New Gear for Spring/Summer 2018 from REV'IT

There are so many new products for us this Spring, I'm going to keep this limited to my top 4 favorites. 

If you follow my Instagram feed, you know I practically live in my Gear 2 Leather Pants almost year round. As long as it isn't below 60F, I'll pretty much live in them because they're so comfortable. 

This Spring, Rev'it is updating the Gear 2 with a new name but basically the same pant with a couple nice armor upgrades. 

The new Ignition 3 Pants (right) is pretty much the same pant as it's predecessor, the Gear 2's but with upgraded Level 2 Seeflex Knee Armor and Seesmart Level 1 Hips. Unfortunately this also means a price upgrade to $429 for the pants (previously $399). But worth $29 extra in my opinion for softer and more protective armor. 

The matching Ignition 3 Jacket is pretty much the same as the 2 with the same armor upgrades for elbows and shoulders for $30 more:

Another new pant for us is the Varenne. 

The Varenne is a ladies version of the popular Axis Unisex Waterproof Overpants which are now discontinued. 

These feature full hip to knee full length, two way zippers on each leg for those of you looking for easy commute wear.

Instead of riding in your skinny jeans, tights, shorts, chinos, and anything else that's not worthy of abrasion, check out these overpants. 

They're waterproof all the time and offer Seesoft Level 2 Knees and soft Seesmart Level 1 Hip protectors.  

They're simple, black and easy to wear and less than $200. And as always, available in (some) short and tall sizes for women (and the mens versions too). 

There are quite a few new additions to the rider looking for modern classic leather jackets.

Three new jackets; the Clare, Rosa and Erin offer slightly different leathers, styles and colors. I want to see someone in that gorgeous red Clare.  

Softer Seesoft Level 1 armor is included (except the back) to make them even more comfortable while riding.   

I think this Spring is going to be awfully cool and protected.... 

Clare - Dark Brown

Clare - Red

Clare - Black

Rosa - Black

Erin - Black

Stay tuned for a review of my Rev'it Neptune GoreTex Suit !

Another Cross Country Ride!

Suffragettes Centennial Motorcycle Ride Announced for August 2020

Looks like my girl Alisa Clickenger is at it again. I can't wait to join their team to help make this happen in 2020. 

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A ride celebrating the power, freedom and unity of American women on the centennial of the right to vote.

Progress is measured in big and small ways every day. A formative step towards the equality of Women in America was the passage of the 19th amendment of the US constitution allowing American women equal vote in fair and free elections. Progress continues on to this day and will be celebrated in August of 2020 with the Suffragettes Centennial Motorcycle Ride. This cross-country ride is dedicated to all women who have fought for equality in the voting booth, in business and in life.

 The Suffragettes Centennial Motorcycle Ride 2020 (SCMR2020) is a female-centric multi-route cross-country motorcycle ride. The primary routes depart from the West Coast and arrive in Washington, D.C. approximately three weeks later. Major cities across the country will be announced as starting points for rides that will join into a single large group as they roll towards Washington, D.C. The ride will benefit several charities that service female interests across the US, and will be broadly shared via social media and editorial coverage.

Riders will have the option of registering for a nearly all-inclusive three-week tour, with other options for shorter rides. Each ride will feature unique points of interest, historic locations and will wrap itself in the majestic scenery of the United States. SCMR2020 is being announced early to inspire women to brush up on riding skills, learn how to ride and to set a goal to join what will surely be a legendary group making a powerful statement.

(Namibia, 2014: Alisa Clickenger, Founder of Women's Motorcycle Tours)

The event is being managed by Alisa Clickenger of Women's Motorcycle Tours in partnership with Robert Pandya of SpokesPeople LLC. “I have been hosting rides and events for women for many years after discovering the freedom and sisterhood of riding, and I am humbled and inspired by the Suffragettes,” says Clickenger. “Two summers ago I produced the Sisters’ Centennial Motorcycle Ride to celebrate the bold American attitude and confidence of the legendary Van Buren Sisters ride in 1916. The Suffragettes Centennial Motorcycle Ride is intended to honor and increase the appreciation for how far women have come, and how far we will go.”

