Not a rant Honest

[Kiwifruit]

Nice photos Andre. I get the old tree stuff. As you say Col history, if only it could talk.

[Andre]

I love stuff like that!   1000 year old tree!  Just amazing, the things that have happened all the while this tree has been growing.

Your bike looks splendid too Andre.

Thank you Col. My bike is my pride and JOY. Might be "kind of" getting a 2nd bike. My best mate wants a Kawa Zephyr 550. I always liked those small 4 cyl. bikes. He himself can't ride it as he is recovering from 2 broken shoulders. Just wants to have one to look at it. Wants me to test ride it and take it for a spin once and a while to keep it alive, if he gets one. I don't get it but fine with me

This tree, the people who live by it - do they know how privileged they are? Just a few houses by the tree. Out in the boonies. Meadows and forests, that's all there is around them. I'd love to live in a place like that. Quiet, except for the cows, goats and dogs. Oh well, I got a nice relatively quiet place now. Heavy city life close by though. Has its advantages too. Just stopped in an electronics market today (after a nice 100 mile ride) and got a new monitor (old one broke) for my PC. Convenience is nice too.

[VladTepes]

1,000 year old true is indeed truly incredible

[Hooli]

Great tree!

Must be bloody hot there as it's burnt the topcoat off & just left the primer 

[Andre]

Warp speed tore the b&w right off. B&W not made for galaxy travel speeds

[Hooli]

  Keep telling yourself that dear

[Andre]

At least mine is not kept together by dirt and gunk 

[ARH]

 

[Hooli]

At least mine is not kept together by dirt and gunk 

Told ya, it's a stealth & anti-theft coating. Only failed me once in 11 years.

[Mick_J]

Just seen on the Ducati forum a lad was killed on the A140 yesterday after having a crash while wearing shorts, t-shirt and flipflops, he was on a big Suzuki, no one from here I hope.  It's very sad but either put up with the heat in leathers/bike gear or stay at home.

[Mister Fishfinger]

Just seen on the Ducati forum a lad was killed on the A140 yesterday after having a crash while wearing shorts, t-shirt and flipflops, he was on a big Suzuki, no one from here I hope.  It's very sad but either put up with the heat in leathers/bike gear or stay at home.

I have been wearing Kevlar lined jeans and a leather jacket, basically the minimum protection I am prepared to wear - and I am absolutely boiling. Yesterday I waited until 7pm to go out and I was still sweating like a fat girl at a buffet. The air cooled engine doesn't help either, every time you go below 30 it cooks your legs.

But it's things like this poor guy's accident that keep me motivated. Heat is uncomfortable, but it's not as uncomfortable as skin grafts. So I wear the gear and put up with the sweating.

Maybe our cousins in Oz have better lightweight riding gear? Any recommendations?

[Andre]

After several rides in 30+° weather I opted for a break. 3 more days of 30+ I'll use for short maintenance bouts and HP filter mod.

[ARH]

I was out at 6.30am for a run yesterday...home again by 10 just to avoid the boiled lobster effect...  I've also been looking for bike gear that was suitable for use in high temps, but it seems that there is very little on the market.   I'm absolutely not prepared to sacrifice safety for comfort! 

[Sweaty]

Suzuki, no one from here I hope.  It's very sad but either put up with the heat in leathers/

Maybe our cousins in Oz have better lightweight riding gear? Any recommendations?
[/quote]

Cousin Sweaty here Fishy
No, just Kevlar denim jeans & a dririder (quality textile) jacket all year round for me. 40+ on my last Xmas ride but you tough it out for this exact reason.

[Kiwifruit]

You can get adventure riding jackets and pants here in NZ. Once you remove the liners they are covered in mesh panels but still have all the shoulder elbow and back protection.