something suitable. There was plenty and in different colors but every jacket I liked was sold out! So Craigslist to the rescue as I found a seller that had his business fail recently and was practically giving them away. I got both Jacket and Pants for $110 which is a steal in my opinion.

The Pant's work great  and with a little customization I can affix the knee pads so they won't move around as much but they do fit almost perfectly at the bend. The bottoms of the pants are adjustable with velcro but the cold air rushes up because it's short about 2 inches. So I will have to strap them close somehow in the rain and cold riding. There is also air vents that can be open and closed by zippers in the front and back.


The Jacket like I said is a little tight. I have a 46-48" chest and a "gut" just under that. I do plan on loosing some wight this summer so I can expect this jacket to fit better soon. There are 2 pockets for your hands and an inside pocket located on the left side right next to the zipper for a wallet and cellphone. The liner can be removed and it too has pockets for your hands. I'm guessing if you don't want to be wearing something bulky but need a jacket when you stop you can just wear the liner.

From the reviews I've read this jacket is good up to 60F then you need a sweater and a scarf to keep the chill at bay. But it's excelent for hot weather riding and again it's waterproof (if you wear the liner) and very breathable.

I think when I get my next bike I'll buy a new jacket that's a little warmer.

Wind and Rain

OK, so today I rode to Post Falls Idaho, first off I got lost getting there and coming back...(stupid Google maps.) I had to stop in Rathdrum to ask for directions which was simple enough, all I had to do was turn right at the corner ahead and go 6 miles so it worked out! On the way back I tried to go backwards to the directions I was supposed to follow but I again was lost. The street has a different name going one direction, and something else the opposite directions. once I figured that out it was much easier to go home. However... it started to rain and not only that, it was windy! I had a head wind all the way there and the streets I was on 55mph I couldn't keep up, there were times I had to pull off the road three times to let traffic go because the wind was just that strong against me. Also I had to pull off the road because my trunk case flew open and my shit started to fly out, it was closed but I guess a bump caused it to open unexpectedly. I lost a blue Walmart bag :( it was my favorite bag.

On the way back it started to rain and I've never driven in the rain with my scooter before so I was praying that I wouldn't go down on the way home. Not only that but I had cross winds all the way home which really dragged me all over the place trying to stay rubber side down! With wind, rain, and on top of that NO RAIN GEAR! I was forced to travel 40 miles home soaking wet from the top down. My fingers were numb, my crotch was as cold as an icicle, and the only parts of me that was dry was my toes, my head and my ass!

Other then that it was... Interesting. I never went to another city like that before and I never rode in the rain either. If I had another bike I would try to go harder in the rain to see how the bike handles but I need to have this one last for the rest of the year without any major repair.

I saw 3 Harley bikers dressed in leather vests with no helmets out in the rain (dumb mother fuckers) smiling and probably thinking... oh well. Then I passed a biker bar with a sign saying " Don't be stupid, pull over". I laugh because if I pulled over I would be stupid. No I went home on my scooter soaking wet from pouring rain and winds that would second guess my choice in vehicles. At first It was like jumping into a river but soon the cold soaked to my bones and I was rushing to get home to warm up next to my lovely wife! Nonetheless I survived and I hope to get some rain gear for when this happens again here soon.