BACKROADS • DECEMBER 2021
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WHAT C H AT HI NK I N ’ SHIRA KAMIL
‘TIS THE SEASON The calendar is winding down and the days are getting shorter and darker. That can only mean that the holidays are close upon us. I’m sure that this year’s gatherings will be joyous, with families getting together to overeat and exchange all the gifts that may not have been given out last year. However you may celebrate, we wish you happiness, health and a long and adventurous riding life. As we were putting together this year’s Holiday Gift Ideas, it got me to thinking what I would like to receive come this Hanukkah. It’s really hard to buy things for each other in this house, as we usually just get it when we need it. While I will explore and research the most minute items before purchase, Brian is the king of the One-Click. If he mentions something he’s come across while on a trip, chances are it will be delivered before we have the bikes back in the garage.
From my point of view, I look to see what I always carry on my bike that, periodically, needs replacing and would be appreciated under the menorah. Little things that make a huge difference if they are not readily at hand. I have one bag that contains travel size cans of chain lube, W-D 40 and Plexus with a clean microfiber cloth as well as a bunch of assorted zip ties, a small roll of duct tape and some safety pins (ask Brian about that). What a wonderful gift bag that would make for any rider. Some other items that would be most welcome holiday, or any time, gifts would be a well-stocked first aid kit. There are many on the market ranging from $25 and up. I carry the REI Backpacker Multi-Day kit and try to replace what I use so as not to be caught short in an emergency. Another first aid of a sort are ear plugs. While the foam ones may do the trick in a pinch, a good set of custom-molded ones will prevent hearing issues down the road. You can usually find them at motorcycle shows, as it is a hands-on operation, and gift certificates are surely available. Moving on to the well-being of the motorcycle, an absolute must is a tire plug kit. I totally recommend the Stop ‘n Go Tubeless Puncture Pilot. This kit contains the Pocket Tire Plugger, 15 mushroom-shaped rubber plugs, the very compact Mini-Air Compressor, a 66’ power cord, 12”
alligator extension clips, 35’ extension lighter adapter and 4” tire valve hose, all compactly placed in a durable zipper-canvas case. A bargain at $68. To keep you moving should something go amiss, an external power supply is a good thing to carry. Not only can it jump start your motorcycle, it can charge your cell phone or GPS. The Micro-Start XP-3 is an example; it can hold a charge for up to a year, has a high-power LED flashlight, weighs less than a pound, can fit in your pocket and sells for about $120. If the person in your life for whom you are shopping happens to have a Garmin zumo 390 or 590 series, a pair of tire pressure monitors is an excellent present. Fit the TPMS on the tire valve stem and they will connect with the zumo, giving you real-time readings. They can be set to a specific tire pressure and, if it should drop, will issue a warning through the zumo display. This could detect a slow leak before it becomes a bigger problem. These sell for $70 per tire. But, you say, these are great gifts but very impersonal. Okay, let’s get a little warmer and fuzzier. There is no better feeling than warm feet on a cold riding day. I have tried many woolen socks and found most to be too thick to be comfortable. Last year I was gifted a pair of Pearly’s Possum socks (thank you Helene) and they are pretty near perfect, if just a tad on the thick side. But I have to say that SmartWool socks have become my favorite. Made of Merino wool and in a variety of heights, cushioning and designs, these Continued on Page 11
