Biting the Bullet
Here I am sporting a stiff, shiny new Aerostich Darien jacket. I’ve been aware of Aerostich since I began riding again in 2005 but at the time it seemed an extravagance I neither needed or afford. After the first time I dropped my Vespa LX 150 during a snowy ride to work and felt the how hard the pavement felt I knew that proper riding gear was important. From that point I diligently purchased riding pants, jackets, gloves, and boots to protect myself from possible future encounters with the road. I didn’t buy cheap stuff but I also didn’t open my wallet for Aerostich.
So what changed during the next 21 years?
I was going to take the Himalayan on a ride to a new breakfast place my wife discovered for me and try out the Aerostich jacket and review a little of my thinking about protection.
The Realities of Abrasion
I knew what road rash was. Have seen lots of stories and videos of people grinding flesh and bone away while sliding down the road. From my geared up perch I felt safe and protected from impacts with the road and was prepared for the slide.
I was half right. Some recent videos on Doodle on a Motorcycle’s YouTube channel led me to a website for an organization in Australia that actually tests riding gear for abrasion. The results were frightening to see and worse, my protective gear was highly questionable if not outright worthless in terms of abrasion protection.
On the way to breakfast on quiet, familiar roads I did a mental inventory of my gear and the research about it I had done on that Australian MotoCAP website. My First Gear four-season jacket was great for impacts but not so great for abrasion. It would help depending on the speed I hit the pavement but the fabric would shred quickly. No amount of rationalizing could get me past that fact. My KLIM summer jacket was great for impact but only slightly better for abrasion protection. The only winner in my closet was the Merlin Hixon leather jacket. Leather is king for abrasion protection.
As I rode along Rock Road a couple things were clear to me. For the slow meandering riding I do on backroads I was probably ok with the gear I had. But for those rides where I spend a little time on the main roads about 45 MPH any slide onto the pavement would require me to surrender some flesh. I remember my cardiologist hobbling into my appointment with severe road rash from a deer strike and subsequent slide at 45 MPH after being launched from his BMW F900 GS. He described the injuries and I remember cringing.
In light of my advancing years, and rekindled concern for injury protection, and a questionable collection of gear, I decided to order the Darien jacket.
Breakfast Arrival
I have to say that the Filmore Farm Cafe & Gardens is a hidden gem. It’s only two miles from the farm my wife and I used to rent and the last time I was in this location there were only sheep running around. Now there’s a full-fledged food operation that I’m certain to visit again.
The Cafe
There were many options for breakfast and lunch. And the place is open for dinner too. Check out the Filmore Farm Cafe & Gardens website for a better idea of what they have to offer. I was thrilled to find another breakfast option close to home.
The Aerostich Darien Jacket
It’s still pretty stiff but perfectly functional. And just what I need as the temperatures begin to fall. It’s big enough to layer underneath, waterproof, and well armored in the shoulders and the entire length of the back. More pockets than I’ll ever need and plenty of ways to let air in when needed. And if buying American is important to you the jacket was cut and constructed in Duluth, Minnesota.
Hopefully I’ll never need to test its protective capabilities but if that day arrives I’m already glad I made the choice to ride with the Darien Jacket.
Now I can begin to think about the Helite Turtle 2 Airbag.
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On my 3’rd Darien and never been wet, so flexible with layering, and cooling😃. Be sure to use the nikwash and wash in… normal detergent can be a problem but follow Stich instructions and it’ll last for years😃enjoy!! My first Stitch was a roadcrafter.. quick on off once I learned how but not as practical around a camp ground, nor as flexible in use…. Congrats👍
Thank you for the head’s up on the Nikwash. I need to more closely read the Darien handbook they sent.
I’m hoping I can wear the Darien jacket through the winter with the proper layers. They had me size up to allow for that and it seems the right choice. Time will tell.
Oops forgot to mention, it is more flexible after it’s first wash
Wash? I don’t think I have ever washed any of my riding gear aside from turning a hose on them when they’re muddy.
Gotta admit, I gasped when I saw the price. I don’t know that I do that much riding anywhere anymore to justify that cost. I’m aware of the counterargument, of course. I use MSR gear, which isn’t rated on the MotoCAP site AFAICT. Makes you think about things.
Yeah, that price stopped me many times. For me it is not a calculation based on how much I ride. It’s for that one ride. And that MotoCAP site got me thinking for sure.
Good timing for this post. Last night I tried on the old Aerostitch roadcrafter one piece suit that one of my coworkers gave to me back in the 90’s. Still fits! I plan to use it on a campout ride to western Maryland today. It probably isn’t waterproof anymore so I will take rain gear as well. Riding home on Sunday looks like it will be a very wet ride.
Glad the Roadcrafter suit still fits! Have a safe and dry ride this weekend.
Doodle on a Motorcycle’s videos on gear safety are absolutely worth watching. Sobering to watch her show how inadequate most of the available stuff is. I’ve decided that my next helmet will definitely have MIPS technology.
She has some great information. An earlier video got me to purchase a new helmet with MIPS technology.
I’m on my fourth leather jacket in 54 years. Good for warm weather with the lining out or cold weather with the liner in. My Wife bought my last one in 2021 from Leatherup for about $165.00. Since it’s Chinese made it didn’t sacrifice quality for cost. It has all the features and quality of my previous American made jackets. Nylon variants of todays riding jackets might be better than in the old days but leather stops the wind from penetration like nothing else.
I resisted buying a leather jacket for a long, long time. In part because I never saw one I liked. And in part because they seemed hot, heavy and uncomfortable. When I finally bought the right one, the Merlin Hixon II, it is fantastic. It has a thermal liner but I can’t layer much with it. Its range seems to be 50F to 75F. So the Aerostich is the cold weather choice I hope. I’m hoping the Aerostich will keep me comfortable down to 25F.
You’re doing well with four leather jackets in 54 years!