I have been in some torrential rain for hours in the Midwest. In Iowa in particular even the expressway had 3 or 4 inches of rain. It lasted about 5 hours. When I got off of the exit to go to the hotel, there was water under the underpass that was way over the floorboards. A few more inches and it would have been over the plugs. I did have gauntlet waterproof held gloves. I also had over booties on my feet. While my boots are waterproof, the wind over time will force the water in from underneath. So your boot may be waterproof, but the water is forced in and then leaks in from the top. The boot covers prevents this from happening. So in the end I only had a little dampness on the back of my collar where I forgot to sinch the collar originally. In the end, what gets remembered many times is not the great sunny perfect days that we ride, but the less perfect days. Interestingly, over time we tend to look back at those events with fondness once a little time has passed. THANK YOU! Jim
I don't think you can say any clothing item failed. Not at 4 hours of rain abd at 60mph. I've ridden in harder rain and as long, in the Canadian Rockies, wearing Harley rain gear and no faring. After that many hours of riding in a downpour, I was soaked everywhere. Nothing was dry, but I was fine and feel the gear did its job. Duration has a lot to do with being able to stay dry but nothing stops everything. Even an M2 bullet proof vest only stops most small arms fire. And an M3 vest only stops some rifle fire. But except for worst case scenario, you're still okay. Same with rain gear. Nothing but a plastic bag will stop everything. And then, you'll sweat so much, you'll be soaked from sweat. Good video mate. Give the gear a break. I think it did outstanding. And before someone says, "how can you say the Harley gear did its job if you were soaked?" Its like this. Rain ALWAYS gets in between your helmet and your jacket. It comes down your neck and eventually soaks everything. Riding for 4 hours in a downpour will have water working its way down your neck, your upper body, around your butt, down your pants, down your legs and into your boots. Its all about severity and duration and farings. I'm 72. I've never used a faring or windshield. It's not my style. And I have the equivalent of 16 times around the world, 5 countries, 9 Canadian Provences, 46 states. I've ridden in a lot of rain. :-) Again, great video.
I've learned after 40 years riding, there is no substitute for a real rain suit. I have one all the time with me. It keeps your boots dry also!! I ride with the Forma low and tall boots. The rain water is pushed up the front of the boots from wind and over the tops inside the boot. Rain suits with cinches at the ankle and cuff stop the water from going around the cuffs. There's no such thing as "One and Done" riding gear. Great video! 👍👍 Ride SAFE and BE safe!
Vermont neglects the shoulders of their hwys which creates a very dangerous road hazard. By not grading the shoulders so water can make it to the ditch. Water runs down the road. Enjoyed the video and RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!
Nice scenery. So, you bought gas and probably a snack and drink but they wouldn't let you use their bathroom. That speaks volumes for the hospitality for the area.
Great video...I've always liked Frog Togs rain gear...the only thing I've had an issue with was rain running off the back of my helmet to my neck.... so the hoody roll gets tightened to stop the runoff. Cheers!
My buddy and I did this similar ride last week (central NH to Presque isle ,, over to Ashland on 163 , then 11 south back home towards Fryeburg Me., then to N. Conway NH , and then home .... 770+ miles total , Thursday morning to Friday 6:30 pm .... my 1st time on a Harley (2010 CVO 110 screamin eagle , him on his HD dresser) ,,,, were on those same roads as you back in June (they were still paving 16 ) ....
Wow it was raining a lot . Yep stayed at the saddleback inn when I did the bdr . Stayed in Saint Johnsbury comfort inn for snowmobiling. I love Vermont. Try these socks ( Randy sun )they work pretty good . Looks like fun other than that rain 👍
Maybe people wanted to go there to spend some of their vacation money to help out the people in the area. Bummer about the boots, when was the last time you rewaxed them? I have some Hevik (?) waterproof over gloves. A bit of a pain to put on but work well. Have only used them in light rain so far.
Another great video. It’s one thing to get caught in rain while riding; it’s a bit different having to start a ride in the rain. I enjoyed the review of the gear. Ride safe.
Where are your AP 7? I have been wearing them all day every day as per your earlier vid's. I love these boots , tons of protection an most of all DRY FEET!!
