Twas the Night Before Christmas

Twas the Night Before Christmas

For Bikers

Author Unknown

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the pad,

There was nada happenin', now thats pretty bad.

The woodstove was hung up in that stocking routine,

In hopes that the Fat Boy would soon make the scene.

With our stomachs packed with tacos and beer,

My girl and I crashed on the couch for some cheer.

When out in the yard there arose such a racket,

I ran for the door and pulled on my jacket.

I saw a large bro' on a '56 Pan

Wearin' black leathers, a cap, and boots (cool biker, man).

He hauled up the bars on that bikeful of sacks,

And that Pan hit the roof like it was running on tracks.

I couldn't help gawking, the old guy had class.

But I had to go in -- I was freezing my ass.

Down through the stovepipe he fell with a crash,

And out of the stove he came dragging his stash.

With a smile and some glee he passed out the loot,

A new jacket for her and some parts for my scoot.

He patted her fanny and shook my right hand,

Spun on his heel and up the stovepipe he ran.

From up on the roof came a great deal of thunder,

As that massive V-twin ripped the silence asunder.

With beard in the wind, he roared off in the night,

Shouting, "Have a cool Yule, and to all a good ride!"

 
Ride on,
Torch

Cheek Chillers, Not Just for Fetish Seekers

STREET & STEEL Heavy Duty Deep-Pocket Leather Motorcycle Chaps Review

Last year when Old Man Winter came into town and started blowing cold air around, which, I might add, happens earlier in the year for those traveling on two wheels, I started looking for a way to keep my legs warm. I did not have the funds for a fancy coordinated one or two piece Sport Tourer technical style outfit. I thought that a good pair of leather chaps would work sufficiently and were within my budget constraints. I decided then it was time to go shopping for some Cheek Chillers.

I started riding around to all the local area motorcycle gear shops looking at leather chaps checking features, benefits, and prices. Cycle Gear’s Street & Steel brand, made by FMC I believe, seemed to have the best value, features and they were on sale. I tried on several and decided on a larger size in case I needed to layer other clothing underneath on really long cold rides.

The Street & Steel Heavy Duty Deep-Pocket Leather Motorcycle Chaps differ from the regular Deep-Pocket Chaps in that they have a removable Thinsulate quilted liner. This is real nice to have on cold days. The YKK zippers have held up real nice, even after one of the zippers accidently got caught in a dress pant leg once. The Snaps are all heavy duty and surprisingly, have also held up to all my yanking and pulling. I have seen one leg edge seam that the stitching didn’t quite get it held down all the way but this has not affected their use in any way.

The buckle is also good quality. They do take a bit of getting used too to be able to put them on and take them off efficiently. The hardest part is being able to snap the snaps at the bottom of the legs and it is hard to do for this old fart without a place to sit down. I use the right side running board of my V-Star 1100 Classic motorcycle as a step so I can reach the buckles easier.

The deep pockets have been very useful in holding odd stuff while riding. I have used them for all kinds of junk including, but not limited to, keys, Palm Treo (phone), dew rags, receipts and stuff purchased while shopping. Interestingly enough, the insulating properties of the chaps also keeps the heat of the engine off your legs while riding in the summer. Keep in mind in the winter they do not help keep your derrière or crotch area warm, but that’s what your Pillion is for, right?

Here is a video of Stephen Young of First Manufacturing discussing the features of this classic bit of 1.3mm cowhide cruiser apparel that is meant to be worn over your jeans. He shows the thigh pockets, the gunmetal YKK side zippers, the removable Thinsulate liner and the secondary liner:



So far I have been very happy with these chaps. They keep light rain, bugs, rocks and other road debris off your legs and pants. Torch gives the Street & Steel Heavy Duty Deep-Pocket Leather Motorcycle Chaps a M.M.M Rating of 9.0 on a 1-10 scale.

Ride on,
Torch

2009 Dallas Cycle World International Motorcycle Show

2009 Dallas Cycle World International Motorcycle Show Photo Log

We got to the show fairly early, parked, and went right in with the steady flow of arrivals. I sat on several different bikes worried that I would find one that felt nice and catch new bike fever. However, that did not happen. None of them really felt that great to me. The closest in comfort to me was the Star Stratoliner.

Browsing the venders that were present I made several small purchases. Some thin leather non vented gloves for cool riding. Another pair of winter gloves with built in zip out rain covers. Lastly some clear goggles for riding in the rain and at night. Oh, and one cotton bandana.

We signed up for all the drawings and missed most of the shows and got out of the Dallas Convention center shortly after lunch. I’m not much of a photographer so bear with the photos. There should be some eye candy for every one, sport bikes, cruisers, vintage bikes, custom bikes, etc. Click on the photo for larger size.

Above: Joshua my youngest and future Ninja Warrior

Above: One of the customs from the Strokers Display

Above: Strokers Display

Above: Cam Am Spider

Lots of Vendors

Above: Me (Torch) & Joshua Checking out the Harleys

Above: Me again. Don't worry, I did not get the Swine Flu.

Above & below: The HD Ultra Classic Electra Glide Cutaway Bike

Above: Twisted Throttle talk about motorcycle luggage

Above & below: T-Rex

My better half at the Womans center trying on helmets.

Above & below: T-Rex's again

Above: Joshua hamming it up in front of one of the vendors.

Me (Torch) checking out the Honda Furry. It was marred by ugly frame welds.

Hope to see ya'all there next year.

Ride on,
Torch