Escape from DC

[dcstrom]

Actually I really haven't had much rain, but coming north from Ushuaia I had a day of cold 40F rain that was pretty miserable. To answer Jons question... the pants leaked in the crutch. This is not the first time, and I've been in touch with Klim. Of course they will fix it, but I would have to send the gear back to them... bit difficult under the circumstances.

One thing I've fond about goretex stuff though - the waterproof guarantee is worth something. My TCX Infinity boots are falling apart and are out of the manufactuer warranty, but warranty on the goretex liner is lifetime... they are leaking, so goretex is sending me a new pair of boots. Even upgrading to the TCX X-Deserts. So pretty happy with that...

So regarding the Klim gear, my experience has been less than perfect, but if you are in the US you can be pretty sure they will fix problems if there are any.

Trevor

 

[dcstrom]

PS Checkswrecks = definitely no rain TODAY - 104F!

 

[Dirt_Dad]

So regarding the Klim gear, my experience has been less than perfect, but if you are in the US you can be pretty sure they will fix problems if there are any.

Thanks for the update, Trevor. If I'm interpreting correctly, sounds like I may not need to lay out the cash for Klim gear to get the same level of performance from another GorTex option.

Oh, and 104F sounds wonderful as I look out at the snow that has trapped my bike in the barn this weekend.

 

[dcstrom]

Jon, that's not exactly what I'm saying. True that anything with a Goretex label will have lifetime warranty on waterproofing as long as there is no physical damage, so if that's your main criteria you can choose any gortex suit. Whichever you choose it will be expensive and well-made (goretex doesn't let their name be associated with inferior products). So then it comes down to style, fit, function, and service. I think for someone in the US, KLIM probably makes the most sense - if you have a problem it's easy to get it dealt with. If you're in Europe Rukka or Revit might be a better bet (not sure Revit even does Goretex though).

Thanks for the update, Trevor. If I'm interpreting correctly, sounds like I may not need to lay out the cash for Klim gear to get the same level of performance from another GorTex option.

Oh, and 104F sounds wonderful as I look out at the snow that has trapped my bike in the barn this weekend.

 

[dcstrom]

Can't kill this tyre! Original plan for this rear K60 when I fitted in in La Paz, Bolivia, was that it would get me to Ushuaia, then back to Buenos Aires where I would fit a new set. It was still good when I got up to this part of the country, even after many long fast kilometres. Then it took me across Argentina to Santiago, and back again... and it's STILL got a few thousand k's left in it. Despite having one plug and many cracks, still good. Was almost shame to pull it off today, but good to have a nice new K76 to replace it. 12,000 miles/20,000 km.

 

[snakebitten]

Yea, I don't think K60's really ever die. I think they torture us hanging on. We simply, and finally, give up waiting for that "fresh rubber" opportunity. It's a great feeling.

 

[coastie]

Been awhile, hope your having a blast! I don't think you are anywhere near this, but looks like there is unrest in Mexico and this guy went missing heading down to where you were.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/08/world/americas/missing-american-mexico/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

 

[dcstrom]

Hi Coastie... yea, been to Uruguay recently but now back in Buenos Aires till about the 17th, then head to an Horizons Unlimited meeting in Iguazu Falls on the 22nd.

About the missing guy... hate to say it, but to me it's more likely that he crashed off the road somewhere and nobody saw it. From the CNN article;

"I've never ridden a motorcycle," he wrote. "Mostly, naturally, because I don't know how. So tomorrow I'm going to go to the DMV, get my motorcycle permit, buy a bike and hopefully figure out how to ride it home without crashing. Which I'm sure will be an adventure in itself."
He added, "Then in the next 2 or 3 weeks I'm going to drive it across America, through Central America, down to Brazil for the World Cup, and eventually south to Ushuaia, which as far as I can tell from a map is about as far south as one can get on the continent."

So he started the trip with almost zero motorcycle experience. I don't see any indication that he had a Spot tracker (or similar). Yes there is some unrest in this area but I still think it's more likely he crashed. The problems revolve around vigilates battling drug cartels, with the police and military trying to keep them apart. As far as I can tell none of those groups would have much interest in interfering with a lone gringo. If anything it could be bandits taking advantage of the unrest, but even that seems unlikely. Plenty of other places with fewer cops and army around.

Been awhile, hope your having a blast! I don't think you are anywhere near this, but looks like there is unrest in Mexico and this guy went missing heading down to where you were.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/08/world/americas/missing-american-mexico/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

 

[RogerJ]

Hi Trevor.......hear you on the Michoacan situation. Lets hope that all ends well.
Glad to hear you are going to the HU meeting and getting to take in the falls. It is a treat. Walking the catwalks on the Brazil side (helicopter if you have extra bucks). Also super and even more wet by Zodiac on the Argentina side. If you are inclined, the twisty ride from Iguazu down through the hills to the the Serra do Rastro road and onwards towards Antonina, Paraty and along the emerald coast as far as Rio is pretty good stuff. All the best!

 

[Dirt_Dad]

... hopefully figure out how to ride it home without crashing. Which I'm sure will be an adventure in itself."
He added, "Then in the next 2 or 3 weeks I'm going to drive it across America, through Central America, down to Brazil for the World Cup, and eventually south to Ushuaia, which as far as I can tell from a map is about as far south as one can get on the continent."

Launching on that type of trip after 2 or 3 weeks total experience...that is just scary as can be. Sadly your speculation sounds like a reasonable possibility. I know we all hope the guy shows up alive and well somewhere, with maybe just a story to tell.

 

[JTWY]

Thanks for all the great input on these tires , you guys sold me on them . Sorry it took so long to reply , I forgot to check the " notify me of replies" box .
Spring's coming , can't wait Hope you all have a safe and awesome riding season .

JT