Dress code

[Francois_Dumas]

Hi all,

not being familiar with the region we're riding to and through, what riding gear would you recommend ? Here in Italy we already ride around in our mesh jackets and pants, but maybe up in Salida and Montana it doesn't get so hot ??

 

We'll bring rain gear, but have to choose between all-weather and summer gear.

[MikeRC]

Francois:

 

Welcome to the dilemma of riding in the West!

 

At the BMW MOA meeting in Billings last year (just an hour away from Red Lodge) it was above 36º C every day and only cooled down to 15º C at night. But at elevation (Colorado passes and Red Lodge, MT) it will probably only get to the high 20s C daytime and may get down to 2-3º C at night. And there is even a possibility of frost or snow (briefly). Then there are the thunderstorms, hail and occasional cold fronts with steady rain ..........

 

To get from Colorado to Montana it will be lots of miles in the high 20s to high 30s (says the man that went from South Dakota to Salida for the 2012 UnRally in scorching sun and desiccating wind at 35-42º C). But it's a dry heat

 

At that time of year the majority of people will wear a 3 season suit with lots of potential airflow and some type of evaporative vest for the hotter middle of the day. Some even carry electrics for those early cool mornings or drenching rains (typically California wimps). Mesh would also be fine if you have a wind/waterproof inner liner to zip in and can add a light fleece layer and rainsuit when it is really cold.

 

There is a reason why Aerostich Roadcrafters are popular here.

 

Mike Cassidy

[EffBee]

Francois, here's a link to the averages for the month of July for Red Lodge MT. It may show the current month and you'll have to click until you get to July. It's in Farenheit. Rainfall averages, too. If things go according to this charts, days will top out around 80 and nights will get down around 50. But, because it's in the mountains, there will likely be fluctuations. Also, most of the good riding is at elevation as well.

[Francois_Dumas]

Thanks guys! Sounds like mesh, fleece and rain jacket for me.... and the regular BMW suit for Nina (she's cold even when it gets over 80 F !).

 

No such things as cool vests, inner liners or heated stuff in my inventory (although I could use one of the former here in Italy too!)