Hoist not surprised to hear that the leather jacket has survived, quality stuff. I see the guys from Dyer when they set up at the swap meet out here in the early spring. They usually have 2 booths during bike week at Laconia. I like to rattle old Georgie now and then as he is quite a character. I believe it is a third generation family business and from what I'm told it doesn't appear that there will be a fourth generation. The work is too hard and the younger guys have different plans. I hate seeing businesses go overseas. I know it is just a matter of time but when do we say enough is enough. I grew up near the New Hampshire millyard that stretched from Manchester and on to many mills in Massachusetts. I can still remember the large pipes from the tanneries dumping the dyed waste water right into the Merrimack. You never knew the color coming out from one week to the other. Glad to see clean water though. (
www.walterdyer.com) 1-866-879-4654
The Redrock ice fishing supply site that Buy Early posted has the best prices I'm aware of. I'm serious about the ability of this stuff not getting any body odor. I've used mine all year and only hang it out to air out occasionally, and I don't sleep alone! The partial zip turtle neck in the 400 weight is the one I use the most, it has the thumb holes and wears well. My wife freezes just looking out the window and this combination has been the best yet. I just purchased the HD/Gerbing heated top and bottom so I can go real light on the clothing and still stay warm. I would stay away from the King of the Mountain Wool clothing. Over priced and you can put the product right up to your mouth and breathe easily right through it, that tells me that it ain't worth a crap when it's windy out or in our case riding. Wool needs to be woven tightly like some of the LL Bean stuff.
Another quality product that worked well for me was a set of riding shorts from LD Comfort. (
www.ldcomfort.com) 1-888-642-7091. The shorts don't have any seams which make them very comfortable for long trips. It will reduce the chances of getting a sweaty & uncomfortable crotch when you are on a long trip. Most of the clothing made for serious bicyclicsts will work well for our application.
I should have included Swannie Wool clothing in the group. I purchased a set about 20 years ago and recently purchased some used on E-Bay. It came in a light brown military camo, a blue and black plaid and a red a black plaid. Every now and then I see a piece on e-bay. The parka is the warmest garment I own. It was made for some European military and the stuff was practically waterproof due to it's very tight weave and the type of wool used. I don't know one sheep from another, honest, but the ones used were a special high altitude breed, plus it was virgin wool. If sheep are caught cheating and fooling around, is it still virgin wool? That must mean that regular wool is from the slutty sheep, now I know why there are so many sex and sheep jokes and stories. You could ruin a whole virgin wool company just by slipping in a male and wreck havoc on the herd!
Ray G.