Moto Gear: SCORE! AD-1's from Aerostich

Hey All!  I've been needing new gear for the longest time but have been having difficulties trying to decide what to get.  It seems like there are so many options...and yet even at lunch I have a hard time ordering.  Can you imagine me surfing the internet looking for the perfect jacket and pants?  Whew.  In the end, I've decided to stay with what I know and ordered a pair of Aerostich pants.

I've had a pair of Aerostich Darien pants for about the last five years.  I've loved these pants.  They are the perfect outer layer when it rains, or when it's hot, or when I want to wear shorts and still be protected.  Aerostich has improved the pants and now have a pair called AD-1's.  I have to tell you, I was a little hesitant to do anything other than the Dariens since they have served me well.  But, on first glance, these AD-1's are another WIN for Aerostich.  I'll let you know how I feel about them in a few months when they are more flexible and have been worn a bit.  As of now, I can tell you, if you are looking for a pair of pants that fit in the WIN column, check these out.  These pants have pockets of plenty, improvements to ensure they zippers are more waterproof (though I never had a problem with the Dariens) and have closures on the pockets (which the Darien's lacked) so you can ride assured your valuables won't be slip sliding out.

Now, about that jacket....I'm kind of wondering if I shouldn't go for the Darien jacket as well...I mean, after all, why mess with a good thing?  Aerostich has my vote thus far.  Check out Aerostich here:  http://www.aerostich.com/    

Thumbs up from bmwgsgirl!

The Perfect Accessory: A fantasy Giant Loop Tail Bag, "The Trout Tail"

"Charlie Brown's" F800GS

"Oh God!  It's starting to rain!"  That's what the man said.  But imagine it coming from Charlie Brown and you'll get the flavor.  It was entertaining but more so, shocking.  This big, tough man living in Oregon concerned about a little rain!  Imagine!

We were standing outside BMW of Western Oregon (http://www.bmwor.com/) talking about his BMW F800GS, a beautiful bike three years old with luggage that was my current envy.

I've been riding around on my fancy new G650GS and pondering luggage.  My first trip on the bike made me realize I needed something.  That feeling was exemplified on my second trip as I was headed to downtown Portland to go paddling (dragonboat dork, yep).  I had  fancy paddle bag strapped around my body (one end in the air and the other flapping against the bike), a personal flotation device with a rain jacket, Teva's, and a pair of rain pants bungee corded to the back.  Too much stuff and no where to put it, in the pouring rain.

Ocelot 17 liter tail bag

What I really need is something like what Charlie Brown has.  I mean, that bag...he says it was only $80 and it expands.  But, security?  Nil.  I mean someone can just come and take the thing off and walk away.  And it's much too large to be packing in and out of my office downtown from the parking garage.  Maybe I need hardcases.  Jesse Bags are only around $1000 and they offer security...but they won't come off easily.  I think this time around I want something that will be removable so I don't have to pack around that extra weight when I'm not using it.  The Giant Loop bag would be great, but at times it's too big, especially to throw on when it's not in use.  I think I've come to the conclusion that my ideal bag would be able to scrunch up into a smaller bag...maybe fit in a tail bag that has a strap that I could easily remove and carry with me when I go into stores.  But, if I'm putting a bag into a bag why not just use the tail bag?  I have one, a Ocelot 17 liter tail bag that has about four rides on it.  It's in perfect condition except the huge seam rip out that occurred the second time I used it.  I would have returned it but I kept it in the closet for about six months before I made that second trip with it.  Way past return time.  I've been stuck with this great bag of crappy quality for years.  Sides, in Oregon I really want something waterproof.  The Ocelot came with one of those black bags you can slide over it when the rain starts.  What a pain.

Maybe what I need is a Giant Loop (http://www.giantloopmoto.com/) quality tail bag.  Something for those days when I don't need all the space of the Great Basin but need more than the tank bag or the Coyote can offer.  You know something waterproof with nice zippers (or roll down top, I won't be picky), strong material that comes in awesome colors.  About 17-20 liters with some height, a couple external pockets, and bungees or straps holding it down for quick release and easy access. Is that really too much to ask for?

Apparently.

Maybe Giant Loop could at least consider it if it's not already on their list.  I mean, I am more than happy to offer up a name for it:  The "Deschutes Tail Bag."  The name is in support of the mighty Deschutes River in Bend (where Giant Loop is located).  I was going to go with the "Trout Tail Bag" (in honor of my Chocolate Lab, Trout and of course, the fish that comes out of the Deschutes) but I figured that may be pushing it a little.

I think I'll shimmy over to the truck stop and see if I can pick up some trucker's tarp.  Someone's gotta have an industrial sewing machine, right?