Motorcycle Misadventures

New Motorcycle Misadventures Store

Happy Holidays! I wanted to let you know that I finally created a store so that you can get the cool Motorcycle Misadventures yin yang compass logo you've been asking for on everything from coffee mugs to messenger bags to shirts and hats and even a Journal for Journeys that you can use to record your own Motorcycle Misadventures.

And if you order a copy of my book, American Borders, from the Motorcycle Misadventures website, I'll automatically send it autographed. If you want a special dedication, let me know in the comments field when you're ordering your book. Maybe someone on your holiday gift list would like a messenger bag with an autographed copy of American Borders and a journal or a shirt tucked inside?

Be inspired. Be inspiring. Here are just a few of the items offered in the Motorcycle Misadventures Store:

Men's and women's shirts	Tank tops	Bags	Mugs & Cups

I hope you enjoy the holiday season whether you're just dreaming of your next Motorcycle Misadventure, or living it.

Carla

Outstandingly Classy Sara Dean Couture Motorcycle Jackets 40% off!

Ooh ooh ooh! I just found out that Sara Dean is having a 40% off holiday sale on her amazingly gorgeous motorcycle jackets. I tried on a buttery golden leather jacket at one of the big motorcycle shows last year, and absolutely fell in love. Her stuff is made for real motorcycling women but it's also undeniably fashionable -- true couture. The cuts are unique and  flattering beyond compare, the trims just so too too special: Chinese buttons, leopard-stenciled cowhide, removable satin vest. I am not normally one to ooze over fashion, but these are just irresistible -- all elegance, not brash or bling, but outstandingly classy. Now's the time: Visit the site.

See you at Cycle World in Atlanta

Come see me at  at the Cycle World show in Atlanta, February 23-25. I'll be signing books all weekend at the Ural booth.  (Go to the site and print out their 50% discount parking coupon.)

And check out this review of American Borders:

"Heartwarming and revealing, readers get to know and love Carla, and get to know themselves a little more in the process," says Genevieve Schmitt, founder of WomenRidersNow.com. "She's a true hero, smiling every mile of the way and finding humor in the worst of circumstances."

(Aw gee!)

Well, despite the portrayal of the Ural in the book -- which was, after all, a test ride of the new import, I really do recommend today's Ural, which is a really great, reliable, and let's not forget the most important trait -- fun! -- machine.

Order the book, or if you've read it, give it a review on the Motorcycle Misadventures website.

See you in Atlanta!
Carla

Transformer motorcycle jacket & pants zips down to shorts and vest

Recon Transformer Jacket & Cargo Pants
Olympia Moto Sports has designed the coolest riding suit yet. The Transformer has zip-off arms and legs so you can be in shorts and sleeveless vest in seconds. Fully armored (removable) in that nice, breathable Cordura®, I'd definitely take this on a motorcycle ride through the tropics. Hey OMS...where's the women's version?!?!?! (And if I was riding through the tropics, I'd probably want a waterproof shell with this.)
In Khaki, Olive, or Pewter
$119.99
Sizes 30-42

Womens All Purpose Riding Gear

Ladies Airglide 2 Mesh Tech Jacket & Pant
I'm so happy to see more and more practical gear being made for women who ride. Olympia Moto Sports has come out with a new women's all-purpose riding outfit that includes waterproof liner jacket and pants. It's an attractive suit available in pewter or black, made of Cordura® - same as the Mustang jacket and pants I used for my Adriatic tour last year. Like the Mustang it's got pull tabs in strategic areas to perfectly adjust to all our various womanly shapes, has lots of pockets and adjustable/removeable armor. The wind and waterproof liner jacket and pants make it a truly all-purpose, all-weather outfit. Oh...and they have great gear for men, too. :-)
$ 189.99
Sizes 4-18

One Wear System Motorcycle Jacket

Our quest for the perfect motorcycle jacket never ends. Women Riders Now reports on Marsee Designs "One Wear System" and I can't wait to try it. Rider/product tester Pamela Collins has ridden with it for 5000 miles and says that it takes a rider from the hottest days to chilly ones in extreme comfort with a minimum of bulk. It also has a handy dandy rain shell. Sounds like a good bet for San Francisco Bay Area riders like me, who ride miles in the city's summer fog to cross the Golden Gate Bridge into bright sunshine and hot winds. I pack my Olympia Moto Sports suit for hot weather rides in the southern hemisphere, but for here at home am always looking for a more versatile solution. Check this article out and the rest of Women Riders Now magazine from Genevieve Schmitt.

