New cold record for myself

[Dupo]

rode in 19 degrees. :rawk:


I know, big deal lol.

[alanmcorcoran]

I was out tonight on the freeway for about 70 miles. The temperature wasn't too bad (42), but it was pea soup fog. Learned a couple of things:

1) Motorcycle windshields don't have wipers.
2) Motorcycle windshields don't have defoggers/defrosters.
3) 1 & 2 also apply to faceshields on full face helmets
4) and also for bifocals.

So, there I was, barreling down the seamed, grooved and otherwise effed up concrete at 65ish, with my faceshield flipped up, sitting on the back edge of the seat, straining to sit up straight, so I could see over the top of the windshield.

Good times.

[Water Warrior 2]

You guys are nuts or gluttons for punishment. Happy New Year. :2tup:

[Easy Rider]

So, there I was, barreling down the seamed, grooved and otherwise effed up concrete at 65ish, with my faceshield flipped up, sitting on the back edge of the seat, straining to sit up straight, so I could see over the top of the windshield.


Among other things (that are pretty obvious so I won't comment on them) this story tends to indicate that you have your shield mounted just a TINY bit too high. You shouldn't have to strain THAT much to see over it. :biggrin:

[Moedad]

I was out tonight on the freeway for about 70 miles. The temperature wasn't too bad (42), but it was pea soup fog. Learned a couple of things:

1) Motorcycle windshields don't have wipers.
2) Motorcycle windshields don't have defoggers/defrosters.
3) 1 & 2 also apply to faceshields on full face helmets
4) and also for bifocals.

So, there I was, barreling down the seamed, grooved and otherwise effed up concrete at 65ish, with my faceshield flipped up, sitting on the back edge of the seat, straining to sit up straight, so I could see over the top of the windshield.

Good times.

Hey, welcome back. Geez, we drove two miles in the fog in our Altima as the new year began. That was plenty. What freeway were you on??

[mrlmd1]

Alan, why are you " barreling down the seamed, grooved and otherwise effed up concrete at 65ish", in "pea soup fog."? Don't you want to stay active as a member of this group rather than being all bashed up spread put on the road some where? :??:
I know you gotten quite a bit more "confident" over the past few months, but don't get carried away (literally and figuratively). (My advice for 2009).
All of us want as healthy and happy year ahead.

[Easy Rider]

Alan, why are you " barreling down the seamed, grooved and otherwise effed up concrete at 65ish", in "pea soup fog."?

California driver ?? :poked:

Yea, Alan, WTF??? :skull:

[alanmcorcoran]

Well, I'd like to defend myself, but, in all honesty, this particular adventure was a bit more than I bargained for. Here's how it got to where it got to:

1) The bike has become my primary means of getting around. A little bit more so cause I recently gave the '98 Camry to my daughter (her '95 is approaching 200K and is starting to fall apart and she moved 350 miles away today.)
2) I decided to go out to a New Year's Eve party at 9pm on NYE. 44 miles away, mostly freeway. Not a huge deal, right?
3) Did the party, the ball drop, the champagne, little Auld Lang Syne on the piano and it was 1:15ish and time to go.
4) About 4 miles down the 605, the pea soup rolls in. It is seriously thick. You can't see signs, exits... taillights suddenly emerge from the mist. I am surrounded by fellow revelers, some of which are probably half in the bag, no one is slowing down much, except the drunks.

So, it's 1:30 in the morning, my daughter and wife and leaving today for Monterrey and are probably asleep, it's effing cold and wet, and, now, foggy. My choices are: suck it up, open up the throttle and get the hell home, or, pull over in East Buttfuck and shiver under a street lamp. I have gotten a lot better at bouncing/rattling/careening down the freeway - all I had to add was not being able to see shit and I was all set.

Wasn't a lot of fun, but I got the thing with the express purpose of learning how to ride it competently in all conditions, including "civil unrest." Bear in mind, I rode a 50cc Peugeot scooter through three rough Ithaca winters, so I'm not a complete newb when it comes to unpleasant riding conditions.

My main worry was getting clipped by a DUI that didn't see my taillight in The Soup.

You may now proceed to kick my ass.

[mrlmd1]

Sorry, for me, that doesn't cut it. I don't get the excuse.
How much champagne?
It's a judgment thing. You're going to kick your own ass.
My intent is to preserve it, for whatever you want to use it for. And I'm not trying to do the big brother thing but you know better.
The end. :poked:

[Easy Rider]

Sorry, for me, that doesn't cut it. I don't get the excuse.


