Desert Wear and ...

[Bike Goddess]

My friend Barbara (also from Benicia) is going on a ride from So Cal to Albuquerque, N.M. in May.

She asked me about what kinds of clothes she should wear given that most of the trip involves desert riding. Of course who do we ask but the EXPERTS!

So, if you don't mind, please join in and assist this neat lady in her quest! (She is registered here, but hasn't been able to post yet).

Also, she was asking about what kind of tires she should have on her bike. Any ideas on that one would be most appreciated!

As usual, I know she'll be most welcome here! TX!!!!!!!

[Running Mommy]

Do you know what route she is taking? I'm guessing through northern AZ?? If so- it still get's chilly at night, but warms during the day and can be VERY windy.
My new fave acces. is the desoto arm coolers. They are like arm warmers, but they keep you cool. They are bright white, and I've found that in the mornings they also keep me a bit warm. Not that you need a warmer when it's nearly 70 degrees, but you get the drift. Plus they keep the sun off my poor arms a bit when it's blazing out.. and today is quite sunny.

Wind from 166 degrees @ 9.0 MPH Gusts to 11.0 MPH Temp 92F Humidity 9% Dewpoint 25F Pressure 999.8 mb

[bikerchick68]

I know if I was doing a tour like that I would ride Gatorskins for sure. They are just super durable... I have well over 1300 miles with no flats (altho I'm sure I just cursed myself saying that! )


hey running mommy... I'll be in Goodyear in the fall sometime visiting a friend... will let ya know and maybe we can meet for lunch if there's time... it'll be a quick trip...

[TsPoet]

NM is not bike friendly, and has some terrible road debris. I love alertshirts, cheap and bright and come in everything from sleeveless to sweatshirts. They are also coolmax material so they wick well.
I'd suggest layering and shedding during the day.

http://www.alertshirt.com/peap.html

BTW - they stick you with shipping, but the shirts are reasonably priced

NM and Az are beautiful, though, have a great time!

[Running Mommy]

Sounds good! We have a great place called Wildfower baking company. Great food!
I second the tire recomendations. Though I'm currently running conti gp4000's. They seem like a tough tire. They got me through IMAZ that's for sure! And I saw alot of people changing tires!! I also run michellin carbons on my road bike. Those have lasted FOREVER w/ no flats.

[MomOnBike]

Long-sleeved white wicking shirts. They provide sun protection, and especially in low humidity situations are cooler than showing skin. Really, I've tried it.

Don't know about tires themselves, but with the goat heads & other spiney stuff in the desert, Slime or tire liners, or something similar would be on my shopping list.