DATELINE: April 2003

How time flies! It seems like only yesterday that I first heard about the Pony Express Relay and talked to my husband about my participation in the ride. I haven't spent much time on gathering donations and know that time is running short. Next month I will truly have to HIT IT!

I have spent a fair amount of time thinking about what I will wear and adding slowly to my wardrobe. I know that the weather conditions could range from very hot, to very wet, to quite cool and might even encounter all three! I have decided to plan on layering to help contain the amount of clothes I will need to carry.

I have purchased a Joe Rocket Phoenix jacket - getting a man's small in last year's model allowed me to save quite a bit of money. I found it in the Clearance section of New Enough for $69. The man's small is a bit large which will allow me to layer a shirt plus sweatshirt or polar fleece underneath. (The 2003 model has a zip-out liner). It is also great for hot weather riding, comfort plus protection.

I already have a good two-piece rain suit (as yet untested), a good shorty helmet and my FitOvers for sunglass time (I wear glasses). My newest perforated summer gloves are starting to break in now, time to order a new pair. That means no break-in during the ride.

I also got a pair of higher boots - lucked out and got them for $30. They have the same heel height as my current Harley-Davidson boots (which are the perfect heel/sole height but a bit short on my leg as my pants seem to always be resting on top of them when I ride). I'm not breaking them in so we'll see how comfortable they are in another month.

I am fine with shirts - have them all sleeve lengths. My problem seems to be with pants. I know that jeans are not much protection. Chaps really only help with the cold and protect the front. It seems like there are two other options - the first being leather pants, the second being Draggin' Jeans. I had thought about wearing quick-drying shorts under the leather pants. This would allow me to pull them off and cool down while drying off during the rest stops. Just not sure I can take the heat of weather them. Since I have already invested in the leather pants, I am having a hard time justifying the Draggin' Jeans which are not inexpensive. I'm going to be interested in seeing what others are planning to wear.

Check back next month to follow my clothing quest and to see how I am doing in my quest for donations.

Donna/FrogBiker

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