Please help me plan a 1-2 week holiday for May/June 2013?

[FJRider]

I also wonder.. even though my gear is waterproof, perhaps it best investing in rain jackets/pants to put OVER my gear? Thoughts? Or is it overboard?

Also, thoughts on something such as a balaclava?

A large set of waterproofs that can fit over your normal gear is a good idea. I used to do that ... with the large set taped/tied across the fork tubes just below the headlight. They were used. and DID come in handy on the REALLY shitty days. That is cold ... and/or wet days ... CHEAP health insurance really.

Most sports shops sell thermal balaclavas for about $10. Thin/warm .. and come down and can be tucked down your neck. Good for keeping bees/wasps off your neck too ... and keeps loose helmets snug fitting.

I wouldn't go far without mine. Saves your ears grief as you pull your helmet on too ... (less wind noise too)

[bosslady]

I have a silk balaclava for under my helmet, works really well at keeping things warm inside the helmet, cheap enough to pick up locally...

http://www.boydmotorcycles.co.nz/Sto...95&t=1&c=71041

I just gave those links cause I've used that website, I won't necessarily order from abroad

[bosslady]

Only if your name is joe Williamson and you were born in 58

Hit up all your mates to try and get a travelling buddy, much more fun with company imo.

I don't have many mates and the ones I do don't ride

[Coldrider]

Take a $100 waterproof oversuit, it takes the brunt of the rain off you, keeps your cordura dry and yourself do not lose as much heat. Also you can stop for a cuppa and not need a drainpipe from you to the door, as gortex gear weeps out water.

Stop all wind ( even down your neck/back), and with thermals and not too much else you should be toasty. if you have too many layers you will sweat and be cold. Down the West Coast of the SI you should not travel alone, three metres off the road and you are as good as off the planet.

In my experience of 19 Brass Monkeys from from june onwards a quarter off them have involved ICE, and some bike droppings (none mine), but it is all experience and character building, and would not miss the West Coast for anything.

[Ocean1]

Take a $100 waterproof oversuit, it takes the brunt of the rain off you, keeps your cordura dry and yourself do not lose as much heat.

Yup, RD1 had some bib overall rainsuits for about $85. Made form that rubberised nylon stuff, packs down small and takes the brunt of the wetstuff.

[BMWST?]

tell him he's dreamin.

heated grips are not a patch on a heated vest.
cold fingers and toes are a result of your body conserving it's heat in the cold and limiting the blood to those parts. when your core is warm it'll send plenty of warm blood to those parts and to warm your core use a heated jacket...
i rarely use mine and have travelled for two weeks from top to bottom of the SI early june and not switched it on but when you want to it's got many advantages over grips that for a starter usually end up being sold with your bike...

you right ..BUT if you have a limited power output heated grips are better than nothin

[Coldrider]

and sometimes it is like a summer run both ways, you can never tell till the day.

[FJRider]

Take a $100 waterproof oversuit, it takes the brunt of the rain off you, keeps your cordura dry and yourself do not lose as much heat. Also you can stop for a cuppa and not need a drainpipe from you to the door, as gortex gear weeps out water.

Stop all wind ( even down your neck/back), and with thermals and not too much else you should be toasty. if you have too many layers you will sweat and be cold. Down the West Coast of the SI you should not travel alone, three metres off the road and you are as good as off the planet.

In my experience of 19 Brass Monkeys from from june onwards a quarter off them have involved ICE, and some bike droppings (none mine), but it is all experience and character building, and would not miss the West Coast for anything.

The only snag with the one piece waterproof oversuit is "Pit-stops" ... if you think you might need to "go", start looking for a safe place to stop (go ???) ... because it is a lengthly process getting it off, and if its wet it wont be easy or quick. (Often involves taking boots off first)

There are plenty of places in the south island ... that "going off" by more than a few metres from the road, will have you missing for quite some time. Even on highway one.

[FJRider]

Yup, RD1 had some bib overall rainsuits for about $85. Made form that rubberised nylon stuff, packs down small and takes the brunt of the wetstuff.

I've found the bib-overall type pants better than waist type pants. They go right up under the armpit so the area "double covered is better (less drafts too) some have zips or elastic at the ankles to aid getting them over boots. (the better ones)

[nadroj]

The only snag with the one piece waterproof oversuit is "Pit-stops" ... if you think you might need to "go", start looking for a safe place to stop (go ???) ... because it is a lengthly process getting it off, and if its wet it wont be easy or quick. (Often involves taking boots off first)

There are plenty of places in the south island ... that "going off" by more than a few metres from the road, will have you missing for quite some time. Even on highway one.

Shewee.......

[FJRider]

and sometimes it is like a summer run both ways, you can never tell till the day.

On the really special days ... you get four seasons in a four hour ride,

[FJRider]

Shewee.......

Some girls prefer more than a marker post for cover while they wee ...

[Dangsta]

For long rides I really like my cramp buster throttle thing. Cheap as chips and lets me relax my grip a bit without losing any control.

[bosslady]

For long rides I really like my cramp buster throttle thing. Cheap as chips and lets me relax my grip a bit without losing any control.

never heard of it?

[Gremlin]

never heard of it?

Something like this: http://www.kuryakyn.com/Products/262...-Throttle-Boss

Clamp around the handlebar, makes it easier to keep the throttle open with less grip on the bar.