ATGATT - All the gear all the time
Some of you might ask what is the point of going on a "head space trip" when one of the non negotiable requirements, is to wear an object on your head that leaves you with feeling anything like the so called promised "head space" ride of your life!
This is a much debated topic for quite a few motorcyclist as the "old school bikers" grew up riding in shorts, flip flops and some of them even bare chested. I myself have done the deed just like that, and I have come short a few times as well. My all time favorite, wearing skimpy shorts something similar to flip flops and a spaghetti strap top whilst playing on my daughter's little 50cc four stroke. Needless to say, mother earth and I connected in ways you cannot imagine and she left me with quite a few roasties to nurse for a week or two. These eventually turned into scars which I not so proudly wear today, as they bare witness to my tumble on my daughter's bike of all things.
Here in South Africa at the home of Bike X Cape we love to keep our guests happy so we have done some research. You will find awesome gear, that will leave you feeling nothing but comfortable, is lightweight but durable, and most important, provide you with the safety that you need.
Protect that head
Let's start with the most important piece of gear you will ever own! Helmets. We all have our likes and dislikes, colors etc. but we at Bike X Cape have chosen Spirit as our supplier and have extensively tested their helmets ourselves. We are therefor confident that we have chosen a provider that will not only give you the best possible helmet, but also at the best price. Of all helmets in this price range it is by far the best fitted helmet, has the least noise, and is light weight, affordable and off course manufactured and supplied by a proudly South African company. Comfort is further enhanced by the light breathable removable interior fabric. Cleaning of this is also very easy, remove inners, turn the 2 peak screws until completely loose, remove peak, place helmet back on head, jump in the shower and voilà!
Bike X Cape has a few Spirit helmets available to hire for the duration of your trip however stock is limited due to various size requirements. Should you elect to rather purchase gear upon your arrival, we will ensure a "stop to shop" at Spirit Motorcycle Accessories store, in order for you to select your gear. Below you will find a selection of Spirit Off road helmets at R1999.00 and Adventure helmets starting from R1599.00.
These Helmets have a Race ready DD ring chin strap closure system, removable moisture wicking comfort liner and have New Tech E.R.S emergency release system. Aerodynamics is enhanced through the innovative lightweight engineered Shell design with multi flow intake and exhaust vent for optimum airflow. These helmets are ECE 22.05 R and DOT FMVSS 218 safety certified.
Feet and Ankle protection
I am certain that all of us has one or the other story to tell about an injury that was quite severe, all because of inadequate or no riding gear. I myself have seen and felt the effects of inadequate, or no gear for that matter, and the next item on the list is a non negotiable in the Bike X Cape camp. Boots are such an essential part of your kit and although not made for walking, will aid in a less severe type of injury should you and mother earth decide to meet up. If you however don't feel like carting this "not so light" item, Spirit Motorcycle accessories have come to the rescue in this regard as well.
The DSAP Boot at R2899.00 with the reinforce ankle region, top grain leather construction and gear shift overlay panel is for the serious adventure rider. It has a soft rubber sole with maximum grip, adjustable strap cam lock closure system and and a moulded arch support composite comfort inner sole.
The Adventure tec. boot at R3099.00 is more suited to multi terrain. It is made of lightweight micro fiber, and is waterproof. The premium comfort inner sole and Adjustable Velcro closures ensures a very comfortable fit. The rubber sole has Anti-slip properties and the top of the boot has a gear shift overlay.
Our off road guided tours covers various terrains, ranging from river crossings, sandy and rocky roads, as well as gravel and shale surfaces. We therefore recommend the DSAP boot however the choice is ultimately yours.
Other essential gear
Bike X Cape has the following gear available for hire (subject to size requirements): Thor Chest protectors, Thor Quadrant elbow and knee guards, and various brands of off road gloves.
Should we not have your size or should you wish to purchase any of the below prior to your tour you can also contact MX24. They provide an amazing safe and secure online platform that boasts top brands such as ALPINESTARS, EVS, and LEATT. Remember to make your purchase 4-6 weeks prior to your visit to ensure your goodies are delivered in time for your tour directly to Bike X Cape Post box.
Liquid Gold
Scratching your head, wondering what gold has to do with this? Well, South Africa has had some water woes due to lower than average annual rain falls, more particularly in the Western Cape region which is the area of our operation. Stringent water restrictions was put in place and thankfully the winter rains seem to have been sufficient to fill the dams to almost 80% to 90% of it's capacity. Irrespective of this, Bike X Cape continues to cherish this valuable resource and is actively busy enhancing and reviewing water saving measures. For us water is Liquid gold and we treat our own borehole water supply and natural rivers and waterfalls en-route as such. As a rider on the other hand, water is essentially also liquid gold. Temperatures often reach 50 degrees Celsius and without sufficient supply, one could dehydrate in a matter of an hour or two. Bike X Cape provides all our tour guests with a camel pack for the duration of their tours.
I hopefully covered all aspects of riding gear. Thanks to our suppliers for providing images and for their continued support and superior service. Should you like to purchase or view any of their products you can visit their websites listed below.
Supplier links:
https://www.spiritmotorcycles.co.za/
https://mx24.co.za/
Next blog: Rubber, Rubber and more rubber!