It is NOT an excuse. It IS a statement of facts.
Anybody can get caught in unexpected weather.
If it hasn't happened to you yet, you haven't been riding long enough.

So, smilies not withstanding, for me, your answer doesn't cut it.
I think you need to lighten up a bit. Really.

[patrick_777]

Yeah, weather can get you anywhere. No forecast is ever dead on and every ride is a judgment call. Alan did good getting home safely and it sounds like like a learning experience, as almost every ride should be.

[Moedad]

So, it's 1:30 in the morning, my daughter and wife and leaving today for Monterrey and are probably asleep, it's effing cold and wet, and, now, foggy.

Good enough for me. I wouldn't want to get my wife or daughter to come and get me in one of those neighborhoods at 1:30 am, fog or no fog.

[mrlmd1]

You 3 guys will defend everyone to the death for whatever. I like Alan too, and feel like he's sort of a friend, and would like to keep him as well as the rest of us around here longer. I don't want to hear that one of us got wiped out in a crash or accident.
There's a difference between getting suddenly caught in bad weather and pea soup fog and continuing barreling down a crappy surfaced highway at 65ish for 70 miles, and being more prudent and slowing down to 45-50, not outdriving your lights and forward vision, etc, if it's that bad out. The impression he gave was that he was going as fast as he possibly could, "not being able to see shit" over the windshield ahead of him, just to get home. Was he going fast for fear of being run down by another speeding car? You would have to admit it's a disaster waiting to happen, and I am just as glad as Alan, and you, that he made it home alright. It's still not a good thing for anyone to do and the fact that you get away with it doesn't make it right. At least he got home vertical instead of horizontal.
It's not a matter of lightening up, I was well aware of the exact sort of response I would get from posting that comment, but that's my opinion. If I can't voice it, or any else on here can't voice it, then have fun with your forum, I'm outta here. Now you can post your opinion back to me again.

[Easy Rider]

It's not a matter of lightening up, I was well aware of the exact sort of response I would get from posting that comment,

OK, so if you KNEW what the reaction would be ......and it happened......then what's the problem?? :??:

MY problem is that you appear to have missed a couple of critical factors in the equation:

1) Apparently you don't have much experience driving on California freeways.
2) Alan doesn't strike me as a fool-hardy person so I assume that he did what he thought was prudent and proper under the circumstances.
3) It is possible to comment on his decision without being nasty: "I ain't buying your excuse" comes across as arguementative and inflamatory.

Posting things like Alans did can be (and has been) very informative for newer riders. This one might encourage people to think more about the return trip before they go out......and/or get a weather forecast. If you continue to deride and belittle people who post "Boy I screwed up" stories then THEY might go away........instead of you.

Some people deserve a dope slap but that is few and far between and I certainly don't believe this is one of those situations where it is appropriate.

You have been a valuable member of the forum for some time now. You are not afraid to critisize someone when you think it is appropriate. Alas, you don't seem to be able to TAKE it very well when some criticism comes BACK. If our being honest with YOU is going to upset you, well then maybe it is better that you do leave. Sad. :cry:

[Moedad]

You 3 guys will defend everyone to the death for whatever.

Not to the death. Not me. Not everyone.

I like Alan too, and feel like he's sort of a friend, and would like to keep him as well as the rest of us around here longer. I don't want to hear that one of us got wiped out in a crash or accident.

Me neither.

There's a difference between getting suddenly caught in bad weather and pea soup fog and continuing barreling down a crappy surfaced highway at 65ish for 70 miles, and being more prudent and slowing down to 45-50, not outdriving your lights and forward vision, etc, if it's that bad out. The impression he gave was that he was going as fast as he possibly could, "not being able to see shit" over the windshield ahead of him, just to get home.

That is kind of dumb. Alan, you bonehead. :whistle: Imprudent as it may've been, it also may've been about the best choice.

Was he going fast for fear of being run down by another speeding car?

That'd be my guess. Trying to match the flow of traffic.

You would have to admit it's a disaster waiting to happen...

Yup. Nobody's saying it was anything but

...and I am just as glad as Alan, and you, that he made it home alright. It's still not a good thing for anyone to do and the fact that you get away with it doesn't make it right. At least he got home vertical instead of horizontal

It's not a matter of lightening up, I was well aware of the exact sort of response I would get from posting that comment, but that's my opinion. If I can't voice it, or any else on here can't voice it, then have fun with your forum, I'm outta here. Now you can post your opinion back to me again.

