Great info! Thank you all. It almost sounds like you really do need a leather jacket for cool times and then a simple mesh for when it warms up.

Thanks for all the links, I do look at them.

 

Higher elevations are cold.
Take thermals or a warm jacket.

 

Be sure to check out Kolob Resovoir road (takes you to the highest point in Zion...in and out road) and Burr Trail road (one way in and out unless you want to continue and ride dirt and gravel for miles).

 

I rode through Utah last July, I rarely wore anything more than a leather vest, long sleeve t-shirt and pair of jeans. I wore a 3/4 helmet with a full face visor. I carried a light weight ballistic nylon jacket, just in case, but rarely wore it. I drank anywhere between 80 to 124 ounces of water each day because of the heat. It was beautiful riding and someday I will return..

 

I always take riding gear that will good for cold and hot. Always. Layer it and adjust as necessary. And rain gear. Nothing worse that being cold AND wet. this last summer I was at 11,000 ft in a tshirt and a vest, and at 5,000 ft with my electric vest and grips on high. No matter what the temperature, I drink a lot of water. I have two water bottles and go through both of them every two hours.

My suggestion, as this is your first trip .... going light is a poor choice. the bike carries the weight, not you.

Here is my riding gear list. One heavy Leather jacket, one lighter jacket, vest, chaps, open finger gloves, light leather gloves, heavier gloves, rain gear. I never leave home without my electric jacket. I also have heated grips.

Seems like a lot of stuff, but it keeps me comfortable and on the bike riding, which is why I go out on her.

Here is a trick. get a scarf and wrap it around your neck. It keeps the sun off on hot days, and will keep you warm on cool ones. but the best thing is, it keeps the wind off of your neck. I never ride without a scarf, even when I don't wear a helmet.

Enjoy the ride, sounds fun. I was in Utah this last summer. Beautiful place.

 

Thanks CanadianRocky - I'm going through your Journeys of Darla thread - wow! Also, your photography is beautiful.

 

Thanks. It was a fun summer. Here is a shot of me and Darla at the top of The Beartooth. There was snow up there two days before .....

 

Notice the scarf. Bought it in Cody the day before in a woman's clothing store. Lol.

 

Beautiful pic. As for the scarf, nice to see a gentleman with style, it matches your bike beautifully

 

Brings out my eyes.....and the GirlyMan in me.