Posted on July 30 2016
ADV ADDICTS Moto Apparel Founder and Creative Director, Dave Lin, describes the inspiration behind the new VENTURTECH™ Series product launch:
As an avid adventure rider, my passion is to ride and explore different landscapes, and some of my favorites include desert environments such as Death Valley and Baja California. Riding in extreme heat is one thing, but what about when you get off the bike to take a break, and remove your jacket to cool off or to patch a tire? There’s not a ton of shade in some of those extreme environments, and protection from the sun, specifically UV rays, is not only critical for your comfort, but also for your health as well.
In February 2016, I was diagnosed with melanoma, which is the most serious form of skin cancer. After completing surgery and recovering from treatment, I also discovered that I have a condition called Polymorphous Light Eruption, or PMLE, which is essentially an allergy to sunlight. Exposure to the sun on unprotected skin would often result in an itchy rash.
Because of my conditions, I wanted to understand the effects of sun exposure in more detail, as well as preventative measures - after all, we adventure riders spend many hours out in the direct sunlight. In fact, most of the time we are riding when the UV Index is very high, between the times of 10:00AM - 4:00PM.
As recommended by the EPA:
- Reduce time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- If outdoors, seek shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
- Watch out for bright surfaces, like sand, water and snow, which reflect UV and increase exposure.
Of course when we’re actually riding and have a helmet, goggles, and jacket on, we are mostly protected. But it’s those break times off the bike that I was concerned about. It’s not that convenient to be putting on sunscreen all the time, or have the sunscreen melt off inside your jacket!
That’s how the idea for VENTURTECH™ was born - I wanted a technical fabric that could withstand the extreme conditions that ADV riders are exposed to. Our VENTURTECH™ fabric has advanced, permanent, moisture-wicking capabilities, along with UPF 50+ sun protection. It also has the added benefits of being antimicrobial, which helps fight odors. Our goal was to develop a garment that allows you to stay cool, stay dry, stay fresh, and most of all, stay protected from harmful UV rays!
So after many months of R&D, I’m excited to launch our first-ever Performance Wear products. Thanks to all the ADV addicts out there who asked us for something to wear while on the bike! Appreciate all of your dedication to represent our passion for ADV! You are our motivation to keep evolving our brand.
Ride Safe,
Dave, Chief Addict
For more information on Melanoma: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/skincancer-melanoma/
For more information on the UV Index: https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/uv-index-scale-1