Jacket I'm really proud to wear my Barbour International jacket. Made of 100% waxed cotton, the jacket has been in production since the 1930s when it was used by a succession of British teams in the Olympics of motorcycling; the International Six Days Trial. Johnny Brittain wore one on a Royal Enfield 500 Twin in 1953, the last time a British team won the event. His father, Vic Brittain, also sported one in 1930s events and when riding a 350 Bullet to victory in the 1948 competition held in Italy. I already have a well-worn black International jacket, which never seems to be off my back. Barbour have kindly provided me with a new sandstone coloured one for my ride to India. Contact: Barbour website Tel: (+44) 0191 455 4444
Trousers I went straight to Draggin Jeans for my motorcycle trousers. I ride regularly and often find myself in situations where I need to hop off my bike and approach strangers for information. A leather-clad motorcyclist can appear intimidating to some people and I have found Draggin jeans perfect in those situations. Leather trousers would also be too hot and I don't like wearing synthetics all day, which rules out nearly all Enduro pants. I chose a pair of Kevlar-lined Draggin cargo pants; the perfect combination of safety with easy to wear trousers. They look great and they're supremely comfortable. Of course, I plan to keep the bike upright the whole trip, but it gives me comfort to know my Draggin cargos will offer me excellent protection if I do have a spill. Contact: Draggin Jeans website Tel:  (+44) 01732 834 888
Rain Suit My ride to India might be baking hot and dry all the way... and then again it might not! Global warming seems to produce unpredictably wet summers in parts of Europe, and it's just possible I might catch some late monsoon rains in India too. I'm packing a Jofama Wet Stop Rain Suit just in case. The suit is exceedingly well designed. It has zippers that come up to the knee for ease of getting on, and the main zip runs diagonally across the chest, almost down to the knee. The waist is elasticated for comfort and there is a fold away hood hidden in the collar. The large Hi-Vis stripes that run across the sleeves, back and chest area are a very nice touch. Chances are, visibility will be of the utmost importance if I'm wearing the rain suit. Jofama are made in Sweden to the highest standards and much of their gear looks in keeping with classic motorcycling. Jofama website Contact: Dealers List
Hydration System I'm told I will need to drink at least 5 litres of water a day crossing Iran and Pakistan. Finding room to carry that volume of liquid, as well as stopping frequently enough to drink it, could be problematic. A lightweight backpack type hydration system is the perfect answer to both issues. Camelbak are market leaders in these products, whether they be for motorcyclists, bicyclists, walkers or general sports use. I'll be using a 3 litre Classic, which is simple in design and style and shouldn't look too out of place on the back of a classic motorcyclist. As I'm wearing an open face helmet, it should be very simple to drink on the go too. Zyro, UK Distributor Website Contact: Retailer list Tel: 01845 521700