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13 Sep 2006
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Registered Users
HUBB regular
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Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 33
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The heavy backpacking boot gets my vote
Here's my two cents after dropping my loaded klr650 and having my foot trapped under it.
The fancy leather, or even the military boots won't cut it if you drop (or crash) your bike. I've done this particular stupidity with two bikes (60k laydown and slow speed drop) and still have feet because I was wearing backpacking boots. Some of my friends also having done the asphalt inspection program (crash), and were wearing military or light riding boots. They came out much worse. My last dump would have resulting in a bad crush injury. As it was, I took some damage.
My criteria for a boot is that I can still hike good distance (have a bike break down on you and you will quickly and painfully find out why) and still ride comfortably in them.
My particular boot at the moment is a Gronnel heavy duty backpacking boot. It is the same boot I wear for ground search and rescue. That should tell you a bit about what extreme demands I place on my boots.
I have worn (out) Danner recons (2 pair. Soles gone in 3 months), Richile (two pairs fell apart like tissue paper), Zamberland, and Gronnel.
The last two were backpacking boots that stood up to the guff I give them.
For me, my feet are always plan "c".
Plan "A" is what expect to happen, plan "B" is what usually happens, and plan "C" is when everything goes to hell and you have to walk out. Plan "C" is a "must not fail" plan that you know you can count on. Live long enought and you will use plan "C" sometime.
Have the essentials you need to walk out of hell, including good boots, and have them with you at all times when travelling.
Peace,
Narly
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13 Sep 2006
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Gold Member
HUBB regular
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 25
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My shoe size is 13-5E (U.S.) and from what I've learned, nearly all motorcycle-specific footwear is aimed at medium width (D in the U.S.).
So what to do...
I'm partial to steel or plastic toe protection, and yes, I know about people who've been damaged by steel toes in their shoes. Personally, my toes are not broken because I was wearing steel last time the bike went down. The leather covering the steel is gone and the black toenails did take about 8 months to disappear though.
There are many online retailers of tactical police and military footwear and while it's still very difficult to find 13-5E, extra-wide sizes are available in some product lines and these work for me.
I like laces and side zippers on my boots. It makes the fit much more exact and comfortable with waterproof construction also an option on some styles. The usual oil resistant materials are available.
They all take a bit of breaking in, but are quite comfortable on the bike and for walking.
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14 Sep 2006
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Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Ehime-ken, Japan
Posts: 273
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"Allround-Footwear"
I am wearing a pair of hiking boots, too....just very convenient. A good place to order from is in my opinion Sierra Trading Post in the States. They've got lots of stuff that can be used for motorcycling, too. So far no negative experiences.
__________________
Klaus D. Orth A German in Japan 1992 Honda TA
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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