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Friday, March 12, 2010

Commuting in the Rain

When I went to work on Wednesday, I apparently forgot rain was wet. I took the Super9 instead of the Ural for some variety. I forgot the seat on the scooter is well used and depresses into a crater when you sit on it. It’s very comfortable, but not ideal in the rain. When it rains, the water collects in that crater. By the way, I was NOT wearing my rain gear.

My Tourmaster riding gear is quite nice, and it is waterproof. I’ve never gotten wet wearing it while riding, but apparently sitting in a puddle for thirty minutes is beyond it’s capabilities. I arrived at work Wednesday with some wet clothes, and ended up standing at my desk for a few hours while things dried out.

It’s has been raining for the last four days. I’m happy to see the salt, oil, and other grime being washed from the roads. The rain is also slowly melting the snow. Yesterday was the warmest day of the year so far at 50F! It was only in the low 40s today though.

Today, I was smarter. I wore my rain gear, and I didn’t get wet at all. I also wore my new GoPro Chest Mount. I found my DIY chest mount a bit clumsy to get on while wearing riding gear.

The new mount is MUCH easier to put on. It goes on like a vest and has a nice buckle in the front to secure it. The straps are made of a stretchy nylon that is easy to get on while wearing full gear. I did find that the right side had a tendency to become disconnected from the buckle, but it only takes a second to reattach it.

I thought the video turned out nicer than the DIY too since the mount seemed to absorb some of the bumps. It is also more comfortable to wear without gear on. I just need to learn to aim it a bit better. This video was a bit high, but I still like how it turned out.

I think the GoPro HD Camera worked quite well in the rain. The sound isn’t quite what I wanted because I had the camera in the waterproof case. The case worked as expected and kept the camera dry.

Bobskoot: here is your rain video as requested:

Youtube Video: GoProHD in the Rain on the Super9

Posted by Chris Luhman at 10:28 PM
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7 comments:

  1. I really like the way the shot includes the mirrors and the top of the speedo etc. Having these in shot gives us a sense of being on the bike. I had the same type of feeling when I looked at you riding the Ural on the frozen lake video - it sort of puts everything in context.

    It looked cold with the snow still on the ground. Do you ever ride when it is hot? Being quite new to blogs, I get the impression that you only ride in the worst of the weather! I hope it does get warmer in St. Paul before I get there at around the end of July.

    It was good however to see how the camera worked in the rain.

    BTW (Bob as well) - watch out for a slightly loose black clip on the top of the waterproof case - the one that seals it shut - mine has become loose and while it is ok for now, I wonder how long it will last.
    ReplyDelete
  2. Dear Chris:

    This made for a very interesting ride perspective. I think the GoPro camera is an exceptional value and delivers great images under a variety of conditions. I think your chest mount was very successful and aimed just right. It goes a long way a eliminatimg the bumps from the picture. As you said, the sound was somewhat subdued, but perfectly acceptible.

    Fondest regards,
    Jack • reep • Toad
    Twisted Roads
    ReplyDelete
  3. I agree with both of you. Some part of the bike in frame adds some nice context to the video.

    Gary: I do ride when it is hot. The hottest I've done has been 97F. I ride year round in Minnesota, so I get everything for weather. Winter in Minnesota, as you have noticed, is cold... by July we should be in the 80s and 90s. It would be great if we could meet up while you are in Minnesota. If you're interested, send me an e-mail and we can work out the details.

    I have had my clip come off the top of the case. It is removable just like the rear door. I just check both are clipped into place before taking off.

    Jack: Thanks for the kind words. The GoPro does quite well under most conditions. It doesn't do very well though when it is dark. I'm still trying to figure out how to get some nice night shots.
    ReplyDelete
  4. Chris, meeting up would be a great idea - I have sent an e-mail.....
    ReplyDelete
  6. Chris:

    That chest mount is great, and seems very good at absorbing bumps. They recommend putting some Rain-X on the case in front of the lens for the water to bead away. I have some rain video from today too, but I haven't looked at them yet

    I actually have some video when night riding, not great but the light is what it is and you do get the flare from the headlights as they pass.

    Gary: your tour is too far away from British Columbia, I'll have to wait for you to visit your Bellingham relatives again.

    bob
    bobskoot: wet coast scootin
    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks Bob. I took a bunch of video yesterday with the Ural and chest mount I still need to look through and cut.
    ReplyDelete

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