     “I have been involved in women’s riding initiatives for my entire professional career,” says Pandya. “SCMR2020 is going to be a great and meaningful event, and will arrive in Washington, D.C. with the strength and power that only a women’s ride can deliver. I know that this ride will be transformational for every participant and I know it will inspire women for generations to come.”

Those wanting the latest information on SCMR2020 can sign up for a mailing list at http://eepurl.com/c-_Viz . Updates will be sent regularly in the coming months. There will be limited entries into the three-week Full Ride Tour program, with other shorter ride options as well. Registration will start in 2018.

SCMR2020 is open to sponsorships and activation opportunities, and we’ll be tailoring each ride to create the most compelling experience possible for the participants. Interested organizations and companies can connect with the SCMR2020 team at Info@CentennialRide.com.

A complete website inclusive of the general route, inspiring stories of female riders, resource listings such as riding schools, female-friendly motorcycle media, apparel guides and more is being developed and will launch in the coming months.

“This is an exciting and epic idea! It’s going to have a lot of moving pieces,” says Clickenger. “I know that our team will deliver a unique and historical ride that will ignite women across the country. I am so excited to once again ride with mothers, daughters and sisters who share the vision and who choose to live an inspired life!”

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The Suffragettes Centennial Motorcycle Ride is presented by Women's Motorcycle Tours, a Limited Liability Company. We recommend that all riders join the American Motorcyclist Association and enjoy the benefits of membership. SCMR 2020 media and sponsorship inquiries can be directed to Info@CentennialRide.com.

Women's Sportbike Rally East and West 2017

Photo at Fontana Dam, Women's Sportbike Rally East 2015

Two years ago, I went to my first Women's Sportbike Rally at Deals Gap. It was also my first time riding to the infamous Dragon. It was the longest solo ride I'd ever taken, and on Goldie too. 

This year I'm not only going to try and attend both rallies (still need to get time off approved) but I'm also assisting my friend Brittany Morrow, the National Director of the Rally. You may know her as Road Rash Queen. I just know her as a cool ass rider named Brittany.  

I'm excited to help her promote and share the rally with my fellow women riders who love riding sportbikes! Nothing else like it exists, and we want every female who rides a sportbike or is interested in riding sportbikes to attend. 

For the 3rd year in a row, the West Coast will take place at Big Bear Lake, CA in Southern California. And for the 12th year in a row, the East rally will take place near the infamous Dragon in Fontana Village, NC.

If I attend, I'll be hosting seminars and workshops too so stay tuned for updates when I make my final announcements for both events. 

For registration details and event info visit the website. 

Heated Women's Motorcycle Gear

After a chilly ride the other day, I thought about what I'm going to do to keep my fingers from freezing to death while out riding. Because at 50F + windchill it feels like 40F; it's COLD! 

So what is the best option for staying warm while riding your motorcycle? Two Words: Heated Gear.

In 2011, when I was first introduced to the world of Heated Jacket Liners. TOASTY!

You might be debating whether or not to go this route. If you've decided you're going to take the plunge, it's important to know what the best options are for us as women riders. Before I dive into some recommendations, let's review some basics.

How Should My Liners Be Worn?

When it comes to wearing heated gear, keep in mind that heated liners are meant to be worn Underneath. You need to block the wind so that you can actually feel the heat. These also do not offer any type of protection when it comes to abrasion resistance or impact protection. Also, it’s crucial that it fits CLOSE to your body, as fitted as your riding gear. How else are you going to feel all that delicious heat?

However, keep in mind that you must also wear a baselayer because the heating elements are hot so you need to wear a long sleeve shirt of some kind as a barrier between your skin and the gear. Not a heavy sweater or thick fleece jacket, but a breathable winter weight baselayer.  Otherwise you will get burns as you turn up the intensity!

So the order of layers is:

1. Thermal, winter weight baselayer
2. Heated Jacket Liner or Pants
3. Armored Riding Jacket or Pants

7Volt vs. 12Volt

As you start shopping, you will see these terms thrown around on various types of gear. It’s important to know the difference, especially when riding motorcycles. One will work very well for us, the other will not.

