The End Is Nigh
The end of summer is approaching – so now’s the time to ready yourself for the coming winter months. Because let’s face it, a little precipitation isn’t going to keep us off our trusty steeds – or is it..?
Truth be told, we have had a pretty good run really. Since the start of daylight saving, there has been nothing but blue skies and hot weather. Sure one or two, or maybe five weekends have seen a little mud-riding happening, but as a general rule we’ve had a pretty good run. And may it continue until at least April 4 where daylight saving comes to an end, and after work riding becomes pretty much non-existent for us regular 9-5ers.
Guaranteed that when the colder winter months come, and you’re running three layers of polly-props, two singlets and an enduro jacket, cutting laps or dodging trees, you will remember all those times when you pulled in to the pits, or called it a day because it was far too hot and curse your rain-drenched self, vowing never to miss a great sunny day again.
But then there is the opposite – those that actually perform rain dances on a regular occurrence because it’s what they live for. Something more akin to a crazy, grovel-enjoying enduro rider as apposed to a motocrosser – I think they are more into doing the ‘sprinkler’ before ‘loading the shopping trolley’ on the D-floor. But as they say, each to their own. But no matter which way you look at it, some time over the next six months, chances are you’re going to want to go for a ride. And during that ride there is a good chance of getting a little wet. But don’t despair – here are a few lessons I’ve learnt over the years to keep you as comfortable as possible.
Number one is a change of clothes. Sounds easy enough I know, but often something that is forgotten in the maze of packing the van. Essentials are undies and socks. A dry pair of draws, followed by socks can feel like a home cooked meal when donned at the correct time. Next are polly-props – yeap those weird coloured skin-hugging tights that look silly but work a treat. Worn under your body armour and knee guards, they act like a wet suit and keep you warm even when you’re drenched to the core. I wore them during the ISDE in Taupo during the force-five storm that rolled through and never caught a chill. Next on the list would be plenty of dry gloves (acts like the draws and socks), followed by a spare helmet liner if you have one. Putting back on a wet soaked helmet is just no fun at all.
The obvious of wearing a waterproof jacket and maybe even big pants is all par for the course, and when it all comes together, even the most dubious wet weather rider can enjoy a day out in the mud. And let’s face it – after the first crash, we no longer care anymore. I for one can’t wait for a bit of rain, especially the period before the weather sets in and the tracks become loamy and fluffy – right before succumbing to H2O and turning to soup – ah the joys of off-road motorcycling.
This issue however has no soup, and is in fact one of the driest issues we have produced. From the sun of the Auckland and Valley Champs, to the dry tracks of the Castrol Honda Six Hour and Riverhead Enduro, all the way down to the South Island where the Lawrence Trail ride managed to turn up the sun too. Make the most of it folks, because it will soon be time to get wet – if you’re brave enough that is…
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