Olympia Moto Sports Ladies Mustang Motorcycle Jacket and Jeans

Getting geared up for my motorcycle trip around the Adriatic Sea I finally found what I was looking for: the Olympia Moto Sports Ladies Mustang Jacket and Jeans. Genevieve Schmitt, formerly of Women Motorcyclist magazine, was testing them on Saturday on a ride around Mt. Tam here in the San Francisco Bay Area. Now with ATV magazine, she was covering the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown at Infineon Raceway.

Anyway, back down to the outfit, this is not just fashion, but true technical motorcycle apparel constructed in authentic abrasion resistant Dupont Cordura® and outfitted with full CE approved adjustable and removable body armor. It's also lightweight and breathable, which is just what I was looking for so I don't become a self-sauna in Southern Italy and Greece. Genevieve said she had to wear leggings under them to stay warm on the ride around Mt. Tam so I know they're letting air through.

But I wasn't there to cover the races, I was there to meet Alice Sexton, president of WIMA (Women's International Motorcycle Association), which is a great club for women riders all over the world. She's just great and is reviving the club into a very active and useful place for women motorcyclists all over the USA. A petite, red-headed dynamo, Alice knows everyone and introduced me to a bunch of women journalists, including Genevieve. (Alice had seen the outfit on her earlier and thought I should take a look.) Dinner was delayed so four of us girls spent the extra time to try on each other's gear. Sara Shilke had some super comfortable Oxtar boots with waterproof linings that she loved. Alice had a perforated leather suit by Hein Gericke that everyone was trying on...But one thing at a time...for now, it's that cute Olympia Moto Sports outfit. It kind of looks like a safari getup. I can't wait to get it...UPS sometimes just seems sooooo slowwwww....

Specter Road Women's Motorcycle Boots: A review by webbikeworld.com

It's so difficult to find plain, decent motorcycle gear that fits women. I've been frustrated for years by the lack of offerings in motorcycle boots, especially. You either have to buy the frufru high-heeled Harley-Davidson boots or the supersport alien suit boots that seem to be designed to attract moto-crossing teen-aged boys. Either way you've got logos and stitching all over the place - features I detest in any type of clothing.

Finally I found a review of what looks to be the perfect boot, the Specter Road Women's Motorcycle Boots. Read the review.

(Manufacturer's comments: Very comfortable. They have a special panel in the back that makes them flexible and they are comfortable for walking. The boots are water resistant. They have the same anti-vibration soles as the men's version. Ballistic nylon fabric and padding is used to protect the foot, but they are available without this feature also. Specter Road will repair their boots if necessary and will also work with the customer to make special sizes if desired.)

Phone : (418) 253-6968
Fax : (418) 253-6333
Website : http://www.specterroad.com/
Email : vercorp.shoes@globetrotter.net

An apron for your motorcycle

Europeans are putting aprons on their motorcycles, says Mike Warner of Bikes in the Fast Lane. The apron (in French a tablier) may be made from cloth or leather and fixed to the scooter or motorcycle to protect the rider from the elements while riding around cities in France, Spain and Italy. Want one? See his blog for a list of manufacturers.

Winter Motorcycle Gear for Women

Carolyn (Blue Proof Bikes blog) has graciously shared her secrets for staying warm while commuting on a motorcycle during (a California) winter. It's so difficult to find great motorcycling gear for women - especially boots - I hope her list inspires you to find some good stuff to wear (even though the hand-made leather/gortex boots cost $320 - gads, but at least one doesn't usually gain weight in her feet). Any other recommendations, I'd love to publish them there. Here's Carolyn's gear list.