7Volt or 7V, refers to Battery Powered Heated Gear. That means there's a little battery in your pocket that allows you to adjust the heat while you're out and about. It lasts anywhere from 3-6 hours depending on how much heat you're using during any given time. I actually have a 7V vest that I bought just for working at the time (3 years ago) because the store I worked at was So cold inside. I tried using it just riding across San Francisco, but it didn't have enough heat no matter what jacket I wore over it. You cannot plug this into your motorcycle's battery to power the vest. And you only have heat squares that cover the upper chest and back. Another reason why this doesn't provide enough heat to your body while riding.

You will see a ton of 7V(olt) options on the market from many brands including Gyde (formerly Gerbing), VentureHeat and MobileWarming, but these 7V options do NOT provide enough heat to keep you warm at riding speeds. Maybe if you're riding a bicycle, but bump that speed up to 45-55-65-75mph and now that 7V vest can't keep up. And, you don't have heat down your sleeves, back, arms and neck like you do on a 12V jacket.

12Volt or 12V, refers to heated gear that you can plug directly into your bike's battery to provide continuous, intense heat. YES! Now you have more options to stay warm.

The reason I would recommend the women’s specific lines is because the fitment can be much better in the shoulders, sleeves, waist and bust. You also don’t have to size up to accommodate your chest/bust fit as you will with mens lines. 

Now, let's go over what the options are for 12V gear and the various combinations you can put together to stay warm. I'm going to list the options on WarmnSafe.com's website. Remember that all the women's heated gear offered through FirstGear is a WarmnSafe product. When you buy any of the women's specific heated accessories, you will find both logos on the garments.

12V Options:

1/ Generation 4 Women’s Heated Jacket Liner. $199.99-$239.99 This version uses a new heated material that sounds less bulky and softer overall. I’m very tempted to upgrade to this one because I’m hoping it heats better than the wires do. The wires are large and you can definitely feel them in the Gen 3 Liner. It also has a newer collar and reflective piping on the back, which I’m not sure how you would see since you should be wearing this Underneath your riding jacket. These liners are NOT meant to be worn alone.   The 90Watt generates more heat, and I believe it draws very similar power to the 65Watt. 

• 65watt; XS-XL $199.99 This version is probably being discontinued as Large is no longer available. You do save $40, however.
• 90watt; XS-2XL; TALL SIZES available! $239.99. This is such a great option for those of you who need longer sleeves and torsos.

 

2/  Generation 3 Women’s Heated Jacket Liner $199.99, XS-2XL I'm wearing this one in the picture above, and it's also the one that's sold through the brand FirstGear. No difference from the one sold on WarmnSafe's website, just comes with a FirstGear logo. If you're already considering spending $200 on a heated jacket, you may as well spend a few dollars more and get the Generation 4 model above. This one is still offered in 65W and 90W options, however Tall sizes are not available. Read my full review here.

3/ FirstGear Heated Pant Liners. There are two options for the pant liners as well!

• Gen4 Heated Pants Liner: XS-XL, $199.99; I’ve seen this one in person and it fits like a legging. Not as thin of course, but thin enough to wear under your riding pants. I was impressed by how well they fit. They seem true to fit.  “Heated zones cover thigh and knee and upper butt“

• Generation Windblock Heated Pant Liners: XS-XL; $239.99 Looks like the Windblock version has a couple key differences:
  • NEW WindBlock Pants Liner! Front Panel Made From Stretch Gelanots™ to Block the Wind.
  • NEW Run the Pants and Socks together or on Separate Heat-trollers
  • I can't tell any differences aesthetically, they look the same on the outside and the fit appears to be the same as well.

4/ Warmnsafe Women's Heated Gloves.  $129.99, S-L I’m pretty sure these gloves run loose. If you need XS, I would recommend the Heated Glove Liners instead. I personally prefer riding gloves that offer more protection such as palm sliders and hard knuckles, so for me, these don’t work. But if you’re searching for a toasty glove to ride in, you’ll probably love these.

5/ Firstgear Heated Glove Liners, Unisex XS-2XL; $79.95. These are the ones I want! These liners should be thin enough to wear under your gloves. If you have the jacket, then all you have to do is plug each glove into the cable on each wrist. Atomic Skin also offers liners, but you cannot plug them into another brand's heated jacket.  

So there you have it, all the heated stuff, all the time. Stay warm, everyone.

Time to go ride!