Yep. First bike, and first street ride. I completed the MSF course, etc.
So, save your flaming about how stupid this was. I'm completely aware of the risk I took. I was scared, but one has to HTFU sometimes! I was very, very cautious, let cars go by me that caught up, etc.
I took Hwy 50 all the way, so there was plenty of opportunity to learn. By the time I stopped for the day on Sunday in Seymour IN, I was completely comfortable with the bike.
Sunday wasn't bad at all, the temps were in the mid to high 40's, but the wind was out of the north so it never really felt warm.
On Monday I woke up to 25 degrees and was seriously worried. 20 degrees colder than Sunday! I didn't know what was going to happen. But, once I got moving I realized that I was still staying warm except for my hands.
I was wearing A* Apex Drystar Gloves, but my hands still got pretty cold. So, I just stopped a few times to warm up my fingers and then moved on.
As for the rest of my gear; I had visited the new Triumph dealer here in Cincy last week and they turned me on to a new jacket--the
Triumph Leybourne. It's not flashy, but it is extremely functional. Actually, two jackets in one. This thing probably weighs 15lbs! It's really, really a neat and technical jacket. The inner quilted liner can actually be worn by itself. I love it. Under the jacket I just had on an
Ibex Zepher LS turtle.
My core never even got chilly. As for the bottom half, I wore the Bont armored tights, under a pair of Carhartt flannel lined duck pants. Again, very toasty, even in the sub 30. The jacket is made of a waterproofed/waxed heavy cotton duck as well.
I was also pleasantly surprised that my feet never got cold. I had bought a pair of A* MXS-5 boots. I taped up the vent holes and my feet never even got chilly.
I also broke in my Kriega R20 & US10 on this trip.
So, when I pulled into my parking garage and shut off the bike yesterday, I almost cried from relief that I had pulled this epic journey off. Then I just looked at the bike and giggled!
As for pics. I thought about that, but I was too focused on surviving the ride and the cold to actually take any.
As for the STR, I love the bike and it's easy to ride! It just demands respect.
mike