Majestic Yukon

Welcome to Alaska!

My neighbor Ken must have asked me at least 10 times in the last two weeks if I had a heated vest. I probably looked at him with my patented “are you crazy” face I have. I’m a snowmobiler, I don’t get cold riding, sheese! (is that even a word?)

I can tell you this, I have traveled through rain, sleet, snow, and temperatures into the 30’s. I was so cold at times that I would have stolen an unattended heated vest from another rider and ran off cackling like a nut case that just escaped from the loony bin if I thought I could have gotten away with it. If I would have had my 2012 VICTORY VISION this would have been a non-issue.

Here is the difference between snowmobiling in the mountains and riding a motorcycle down vast expanses of the highway. On a snowmobile, you are traveling at less than half the speed and working ten times more. You are constantly wrestling the machine, using body English to get the sled to go through, up, and around obstacles. This creates heat from labor!

On the motorcycle, you are just sitting there totally exposed to the elements, not moving much if any at all at twice the speed. The KLIM BADLANDS PRO jacket and pants have done a marvelous job of keeping me dry but at the end of the day, I didn’t come prepared with the proper layering for 30-degree temps. Here are the things that I really like about the KLIM gear;

• The sleeves can be adjusted to be used with a short warm weather glove or tightened up to be used with a gauntlet glove for cold weather.
• The opening at the boot can be snapped tight around the boot in several positions to keep the wind from creeping up the pant leg.
• The neck can be adjusted to fit multiple layers of neck-high undergarments so you don’t limit neck and head mobility.
• It has plenty of waterproof pockets so your billfold and phone will stay dry.
• When you pick up the jacket you will swear it weighs 20 lbs but it probably weighs 10. When you put the jacket on and start riding the body armor breaks in and begins to conform and hug your body in a way that makes you feel very secure.

If I could ask for one thing to be added to the suit, it would be a waterproof pocket on the pant for my wallet. I just find it easier to get to than trying to remember which pocket on the jacket I put it. I would make it a pocket just above the knee that zips up with a velcro fold-over flap. Other than that I have no complaint at all. It’s awesome gear and on a trip like this, well worth the price.

Today was another milestone day because we crossed over into Alaska today from the Yukon. I have waited over two years for this moment. I couldn’t be in the motorhome with my folks when we crossed the border to Alaska and the U.S. but I thought about how long my folks (and especially my dad) have waited for this moment and I don’t mind telling you it was an emotional moment for me. As you can see from the picture It was a proud moment!

Welcome to Alaska O.B. and Mert, I love you!

You too Benz…

MM