It Just Chaps My…
It just chaps my @$$ that it seems to be harder to find good riding gear this year. Even here on the central coast of California, it gets cold. Making layers and good winter riding gear is a must. This year I have been noticing a trend and am wandering… Is it just me that has noticed?
Here on the central coast of California, we are solidly in the middle of winter and every time I set out to ride layers and good cold weather riding gear is a must. I know some of you up north are rolling your eyes at me, but here 50 is really cold! And it seems as if it is harder to find good replacement gear this year. And many things are out of stock with no ETA of when they will be back.
From what I am seeing, there are two main reasons why and both are related to the lockdown from the pandemic. Reduced manufacturing capacity and more people are out riding/camping because it is one of the safer activities this year. Have you noticed this or is it just me?
Okay, I'm glad my husband is not riding with me today cause I get to tell a story on him. During the holidays the leather riding pants he had been eyeing were on sale at our favorite company, Leather Up. He spent several days debating with me that it was not worth investing in the gear… for him. He insisted that thermals under his pants would be enough. I even offered to make them a Christmas gift and he continued to insist that I not spend the money on him. REALLY!?! On New Years Day I asked if he had ordered them yet and he still debated the necessity of ordering them. Finally along about the middle of January, after a rather cold and damp ride, he finally decided that the leather was worth it. And what would you know…. They were sold out! After calling 4 different places, the leathers he wants are out in his size. I have heard from many that this is becoming a common occurrence.
The other issue I am running into repeatedly is gear that is designed to properly fit a woman's body. Though we make up almost half of the riding community, there is very little out there that truly fits a woman. Recently a new motovlogger, One Down Gene Up, mentioned in one of her videos that she too is struggling with the same thing. Though Leather Up has some options that are more feminine and adjustable, often the fit is still off. Why do manufactures continue to neglect the female riders and passengers? They are missing out on the portion of the market that will spend the money to look good while being safe.
So those are my questions for you today. Does it chap your @$$ that it seems to be more challenging this year to find good riding gear? And if you are a rider or passenger out there that has found a great source for female riding gear, hook a sister up and tell me where to find it!
Now get out and ride, have fun, be safe, and catch you in the next post……
