| You're cruising down your favorite country | | | | The oilskin coat was further adapted to life |
| road on what started out to be a | | | | inland by adding an extension in the back of |
| text-book-perfect day for riding. Without | | | | the garment to protect the seat of the horse |
| warning, the sky turns an ominous shade of | | | | rider's saddle, in addition to leg straps to |
| grey. A huge menacing cloud , swollen and | | | | keep the coat securely in place during strong |
| black, suddenly releases a torrent of rain. | | | | wind, and sleeves that were extra long to |
| In a matter of moments you're drenched and | | | | protect the arms while extended. |
| shivering from the cold.... | | | | |
| | | | Continuing on with this tradition, modern |
| Like most seasoned bikers, I've been | | | | oilskin clothing is designed with the same |
| searching in vain for the the ideal rain-gear | | | | wet weather-proofing techniques in mind. |
| to protect myself from the elements without | | | | |
| having to compromise on freedom of movement. | | | | Made of tightly woven 100% cotton that is |
| Luckily a few months back, a friend, who is | | | | infused with a unique natural oil based |
| an avid horseback rider, turned me on to the | | | | formula, oilskin apparel offers maximum |
| perfect solution. The oilskin coat: | | | | defense against snow, wind, and rain. Oilskin |
| | | | coats, jackets and pants provide an |
| From it's humble beginning as the monsoon | | | | impenetrable water barrier that keeps you |
| cape worn hundreds of years ago by sailors | | | | bone dry and able to keep riding, even |
| worldwide, Australian oilskin coats, jackets | | | | through the heaviest rain. |
| and pants have evolved into the emblem of | | | | |
| those looking for the ultimate in harsh | | | | Unlike many synthetics this material also has |
| weather protection. | | | | a very natural feel, and offers excellent |
| | | | breath-ability, allowing body moisture to |
| It all began in 1890 when a Scottish sailor | | | | escape, ensuring the driest ride possible. |
| by the name of Edward LeRoy discovered that | | | | |
| torn sails from his ship could be recycled | | | | The drawstring waist and gusseted rear vent |
| into long coats by treating the canvas | | | | enables you to slip the jacket over the back |
| material with a mixture of various oils. This | | | | so water runs off the bike, leaving your seat |
| transformed them into superb wet weather | | | | dry. Snap together straps also secures the |
| gear. | | | | coat around your legs when the wind kicks up. |
| | | | |
| Word spread land-side about the effectiveness | | | | And since the oil blend is not water soluble, |
| of LeRoy's coats in rain and cold, and | | | | any incidence of water touching the fabric |
| settlers of the outback acquired this | | | | simply runs off, ensuring total weather |
| legendary waterproof material to protect | | | | protection for motorcyclists who need to stay |
| themselves from the severe weather of the | | | | warm and dry, even under the most challenging |
| Australian Bush. | | | | conditions. |
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