Retail Therapy Or Vital Equipment?

 Having experienced a European heatwave when we went down to the Black Forest last year, I was concerned to see forecasts of similar weather conditions when we are in France next week. 

Riding in intense heat is no fun. One is obliged to wear protective equipment in weather where flipflops, shorts and a T-shirt would be a far better choice. I therefore made the decision to head up the M42 this morning to see if I could find a decent mesh motorcycle jacket that offers both protection and ventilation.

My destination was the JTS store in Coalville, and, after an hour of driving, I parked up and wandered in to the shop. I was immediately welcomed and offered a hot drink. What followed was some of the best customer service I have ever experienced. 

There were about three customers trying on motorcycle clothing and the young man in attendance managed to deal with all of us with an easy-going friendliness and comprehensive knowledge about the product lines. I was incredibly impressed and walked out of the shop with a new Furygan jacket, a pair of armoured jeans and a pair of braces to hold them up.

The jacket has mesh panels for ventilation, but also features removable waterproof and quilted liners. It should, therefore, be capable of dealing with most weather conditions. I will report further in a fortnight.

I arrived home shortly after 30%, who had been to the dentist's for a crown fitting. We shared a late lunch and then we both retired for a siesta in the heat of the day.

I felt that I really ought to achieve something today, other than a retail therapy session, so I headed out to the carport and plugged in the log splitter. I then spent a few hours splitting wood. I have produced another decent pile of logs and hope to get them stacked away tomorrow morning.

I also extracted our ancient printer from the store room, as I need to get my travel documents printed, before I leave on Friday. It is so old that I am not wholly convinced that I will be able to find the appropriate drivers to make it work.

I really must get focussed on preparations for the trip to France tomorrow!