Heading to Sturgis was curious how many even in this warm weather take the chaps or wear them on the way ?

 

chaps? no, but rain pants yes. pack for cold weather, cuz it's miserable riding through the mountains or storms and **** while you're freezing your bean bag off

 

Rain gear and leather jacket going and a LS base layer just in case.

 

 

I've been blessed to have had the opportunity to ride twice to Sturgis from Charleston, SC. Like 1900 miles one way. It was always hot. If I did get cold (on the way up or back) I would put on a long sleeve but no jacket. The first time I went I literally had every piece of riding gear I owned clothing wise. We'd stop for a little bit of rain, dress out in rain gear, hit the road, and 10 minutes later we were baking again in the sun. Do that about 10 times and it gets old.

The second time I went I packed only 50% of what I did the last time. I just brought rain gear, leather jacket, a few under armor items to wick away sweat, and a credit card. If it started raining I'd let it rain on my *** and 15 minutes later I was dry again and sweating. Sometimes riding with wet clothes feels like air conditioning! It was like 104 going through Kentucky each time I went up. Don't know what's up with that... Never used the rain gear.

Chaps, No. Leather jacket was for riding the black hills at night or early morning. It get pretty chilly in those parts believe it or not.

Be safe and have fun. It's a great event. Wishing I could go again.

lp

 

Glad you posted this. I just went to the Black Hills July 8th - 13th camping with the wife and kids and stayed just south of Hill City. It cools off pretty quick at night but a good heavy leather jacket for night and the early am hours will be plenty. Nice and hot all day I am coming back in 2 weeks on the bike with the wife. Not packing chaps just leather jackets and rain gear.

 

If you have room, take them. Every time I leave them behind, it gets cold, and I curse the weatherman.

 

I hate chaps, bought a pair and wore them maybe 4 or 5 times. Ended up buying a pair of mesh pants similar to the link below on closeout. The go on and off very quickly, under 15 seconds, with a zipper on the side. On long rides I normally just wear a pair of thin sweatpants or something under them rather than jeans, and it's very comfortable. Wear the riding pants and carry a pair of rainpants and sweatpants with you. Warm down into the 30's like this, and actually feel cooler than wearing just jeans in the heat.



Mine don't have a removable liner like these seem to have. I wish they did but it's not really needed.

http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/s...pro+mesh+pants

 

It's really up to you, if you have chaps and want to wear them, go for it. They will protect you from rocks and stuff.

 

I plan on wearing my chaps. It's better to have them and not need them than to want them and not have them.