Article 31st of December 2008 by Brad McDiarmid.

Now I have your attention the answer is Trail riding.
Here are 3 tips that may help if you have some dollars to spare.

Tip #1 “Hands”.
Recently a mate of mine “Scott” put me onto a good thing that’s worth sharing, it’s UnderWARE. As not all of us trail jockeys have a job that toughens our hands to a full day on the throttle, so we need to do something that allows us to keep riding all day long. Some people put up with the sore hands, some tape to prevent them and others get wise, hence UnderWARE. It’s a Kevlar glove liner that is sold in good bike stores for about $40 and gives great all day prevention to blisters or pealing calicoes. It’s worn under your standard riding glove as shown and it works! www.ORS-UnderWARE.com

Basic setup your original ride gloves and a pair of UnderWARE gloves. See picture UnderWARE view.JPG

Fit the pair of UnderWARE gloves first.
See picture Underware On.JPG

Put on your normal ride gloves on over the UnderWARE.
See picture UnderWARE Fitted.JPG

Some last points, there not bulky as you might think, they fit like a second skin, breathe are warmer in winter and if you get fuel on them unlike tape they don’t dissolve on your hands and make a mess of the inside of your glove.
It took me some searching to find them in Melbourne, I could only find one shop that stocked them. Go figure!

Tip #2 “Goggle Wiper”
Road riders have had a wiper device for some time it fits to the glove to swipe a visor clean but they are not designed for goggles or to reach into a dirt bike helmet.

Road version of a wiper glove, this type requires to be sewn onto the actual glove. See picture Road Wwiper glove.JPG

There are similar issues faced by trail riders and snow skiers due to the sporting environment and similar headgear worn.
The issue of Goggle visibility in rain, snow or muddy conditions is a common problem. Fortunately for us trail riders, skiers have solved this at around $10, it’s called a Ski Gee and acts like a wiper blade designed for goggles.
This simple device is worn on your thumb over the glove (no sewing) and allows you to swipe clean your goggles as required to regain visibility.
It’s always a plus to be able to see where you are going.
Throw one in your bum bag takes up no space and you never know when you’ll need it.

Basic Ski Gee available in most colours from good snow shops. See picture Ski Gee.JPG

Riding position with Ski Gee fitted to thumb, it’s not in the way. See pictire Ski Gee ride view.LPG
Can go in left or right hand, up to your personal preference!


Tip #3 “New mid body protection”
There are more similar issues faced by trail riders and down hill snow skiers; another one is impact protection from falls. I wish I never fell but it happens in both sports as you push to find your limits or make a mistake.
In this pursuit of this enjoyment it pays to have protection and comfort, in this case trail riders can offer snow skiers a return benefit thanks to O’Neil. For years I have worn bicycle shorts to give some extra padding on the trails and whilst snow skiing I wear Skins shorts for warmth.
This new gear from O’Neil suits both sports and has a truck load of padding for comfort and safety at around $70.
These shorts come with a gusset, bum, coccyx, hip and thigh padding and are comfortable as they are well made and use breathable materials.
Neither the bicycle shorts nor skins offer these multiple benefits. This must be one of the few area’s where trail riding gear appears to be better suited and in some cases may be better priced. See picture Ride shorts.JPG

I stumbled across these at a bike shop in Melbourne they had just got them in as it’s a new product, it may take some searching to find them if your interested.

Happy trail riding,

Brad