Heck yeah, you can voice your opinion. Alan's said before that he has a thick skin. He said right up front he expected to take some flak. IMO, he was sharing an experience that we can all relate to to one degree or another, and that none of us would've liked. He never said it was a model example. You're not saying (at least I don't think you are) he's a dumbass with no hope of ever being anything else, but you're saying he did something dumb. Yeah. Dumb is relative sometimes too. Maybe even necessary. I probably would've done the same thing he did, and I would've been cringeing and wincing and whimpering the whole way. Maye he was too. It still would been better than having my wife come out to any of those neighborhoods along the 605 on a foggy post-New Year's Eve, and better than riding the surface streets with a higher chance of being run down.

IMO, one of the things this forum is about is to share these kinds of experiences as war stories of a sort, and so we and others might learn from them. Isn't that what we're here for?

[Moedad]

And hey, how about that crazy Dupo, riding in 19 degrees. :whistle:

[Dupo]

21 last night.

[mrlmd1]

I'm not trying to come off nasty, if that's how it came off to you, then I'm sorry.
Let me tell you where I'm coming from, not necessarily in proper order.
1.) As a cardiac, thoracic (chest), vascular, trauma surgeon in my previous life, I've seen and cared for too many people in devastating, mutilating accidents, with severe head and facial injuries, chest injuries (fractured ribs, punctured lungs, cardiac contusions, major vessel injuries with massive bleeding, abdominal injuries (fractured livers, ruptured spleens, internal bleeding), pelvic and long bones fractures, loss of skin and soft tissue, etc. If you are lucky enough to survive the initial insult, you may be looking at possible major life/limb-saving surgery and weeks or months in a hospital or rehab facility, and when you finally "recover", believe me, you will never be the same.
2.) From all the information in this country and Europe, from the MSF, even in Proficient Motorcycling, and written up elsewhere, motorcyclist go through different stages - my quick summary, initially some fear or intrepidation, then with more experience, confidence, then overconfidence, then, hopefully, a step back towards reality and further expertise before you wind up like in #1 above.
3.) It's up to us as individuals to be the most careful about guarding our own safety and well-being, always making some kind of judgment or decision about risk/benefit ratios and the like. We are all responsible for our own behavior and our own safety. and should hopefully make those decisions with a clear head (like obviously, drugs or alcohol don't mix with motorcycles, there's too many things going on all at once not to have your thinking and coordination impaired).
3.) I am not singling out AC or trying to be nasty or chastise him, but let me use him as an example for argument's sake.(Sorry Alan). If you don't agree with me, that's fine, do what you want, but I think most of you deep down would feel the same way as I do.
4.) I have read all of AC's posts since his joining this group about 6 months ago, and have seen him progress through the various stages, as we all do/did, ie., getting up to 70mph on the highway in traffic and riding at night.
5.) What he conveyed above as to what he learned, was that windshields and faceshields and bifocals have no wipers on them, not that he learned he was in a dangerous situation and how he would have avoided it next time, or done something different to cope with his surroundings. Like maybe put on his turn signal flashers to try and make himself more visible? Maybe slow down a little? Would you drive your car with your head out the window at 65mph if you couldn't see for shit in the fog through your windshield while driving over a crappy road? It's just as easy to run off the exit ramp in conditions like that. Teach us all something we didn't already know and own up to yourself. If the weather and conditions are so crappy, call a cab, call a friend to pick you up, stay overnight or a few more hours where you are and see if the weather clears. There's lots of other choices to consider.
6.) If he was my kid, I would have lovingly greeted him when he got home with a big open-armed hug, then probably spanked the crap out of him for excersizing such poor judgement when he knows better. AC, whether the champagne had anything to do with his judgment or not, I see, at least in this isolated instance, is getting into the overconfident stage, and I don't want to see him get hurt.
7.) Not for nothing and none of my business, isn't New Year's one of those times you spend with your wife together? I really don't want to go there, but if my wife didn't want to go or had to stay home 'cause she's leaving the next day, I would have been home with her rather than riding my bike to someone's party
44 miles away. And if I did go out on New Year's, I would have taken the car. I don't know the particulars, it's not a criticism, it's what I would have done.
8.) Alan said I could kick his ass, so there it is. Moedad also called him a bonehead. And at least ER seemed to initially agree with me, but I have to disagree with him - AC didn't post this to advise riders to check the weather before they go out, it came off more as a matter of bravado rather than one of caution. If he had said that in his posts, I wouldn't be so "critical", and would have accepted that, that at least he would be a little more careful next time. I really don't want to hear, like I said before, that anyone gets hurt, especially because of their own stupidity when they really know better. We all make mistakes, we all do stupid things now and again, but let's not get hurt in the process.
9.) I can take the flak too, just wanted to get my message across, my thoughts, my opinion. Agree or not, that's your opinion and you are entitled to it.

