Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1162341
Flashback! Gearin' Up September 2019 5 Just like a flash, summer of 2019 is now in the books. Here in the Northeast, this season was nothing short of spectacular. With minimal rain and bearable temps, we enjoyed many miles of riding and racing. As I sit here typing out this month's column, I'm gearing up for an annual favorite, the Ammonoosuc River Ride. This two-day event has historically marked the start of the fall riding season for so many of us New Englanders. With temps on the cooler side, most planning on a ending will be changing up their gear selec on for something a bit warmer. To be honest, I've got no problem with this. I find fall riding is the best me of the year. With warm days and cool nights, we're looking forward to some fall camping and hanging with friends we only see about once a year. Last fall, we had a bit of a revela on regarding helmet op ons for cooler weather. For the past several seasons, my go-to favorite helmet has been my trusty Klim F5. What I like most is its great ven la on. What I don't like is how cold my head feels late into a long trail ride on a cool a ernoon. It's no secret that Kurt has a penchant for all things vintage. Last season, I'd been gi ed a new Bell Moto III. For those unaware, Bell had re-released this iconic lid. Designed back in 1977, the Moto III was an instant hit — a full-face helmet designed for the off-road motorcycle enthusiast. Back in the day, you either had one or wanted one. The Moto III was at the top of its game at that me. Over the years, helmets addressed body temperature issues, and companies began adding ven la on. No ques on, these new designs were welcomed, and we soon tossed our old Moto III's in favor of the latest and greatest. Well last fall my eyes were opened even wider as I'd discovered yet another old design that works in- credibly well today. Yes, my now new Bell Moto III. What's so cool about this old has been today? Well I'll tell ya; its toasty warm and oh so comfortable on a cool fall ride. We've all been there, sui ng up on a mid-30 degree morning and freezing our bu s off, searching for single-track to build up some body heat. On days like those, keeping your head warm can really make a difference in ride enjoyment. If you're riding in cooler weather, consider the Moto III. As for riding pants, over the boot pants are another favorite for this guy — Klim Dakar, being a favorite. For those who've yet to try OTBs, do yourself a solid, and give 'em a shot. Where OTBs really shine is keeping your feet dry. Klim is also generous with their pockets on this par cular model of pant. Speaking of feet, we've been tes ng a handful of boot offerings over the season. I've got to give Gaerne the nod as far as waterproofing boots go. It's no secret that this big German's got big, wide feet and my go-to boots have been Gaerne SG10s for many years now. In recent months, I've been wearing a new model of Gaerne's, the "Fastback" boot. Similar to the SG10, the Fastback fits great for those with wid- er feet and is just as waterproof. An added bonus is they're no ceably lighter. As one who's notoriously rough on gloves. It seems no ma er what brand I'm running, they just don't last more than a few rides before the s tching pulls apart. A couple months ago, I picked up a pair of Fasthouse gloves at one of our favorite shops, Motorbikes Plus. I really haven't paid much a en on to the Fasthouse product, but I've got to tell you, I love their gloves. So comfortable, great coverage and they've proven their worth as they haven't disintegrated in the process of protec ng my paws. Yes, a totally unsolicited endorsement! We're also excited about the upcoming AIM Expo later this month. This is where the latest and greatest in all things motorcycle-related are unveiled. We'll be gathering products for upcoming features with enduro jacket op ons at the top of the list. Stay tuned friends!