Black flies and mesh jackets and other biting critters

MacDoc

MacDoc

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We are heading up to the James Bay Road this weekend and know there will be black flies big time.

I usually wear my mesh jacket in this kind of weather but I figure the ballistic might be smarter.

However I'm curious as to weather the black flies would crawl through the mesh?

any other tips for mcycling in black fly country as we will be doing more.

I have good coverage on the Burgman up front but figure they will be pulled into the backdraft and some end up on the jacket anyways.

Tips, tricks, thoughts......best way to clean em off the plastics......TIA
 
Even most "mosquitoe jackets" are too coarse to keep the little buggers out.The best thing you can do is prepare yourself ahead of time.Do NOT use any scented soaps,shampoos on yourself for a few days before your trip.Even go so far as to scrimp on deodorant.Ever wonder why they go after women.It's all the smelly stuff in beauty products.Lol
And to clean the windshield.I carry a smamwow,soak it hot water and then lay it on the windshield for 10 minutes before scrubbing.A lot less scratches when scrubbing.Then i polish with pledge or plexus.
 
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Um you ever been in heavy black fly country? Tends to take the fun out of a lot of things.

I ALWAYS have fun riding..have for 43 years..I want to keep it that way....so I ask questions ....and appreciate cogent answers based on experience.

Now - got anything "cogent" to contribute? ;)
 
i wouldn't be too worried about black flys while your on the move. but when you stop look out for the clouds! when you get a bug jacket or head net make sure that it has the very fine "no see em mesh". they will go right through regular mesh. black/dark clothing attracts the buggers, white or light clothing does the opposite. if you camp try to locate in a breezy spot... this time of year you will realyy need a head net at the least, or they WILL drive you out of the bush..

cool trip. are you going t keep a journal so you can tell us about the highlights when you get back?
 
No camping and we are either moving or in the motel.
I'll tend to write up the trip but the James Bay Road site is very good.
It will be boring to North Bay as we need to do the 900 km to Matagami in one day so have to get close quickly.
Interesting to Matagami

Unknown beyond that other than what we see on the JBR site. No problem doing the 600k to the end where we got two of the last three motel rooms and they DO have internet - since there is only one stop 600k is like 5 - 6 hours so we have a lot of time.

Weather looks superb til Tuesday then a stormchaser client said - head for cover.....something wicked this way comes.

Now he tells me about the mesh.....sigh...it's too hot Not to wear the mesh and will just have to put the liner in it to keep the little pests out.
Have the rain jacket as well for a final defence - I wear a light balaclava all the time anyways.
Will be interesting....:rolleyes:

Went out and rustled around and found my bug jacket and it goes over everything - so good thing to take along....thanks for reminder how nasty they are.
 
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