[alanmcorcoran]

You go Dupo!

I have a piece of clothing I bought many years ago that I've ben meaning to take a picture of to post, but havent been able to organize my camera and the item. It's a very simple - a rectangular piece of (probably) a synthetic stretch wool sewn into a tube. Lain flat, it's approximately 6"x12". It's very versatile for keeping one's head warm in cold windy conditions (for me, hurtling down Mt. Holy Crap when it's 10 degrees.) If it's still in 30 deg. land, I wear it bunched up around my neck - does a good job of being a scarf without the strangulation possibilities. If it gets colder, I can pull it up so one end frames my face and the other seals my neck to a fleece or jacket. Keeps the head warm, the ears warm and is thin enough so I can wear my helmet over it. (Yeah, wear a helmet skiing too.) Add goggles, my head is usually warm right down to about 10. At 10 an below, I add a special black velcro version of the "stickup" bandanna that has holes in it for breathing. Below ten, they get kind of nasty, with the condensation freezing up.

Enjoy the ride!

[Easy Rider]

I'm not trying to come off nasty, if that's how it came off to you, then I'm sorry.

Good post.

I have but one question: Have you ever been caught (many) miles from home and the weather turned to something that you would NOT have ridden in if you were home.........but you NEEDED to get back home ( or thought you did ) and you braved it anyway ??

If not, I think you need to leave a little (more) room to consider that he did the right thing in the circumstances.

I've been there a couple of times in slightly different (but similar) circumstances and just the decision about what to do tears at you menatally before, during and after the event, regardless of what you decide to do. Then there is the unpleasant trip (if you choose that option) which tears at you physically and mentally.

I am biased. The worst day in my whole life was a 100 mile ride in a cold rain with no rain gear.
It took me about 4 hours. A couple of times, I thought a crash and a ride in a warm ambulance would have been better. Had anyone chewed my ass out immediately after that, THEY would have needed a surgeron because I would have tried to kill them.

So, that's where I'm coming from. I did learn a lot that day though.......about riding in the rain, about paying closer attention to the weather and about being better prepared. Some lessons just have to "soak in" the hard way, I guess. :cry:

[mrlmd1]

Not on a bike, been there done that on a sailboat and powerboat near and offshore many times in a violent thunderstorm, been in the car in all kinds of snow, ice, rainstorms, and I know what you mean. Each time you do it, you say "what the hell am I doing here?", but you do it, hopefully you learn how so you do it better next time, etc, etc., although it's not ever something you want to do again. I'm well aware of that.
The point is to recognize that situation, and gain from it, stay safe. Don't necessarily put yourself into it if you don't have to, and it's all relative for each individual depending on their level of experience, training, and all that. Don't get overconfident where it puts you in danger. Know your limitations, blah, blah, blah.
And don't ride high or drunk.

Also, ER, see Alan's post re: the Stratoliner- does that border on the overconfidence factor or am I wrong here? What's the rush?

[music man]

And don't ride high or drunk.


Where in the hell is the fun in that :twisted: . Just Kidding of course.


P.S. Easy Rider, is that quote better, I learned how to slim down a quoted post, aren't you proud of me. :neener:

[Easy Rider]

Also, ER, see Alan's post re: the Stratoliner- does that border on the overconfidence factor or am I wrong here? What's the rush?

SIGH! Yes, I gave him more credit than that BUT..........he is still just a kid compared to some of us. Maybe he will grow up some day!! :crackup

Really no harm in giving it a try. Maybe he is one who can make that jump. At least he is not running right out and buying one.........without a test ride.

Those are fighting words for some riders who insist, very vocally, that even the smallest of riders can handle the biggest of bikes with no problem.
Now I know that is pure BS because I know a bunch of folks, men and women, who would never be comfortable on a Strat because they have tried it and it just "don't fit". I am one of those people.

