Riding when it's hot Check out the MiraCool Poncho at http://www.stageoneproductions.com/vstpnch2.html as recommended last summer by Sam Lepore. I purchased one prior to my trip across the southwestern deserts last summer and found it to be very effective when worn under my perforated Vanson jacket. It works like the bandanas that soak up water in the enclosed crystals and then release that moisture very gradually over many hours depending on heat and airflow. It works best in drier climates, but is still effective in higher humidity as long as you have adequate airflow. When I first received mine, the vest seemed so insignificant I thought I had been ripped off. When the vest's crystals (is there a name for that stuff?) are completely dry, they weigh next to nothing and take up a miniscule amount of space. The completely dry vest will fold up and fit in a pocket, but when soaked in water for 30 minutes must weigh at least 5 or 6 pounds! In fact it will hold so much water that I can barely get my jacket on over it, so I usually only soak mine for a couple of minutes and lightly squeeze the excess water out and then it fits easily under my jacket and still cools for many hours in even the hottest weather. You do end up with a damp shirt, so it might not be the best thing to use on the way to the office, but for desert crossings it can't be beat. One of the best $27.00 purchases I've ever made. (I tried it under my Roadcrafter once, but there is so little air flow that no cooling seemed to occur. I was just hot and wetter, but YMMV.) Geoff Adams Arlington, TX '85K100RS 'IBMWR' '85K100C/EML-GT www.bmwdfw.org