Hot weather riding gear

[blues2cruise]

A wet towel would just get warm and dry out very fast.

There is a bandana called "MiraCool". It's like a skinny necktie. Inside it has some crystals that expand when you soak them in water. This bandana will stay wet and cool for a couple of days. You just need to turn the bandana around once in awhile.

[Coach]

Local dealer had a First Gear MeshTex 1/4 zip pullover style mesh jacket. It was the only XL they had, but part of the zipper pull was broken off so I got them to knock off $20 and I bought it anyway. The zipper works fine and half the pull is still there.
I looked at some Joe Rocket jackets as well, but the mesh seemed less substantial on them if that makes any sense.

[karlyn]

hi!
that really is bad..
maybe you should change your jacket or perhaps
your helmet which suits your comfort and style.

[MASHBY]

Well the coolest way to ride in the summer is to ride in the nude but this is why you shouldn't

"Riding gear? I don't plan on crashing."
A German motorcyclist's ride went dreadfully wrong when a bee took exception to his lack of appropriate riding gear. The 36-year-old man was riding in the nude to a nearby naturalist's swimming pool when he was attacked. While attempting to swat the angry bee, he lost control and crashed his motorcycle, resulting in a shoulder injury and bruises.

It was a lucky escape considering his riding outfit consisted of nothing more than a scarf, sunglasses and sandals. Police in Hessen, Germany are considering charging him for riding without a helmet. (MCN.com)

No word on if or where the bee stung him. Some eyewitnesses said they could see a stinger but when asked for more details the eyewitnesses just laughed and walked away.

[blues2cruise]

A few days ago I went riding with a friend on a hot sunny day. He showed up wearing a t-shirt and some light gloves. (At least he was wearing gloves). I was wearing my Joe Rocket jacket and my full gloves. He thought I was nuts. I told him, "I promised my Mom I would wear protective gear. It's the least I can do given how much she fears motorcycles".
Anyway, with the vents open, once you're moving it's not so bad.

I'm surprised at how many motorcyclists are not wearing gloves. Even ordinary gloves would help protect against a bee or a rock.

Here's something you can do for a really hot day. Get yourself a Platypus pack or a Camelback pack that you often see cyclists wearing. Fill the bladder with water and freeze it in a somewhat flat postion. Wear your pack under your jacket with the tube clipped to the front of your jacket. The ice pack will keep you cool for awhile and you will have some water to sip as you go along.

[Coach]

My main problem was my only jacket was my thick leather jacket. With the MeshTex I bought today, I'm good to go. I always wear gloves and helmet. My mesh/leather summer gloves are Joe Rocket. My winter gloves (I ride as long as the temp is above freezing) are actually meant for snow mobile racing but work great for riding as well (thick leather plus GoreTex and Thinsulate). 98% of the time I wear jeans and boots. When it gets colder, I have a pair of jeans that are a size too big and baggy cut that I wear over my regular pants. I'm considering a 1/2 or 3/4 helmet for the summer, but I haven't decided yet. I have a very nice HJC full face that I wear at all times now.

[Cat]

Ok. I know I'm setting myself up for a bashing. But. I the summer time the only thing on my arms is the ink in the artwork. I do have a heavy leather vest. The secret, (so I've been told) to avoiding road rash is "keep the shiney side up"
JMHO...BWTFDIK

[Mag7C]

I'm considering a 1/2 or 3/4 helmet for the summer, but I haven't decided yet.

That idea crossed my mind too. I was thinking a 3/4 and goggles would feel great in the hot weather.

Then I changed my mind when I realized I routinely use the shield when riding behind hay trucks (ouch without it) and for those times when the bugs seem to own the skies.

Still might do it anyway though.

[DustyJacket]

Joe Rocket Alter Ego jacket and pants.
3-in-1 jacket, I have no other.

With the panels zipped on and liners in, it is a good cold weather/rain suit.

With the liners out, it is a moderate weather suit.

With the panels zipped off, it is a mesh suit.

Costs more initially (www.motorcyclecloseouts.com) but I onl;y needed to buy one jacket for year-round riding.

[stargazertony]

I just bought a Joe Rocket Santa Fe mesh jacket. It has leather, armor and seems to be made well. I think it's a perfect complement to my Joe Rocket Nova jacket I use for colder weather. It's a discontinued model but you can still get them deeply discounted