Now, the other side of that coin are the folks who really LIKE a humongous bike and have enough stature and muscle to be able to handle it and they are uncomfortable riding something that feels like a tin can. I understand that too. (In another thread on here right now.)

[Easy Rider]

P.S. Easy Rider, is that quote better, I learned how to slim down a quoted post, aren't you proud of me. :neener:

Yes. Thank you! :tup:

[Dupo]

Wasnt this about 'how low can you go' riding in cold temperatures? Holy christ. :skeptical: :cuss:

http://flabbergastedly.com/wp-content/uploads/chat%20billeder%202/this%20thread.thumbnail.jpghttp://www.funnyforumpics.com//forums/Thread-Hijack/1/Hijack-In_progress.jpg

[mrlmd1]

Yeah, we got pretty low and off the original thread, but maybe a point or two was made for the benefit of someone on here.

Now to get back on track, I'm still waiting down here in FL to try out my leather side-zip overpants but it got much warmer all of a sudden. I even had to switch for a few days back to my lighter mesh fabric jacket. It'll get cold again one of these days so I'll let you know how they work out after I try them.
And Alan, if you'll still talk to me, where did you get that synthetic stretch wool tube thing, and what do you call it? It sounds like the perfect thing to keep the wind off your neck and out of the helmet.

Almost forgot - I have a friend/neighbor with a Harley and he has a leather wind flap that attaches to his engine guard and drapes back around his waist like an apron and blocks all the wind and keeps the engine heat in his lap and on his legs. Sort of like sitting in a heated kayak.

[Water Warrior 2]

Stretch wool tube thingy. Slightly related thingy. Years ago(many) I had a headband thingy that was meant to fit over the bottom edge of a hard hat and cover your ears. Warm ears and no drafts in the hard hat. Worked well as a neck warmer without strangling you to death. Probably still available at work wear stores and safety supply stores.

[Water Warrior 2]

This thread has been pretty interesting and bordering on hostilities on ocassion IMHO. I think Alan made the best of a situation and he was the one person there, no one else. A sort of " You had to be there situation ". My own view on riding on New Years Eve is NEVER NEVER NEVER..................Alan, I am glad you got home safe and sound but please borrow a car next year.

[Easy Rider]

Almost forgot - I have a friend/neighbor with a Harley and he has a leather wind flap that attaches to his engine guard and drapes back around his waist like an apron and blocks all the wind and keeps the engine heat in his lap and on his legs. Sort of like sitting in a heated kayak.

Those things are quite popular in Europe/Asia where a bike is likely to be the primary transportation, regardless of the weather. Don't hardly see any of them here at all. Obviously your neighbor isn't a "poser" 'cause I think the perception is that they aren't "cool".

[mr. softie]

The other day I saw a rider go by my house in Bedminster PA (rt 113) on a bright yellow Shadow and I thought "Was that Dupo riding in the low 20's?" So far my record this year is 23 degrees.

[alanmcorcoran]

When I used to ride the scooter in Ithaca, I got so I could go (slow) on packed snow, but I went down more than a few times on ice. Can you spot ice or do you just hope for the best? I still remember my hands being the coldest part of the deal. I didn't have anything between me and the wind, plus, the squeezing seems to not help the circulation that much. I also was dirt poor and my gloves sucked. On a scooter, you kind of have a shelter for your feet and legs, so it's mainly the face and hands that get cold. I didn't have a full face helmet in those days and my cheeks used to get chapped. I didn't keep records, but I can tell you one February ('77? '79?), 20 degrees was considered "warming up." I didn't ride every day - there were days when I just couldn't take it. But I distinctly remember having to brush the snow off the seat before I went home.

A big part of the reason I have lived in So Cal since '83.

[mr. softie]

I envy those who live in warmer climes. I want to move someplace where ice and snow don't limit my riding so much. Ice sucks big time, as does all the salt on the roads. I fall down on ice, so it is to be avoided. Cold can be dealt with as proven by snowmobilers and skiers etc, and by Dupo and I riding in these temps we have this time of year in SE PA. Ice is another matter entirely. On the plus side our roads tend to be clear of ice for the most part all winter, except during snow and ice storms. :skull: Today for example it is a beautiful sunny if somewhat nippy day here, and I'm taking the GZ out for a ride in a few minutes. :cool:

[Dupo]

I will be out there as well. Taking the bike out for a few stops.

