Some more sales of the Int'l Orange Helmet Covers

Mostly on the Eastern portion of the US and Canada,  three more went out today.  Cyclist's interested in being seen, keeping the wind, and rain off their heads, chose wisely.  Good to know cyclists are interested in safety.

Some summer days strung together

7 day forecast for highs in the low 80s and lows in the high 50's
I know the rest of the country is sweltering with high heat indexes, but we in the Pacific Northwest have been devoid of dry days above 70 degrees for looong time.

I've been thinking of making a coast to coast bike ride, when I have the time for such folly.  that'll likely mean being retired.

At that careful phase of my life, (and aged 60), I'll want it to be a safe trip.  So when I can't find the type of road  that has low traffic counts, I want the package of my bike, panniers, and my self to be seen by  the motor vehicle operators.

That's the basis of eschewing fashion, and going for "orange", and more specifically the international orange. To cover as much as possible.  Jersey, vests, helmet cover and shoe covers, so far.

Jersey from Performance, Ascent is the label.  They go on sale fairly often for sub $25/ea.
Vest from a Google search for ANSI Class III vests, that's the standard that specifies what a road worker's safety vest should be built.  Lots of reflectors and International Orange (even after 25 washings  in the washing machine).   I've since seen t-shirts with the same kind of specifications.
Helmet cover and shoe covers from  HHKnits.etsy.com,  made to exacting specifications.

keep the rubber side down

it's still not summer up here in the northwest

need three layers and full gloves to not get chilled on the morning commutes, but there is still hope. Summer comes next Tuesday. And at least coming home is finally without any extra layers to keep warm in. The ANSI Class III safety vest isn't going to win any fashion shows, but it sure is visable! And if you go on-line, there available at quite reasonable prices, compared to strictly cycling apparel. I've since found out there is also a t-shirt version, sporting only one chest pocket instead of the (at least six) of the vest.

RACC 2011

I had my picture taken at the start with my Orange Bike Friday, too. The volunteer was impressed by how bright I was. If I find it, I'll post it on here, too. This was last Saturday. Unfortunately, a DNF as my rear tire had gone over 1900 miles and had two holes in the tread, giving me two flats in 5 miles.

New ANSI Class 3 vest

Just in time for the Three Capes 300km brevet, I got a vest that is visible in the daytime (international orange) and at night (2" reflective stripes). The cars definitely saw it, and I even got a few yelled complements as they whizzed by. It's definately NOT cycling chic, but it gets the job done.

Picture taken after the Worst Day of the Year Ride over

I was photographed in the international orange helmet cover, jersey along with screaming yellow shoe covers and bright arm warmers. All items, except the jersey are because of my wife's creative energies. I haven't been able to find it, yet, but will keep on trying so I can post it on her. HHknits on FaceBook and ETSY.

A photo of favorite things.

Coffee before a long gentle descent along the White Salmon River to the town of White Salmon. And notice the shoe covers, though they're not in motion.