We had pouring rain earlier in the week (as in several inches). Enough rain for me to discover that one of my boots leaked. I assumed that it had simply needed to be re-waterproofed and stopped by REI to pick up some Nikwak leather wax. I finally got around to retreat the boots and discovered an open seam. I could stick my finger all the way inside the boot through the seam. So time to go boot shopping again. These lasted one year of almost daily use. Not too bad but I expected more. For now, I may just use some Shoe Goo or something like that to hold the seam together.
I had done one more repair that I had not documented in the blog. Part of the plastic buckle had broken and they would no longer "latch" closed. After studying the buckle's design, I fitted a piece of "springy" metal (actually a piece of a used hack saw blade) under the buckle to back up the broken plastic piece. It now works better than new.
The last couple of days were spent helping some good friends put up trusses on their addition to their shop. They have hosted many of the airhead tech days and other get togethers and they are always open to helping others. Many have used their shop, motorcycle tire machine and other tools to get their bike back on the road to continue their moto adventures. On Wednesday, we put up the trusses, and Thursday was spent bracing, blocking, and other tasks getting ready for the roof decking.
Fortunately, the weather cleared up very nicely though the clear skies brought below freezing morning temperatures.
It was a year for boot failure here as well. I ride with low tops and high tops, the determining factor whether I'm sitting upright or leaning forward in Sport mode. The tall ones were developing a large split in the seam and early spring I just put some clear caulk in there and thought I'd buy myself another season but paralleled that with a purchase of another pair just like it. Mid-summer I decided it was time to make the switch.
ReplyDeleteBy the time I got home from the Iowa Guzzi Rally my brand new boots were falling apart. Tour Master and Motorcyclegear were both and quickly helpful; the new pair sent within a week after a couple of photos for documentation were received.
We've done a few truss jobs here, a nice job with help and unrushed.
I was thinking about using something like Shoe-Goo or a similar product to repair the seam.
DeleteThe roof decking is mostly on now as well as the gable ends.
Is this the shop where I got a tire swapped while in Alaska?
ReplyDeleteNice WWID moment with the buckle.
Yes, this addition is destined to be the "clean" side of the shop. The used hacksaw blade was Kyle's idea.
DeleteAre those the boots you bought in Salem? I am surprised they're falling apart already, although they've seen a lot of hours.
ReplyDeleteThe shop addition looks like a big job. I am sure he is appreciative of the help.
Yes, the same. But they have quite a few hours/miles on them. The buckles lasted about 6 months and the seam just started to open up sometime this summer. Maybe because I've done quite a bit of walking in them as well.
DeleteWhat kind of boots are they?
ReplyDeleteFirstGear Kathmandu.
DeleteLeaky boot for you equals frozen toes.....never a good thing. Good to catch that early enough to get a new pair.
ReplyDeleteI think I'll see how long the Shoe-Goo repair lasts. But you're right, leaky boots equals frozen toes. I've run into that already and it's only September.
DeleteRichard if you area in the market for a great pair of boots I highly recommend Daytona M-stars. I have the lady daytonas and love them, yes they are expensive but they are made to last. Revzilla has them on line.
ReplyDeleteI'll keep that in mind. I will be looking for a replacement pair but I rode in the rain today and they kept out the water. The temporary repair seems to be working.
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