This is a shameless attempt to save the the most advanced civilization in
history from imminent self destruction by eliminating carbon emission,
dependence on foreign sources of fuel,obesity, hypertension and diabetes.
Cycling accomplishes all those things at once and helps us develop a better
understanding of ourselves, each other and our relationship to the cosmos.

Oh, horse puckey!
I like to ride bikes, have been doing it all my life.
The rest of that crap is just a fringe benefit,
and the blogosphere gives me a chance to share my interior
monologue with virtual rather than imaginary friends.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Pants of interest for cyclo-touring

    This is one weekend I am going to spend four days riding to a charity event in Ann Arbor.  While putting together my clothing for the weekend I thought I would share these pants with you.  They are not among the typical cycling "kit" you will find at REI , Rapha or even Rivendell.  They are a really versitile pair of pants made to be all-purpose outdoor clothing for the Venturing program of the Boy Scouts of America.
    I really can't explain how useful these pants are.  The fabric is a new moisture wicking,fast drying stretch fabric which is comfortable in all temperatures.


As you can see they are made with pockets galore like a normal "cargo" style.  The hip pockets are extra deep and made of mesh to dry and drain if used in water.  One pocket also has a waterproof, double zip lock container attached to protect sensitive things like phones or cameras from the weather.  They are made with wide comfortable legs but as you can see on the right leg, they have velcro panels to draw the ankle tight, either for warmth, or to keep it away from the bike chain.


The final feature that is great is the zip off legs,

which allow them to be used not only as long pants and shorts, but with this fabric they make perfect swimming gear.  They are especially nice on camping trips and sometimes end up being worn for several consecutive days.  The only thing that could be improved would be the stitching in the crotch, they are not gusseted but the stitching is not a maze of overlapping friction like jeans and the fabric does make them comfortable to ride in.
    You have to find them at your local Scout shop under the Venturing uniform section.  they are available in both men's and women's sizes and cuts, but it's the only place they are available.

5 comments:

  1. interesting... do you know the cost? Thanks

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  2. I'm sorry I didn't get back to you sooner,I was on the road the past few days. I think I paid around $45, but don't rememver for sure. Check scoutshop.org,but be sure to look at Venturing pants, the grey ones. The regular khaki Boy Scout pants are made from a different material.
    Thanks for reading!

    Marc

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  3. Hi Thanks for recommending these pants! Even though we are from Australia they were still more than reasonably priced and I bought a pair for our son, my wife and two pairs for me! They are Nice and cool to ride in, but also keep out a lot of the wind! I am so glad I found your recommendation as I got 3 pairs for the price of 1 similar pair here, and it is like they are made for cycling!
    Regards Greg

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  4. I just love the fabric also,it is so durable but has great stretch to it!

    Marc

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  5. I washed mine today and they dried in 30 minutes in the Late afternoon spring sunshine here in Tasmania.
    (the waistband was still moist, but I would have worn them with no problems) They will be the Bee's Knee's when we go on our cycling holiday to Denmark next year! They will dry overnight!
    Regards Greg and Kathleen

    ReplyDelete