[alanmcorcoran]

Softie, I took a look at the map and you are about 200 miles due south of my old hunting (haunting?) ground (Ithaca/Lansing/etc.) I'm guessing the winters are similar. When I was a kid, we used to make an annual (dreaded) trek from NJ to Ashley, PA (near Plymouth/Wilkes Barre) along the 287, 78, 33, 80, 81 - all of which I think are in your neck of the woods. I grew up in Edison, NJ and my mom's folks were scattered around a very steep hill in coal country there in PA.

It is said that the vast majority of Americans live within 50 miles from where they were born. Apparently family is the glue that sticks them there. Economic hardship is actually a greater incentive for people to move than weather. The recession of '73-'74 and the oil crisis of '79 devastated the economy and manufacturing base of upstate NY. California fared well under the military/industrial buildup of the '80's (under Mr. Reagan.) So that's where I went when I had to earn enough to support a family. Worked out for me.

Bundle up, as we used to say, and enjoy the ride! I'll be out today on the GZ on my way to play soccer.

[alanmcorcoran]

Okay, I found a link to my neck thingie. It's actually called a "Headgator." (Did not know that!)
It's made by Maxit. It's $17.50. Here's a link: http://www.maxit-inc.com/products/headgator.html

I will be wearing it first thing tomorrow - going up to Wrightwood for (my) Day 3 of 08-09 ski season.

[alanmcorcoran]

Here's a few reviews of some Max-IT products from 2005 (I've had mine at least that long.) These are by a bicycle riding cop (I think):

Maxit HOTHEAD® Balaclava (pronounced: bl-klv, -kläv)

A balaclava is defined as a close-fitting, woolen cap that covers all of the head but the face. There is no exception with Maxit's product. The balaclava was as advertised - breathable, comfortable, versatile, warm, unisex and one-size-fits-all. It kept my neck warm and free from wind gusts. The HOTHEAD® fit well under my helmet, with no hot spots. I found it beneficial to tuck the balaclava inside my patrol jacket's collar, thus creating a unified look and appearance. However, when speaking with people, I constantly found myself pulling the mouth/nose section down so people could see my face. Some people with whom I stopped and chatted remarked that I was "intimidating-looking." One elderly woman remarked that if it wasn't for the STATE TROOPER on my jacket, she would have thought I was a bandit on a bike. Another said I looked like I was about to rob the local convenience store. I didn't care for the overall impression I gave to those in the community, but I have to admit, I was the warmest thug in town.

Maxit HEADGATOR®

The HEADGATOR® was an interesting item resembling a sleeve. I quickly learned that it is advertised as "6-in-1 headgear." It has been recognized as the official headwear of the USCF (United States Cycling Federation) for four years. Before using the HEADGATOR®, I reviewed the directions supplied by Maxit. The HEADGATOR® notes itself to be able to multi-task, turning into a neck warmer, hood, balaclava, ear band, sweatband, or hat. I have to admit, I wasn't at first impressed; to me, it looked like a scrap piece of cloth Maxit tried to find a use for. But after two months, I had learned to like the item. The neck warmer and hood were my favorite metamorphoses. The ear band and "sweatband" I found to be bulky when folded as per the directions; they didn't work well when using a helmet. The hat was warm and comfortable, but not appropriate for a uniform. But if are looking for an item which can aid in cold weather climates and extreme weather changes, the versatile HEADGATOR® would be a good bang for your buck.

Z-Beanie

What can I say? I loved this thing. Simple, with clean lines, and well-designed. Unisex and one-size-fits-all. I normally wear a "do-rag" under my helmet, but after trying this product, I am a changed man. The Z-Beanie was comfortable. It covered my head and ears. 75% of your body heat is release from your head; keeping the heat from escaping from your head is the best way to keep warm. The Z-Beanie was professional-looking, so much so that I began wearing it under my dress uniform Stetson when working the highways on regular patrol. Several Troopers asked how I got away with wearing the skullcap. Upon donning it and then my Stetson, you could barely tell I was wearing it, even while it was covering my ears. The cap was easy to wash and it dried quickly for next day's use. None of the seams were felt under my helmet and I never got the dreaded "hot spots" from the stitching.

[Water Warrior 2]

Great "Find" Alan.

[patrick_777]

I rode the GZ around town today for about 30 minutes to get stuff circulating (both me and it). It was a brisk 34 degrees with a gusty wind. I didn't really dress for the ride, so it was painful by the time I got home.