Hey everyone, so been awhile, but wanted to come on and put a few updates here as to what has been going on and some things coming up.
First off, I have not been doing much interesting riding, just trips around town, and over to nearby places to shop or do errands that I can manage on the bike, so getting some miles, just most of it in the city.
I finally did pick up some better riding gear though.
A few weeks back I bought a new helmet, so now I have a good helmet that has all its internal padding in place, so it fits snuggly and comfortably. Also no longer dealing with cracked visor, and this one also has the built in sun visor as well, so helps with those bright sunny days. Ended up buying a Shoei helmet as the place was out of the Klim one I wanted to look at and the Shuberth helmets just did not fit quite right.
Also picked up a proper riding jacket and pants that gives me the proper protection to stay safe on the bike. Better materials, vents, pockets and better weather protection (though not 100% water proof, still need to find an outer layer, either the one the company makes to work in tandem with the stuff I bought, or some thing cheaper that will keep me dry, but not look as fancy). Also has all the proper pads and such to help with impacts should I go down on the bike. Went with the Klim Baja jacket and pant set. Not only was it the one I was looking for as a really good option for all but the wettest/coldest riding, but they actually had the set in stock, in my size and the color I wanted....so took that as a sign I should buy it. Bit pricy, but my research seems to indicate it was well worth the cost.
To help with layering, I also went and picked up a pair of lightweight convertible pants at REI. Similar to a pair I had before that finally wore out, these are light material, but durable, can zip off the legs to make shorts, and has adjustable waistline setup to not require a belt. Light enough to fit on under riding gear, and good to wear around camp sites or hotels after rides. Lots of pockets as well. Also picked up a pair of lightweight, durable underwear to try out. These are supposed to be comfy, odor resistant, strong enough to do the job, but can be washed by hand and air dried in short time frame, so if they work out, will really reduce the amount of under garments needed. Not yet had a chance to test wear them yet though.
I still need to figure out the outer layer stuff for rain, right now just have a cheap poncho I can slip on if it rains, will help, but not perfect. Also want to get some longer thermal leggings for cold riding, some light weight t-shirts for base layer on upper body as well. I have a nice adventure shirt I can use for after riding that is nice looking, durable, quick washable and lots of pockets, and long sleeves that can roll up to short if need. Had it for years, and with the weight loss it actually fits me again. So that will work. Also have the few pull over fleece jackets to use as a middle layer for warmth in cold weather. Want to pick up a balaclava head piece to use for cold riding to protect neck as well, found one on Amazon, just need to order it yet.
Last item is new gloves. Ones I have were cheap and wearing out already, so will get a bit more durable set this time, and then hopefully figure out a wet/cold weather outer layer for them if possible?
For the bike, not yet figured out what I want for luggage, and some of the other gear I still need to do some research on, or it is on back order or out of stock, so will just have to wait on it.
I did finally hook up the GPS to the battery, so now it will power off the bike, so that will be nice. I also am looking into constructing a better mounting setup for the GPS, and perhaps the GoPro that will allow better mounting for not only usability, but will keep it better protected from wind and such while I ride, and free up space to put a mount for cell phone and hopefully some extra power ports for charging stuff while I ride.
I also picked up some extra accessories for the Go Pro. Mostly extra adhesive mounting points and some additional hardware spares. Battery charging ports, another case for all the spare stuff, some tripods and selfie sticks to better use the gear on and off the bike, and some other mounting options. Also a water proof case for the Hero 9 to help protect it in really wet riding.
I then picked up the Max 360 camera to allow 360 video and photos to be taken, some really interesting options for footage with that one, been playing with it last few weeks to see what I can do with it.
I also sent an old camera I had off to convert it to InfraRed, which will help create some more artistic photos along the way, played a bit with it on a recent road trip (by car) and does pretty good. Look forward to doing some more experiments. I will look at putting up some examples in next few weeks.
Lastly I picked up a case to hold memory cards for the cameras, so I do not lose them or risk them breaking. Just need to buy more cards now.
Still looking into drones. The one I wanted seems to have come end of sale, so no longer finding it out there, and the new one is just really expensive right now, so probably going to hold off till later this year before I take the drone plunge. Lots of things to think about with that.
Also looking still at better camp gear options, while what I have works, there are probably a few things I could improve either quality, functionality, and or transportability with. Some things I do not have at all that while they are not a huge deal right now, will be needed on more remote and longer trips coming in the future.
As for trips, I am going to try and do some extra back country riding hopefully in the next few weeks to try out the bike on dirt roads.
I will also be attending the Overland Expo again this year in Flagstaff. It is coming up next month in May this year, so will hopefully be less likely to rain like last year. Will again ride up and camp on site with the bike, so will have another chapter to write about then.
And lastly, it looks like the India trip will be a go this year. Borders are open, tour operator is running the trip and things are looking good. I have picked up the airfare, insurance and done all the research for visas and the medical stuff I will need to have ready. Got my COVID booster this week, and will check into a few other vaccines that are recommended, though not required. A few things I need to work on as well that relate to the trip, but should be ready to go. Paid the next installment on the cost, and just need to get a hotel booked for the 1st night, then we will be mostly ready. Getting close and getting bit nervous, a big trip, hopefully things go well!
That should provide quite a few chapters and updates along with some video and photos. Of course I will eventually edit together a nice mini film or several episodes about that trip, but that will take time once I return, as I still need to learn how to do that kind of stuff. Editing software I have is a bit confusing, so will see how it goes.
Not much else for now, but things are starting to move along, so hopefully will start seeing more updates here (and I may soon change the visibility of this page to public, so it can be found easier by people!)
Till next time.