BACKROADS • FEBRUARY 2022
Page 27
READER’S CORNER What is better than curling up in front of a fire on a cold winter’s day with a good book? Being able to get out and ride in that brisk air and clearing your mind. But when that is not possible, curling up with a book before the fire will suffice. I have two books on my night stand that are, more or less, specific to the woman rider, but can bring information, education and enlightenment to any who read them. Whether you are exploring the idea of learning to ride or are looking to further your knowledge and adventures, these books will give insight into what other women have experiences in their journeys. You may take that and filter it through your own life to pinpoint the best way to achieve your goals and better your motorcycle experiences.
WOMEN, MOTORCYCLES AND THE ROAD TO EMPOWERMENT BY LIZ JANSEN Self-description: ‘My name is Liz Jansen and I’m a healer, author and writer.’ Yes, this but also an entrepreneur, adventurer and rider extraordinaire. Liz has been riding since she was a teenager. Her path took her through nursing, human resources, life training and development, energy healing and motorcycling – long journeys, coaching, event planning and touring. Using her life story as a base, Women, Motorcycles and the Road to Empowerment passes the wisdom of 49 other women along for our inspiration. They come from all walks of life and miles of riding experience, from beginners to decade-long journeys. Their backgrounds are diverse and include Hollywood’s top stunt women, artists, business leaders, racers and a dental hygienist. There are names you might recognize: Carla King, Genevieve Schmitt and Tigra Tsujikawa as well as those who you won’t but will come to admire such as Audrey Alexandre and Andrea Tillmann. Throughout the 10 chapters, Liz relates parts of her life and how motorcycling changed things for her, giving her confidence, moving her forward mentally and spiritually and finding a career. The other women’s stories cover touring, dirt, motocross, long-distance, accidents and recoveries. Each is compelling and comes with a lesson. Continued on Page 28 Although Heated 4U offers many different manufacturers of heated riding gear we chose their own proprietary California Heat. The liner itself was as tough and well-built as my offthe-bike summer jacket and came with elastic sleeves and a draw-string bottom, to allow you to adjust the tightest at the bottom, without having an elastic band dictating how tight the fit will be. With the amount of heat this liner can feed onto you (130 degrees – wow!), they could actually make it thinner… but I am being a bit nit-picking. They offer a wide range of sizes, but if you are persnickety you might want to make the ride to Maryland to ensure the best fit. I think I am an in-between size, but give me another season or two and I will fill it in. Their thermostat control works brilliantly and allows for the best range of heat we have ever seen. The liners are great and keep the core of your body optimal, but the real beast of winter riding is the cold air that grabs your fingers and runs up your arms with a cold-icy grip of Beira, Queen of Winter. California Heat has a winter riding glove that is superb in every way…. Unlike previous gloves that heated the back of the hand, these gloves heat each finger and they have a gauntlet that is very, very impressive. Full 5 inches running wide up the sleeve that can easily cover almost every riding jacket’s sleeve, except maybe Tony Stark’s. Any wind is effectively shut out and the hand, palms, and fingers are bathed in heat. Oh, yes. On the road, we have been able to run this gear to right below freezing and were still good to go for the entire day. But you should pick and choose your battles temperature-wise. Even with superb gear like California Heat… be smart, ride far and ride the next day, okay? The point is that for a meager investment you can allow your riding season to keep on going until the deep dead of winter. Heated 4U offers the greatest variety, options, and ideas to keep you warm on the bike and off. Check out their website at www.heatedclothing4u.com – we’re sure you will find the answer to your coldweather riding issues. ,
