Taking bets

[Choirguy]

Maybe we should start an annual betting pool (is that illegal) for the first day of the year that would hit 70 degrees? Mile Lynch (WCCO) is offering to take everyone to lunch if it doesn't hit 60 degrees next week Tuesday or Wednesday.

With my schedule, I don't have the time to bundle up to ride comfortably in this weather--plus the street sweepers and a good downpour haven't happened yet (I feel much safer after these things have occured).

Again, I love this site. Nice work gentlemen. What's the next step in the project?

Chris

[Swiffer]

Chris, don't you have some of that electric clothing? Hilary thinks I'm nuts(maybe I am), but I've been out quite a bit lately. I'm thinking I need some electric stuff too! Man I love having a site that works like this! Way to go guys!!!

Steve

[Choirguy]

I've got an Aerostich electric vest and H-D electric gloves, but they are really designed for cooler temps (40s and 50s) and not so much for freezing temps (for example, it's 24 degrees right now).

I saw some sportbikes on the highway on the way to dinner in Hudson this evening...those guys are crazy! It's simply not FUN to ride in temperatures like this. I know you can do it, but it's not for me (unless I have to).

I ultimately prefer temperatures of 50 and above for riding.

Chris

[Sparky_Bill]

Chris my "Flicker" will not ride under 55 degrees.

[BATMAN]

I DON'T THINK IT WILL EVER HIT 70. It seems they keep backing off the warm weather, dangling it in front of us bikers like a carrot in front of a mule.

Pat. :(

[Choirguy]

Originally posted by Sparky_Bill
...my "Flicker" will not ride under 55 degrees...

Mine isn't that pleased under 55 degrees, either; but I doubt we're talking about the same kind of "flickers."

[Sparky_Bill]

Chris, you are bad. There is not a flicker of hope for you.:lol:

[framy]

I am probably one of the biggest wimps when it comes to riding cold, so over the years the battle of wanting to ride VS the desire to stay warm- i have deveolped a comfortable system. Might take a few dollars of investment, but it works and makes for a very enjoyable ride. If you want to know how-let me know. Jim;)

[Choirguy]

I just got off the bike, and it's officially 45 degrees outside (although on our 60 mile excursion we saw temperature boards at 43 degrees). That's not freezing, but it's cold.

framy_jim's post got me to thinking about cold weather riding, and here are my "successful" steps. This could lead to an interesting discussion. One additional note before I begin: riding in cold weather becomes tolerable, but still not truly enjoyable.

1) Heavey Leather Jacket, Leather Chaps.
2) Long Thermal Underwear...the more expensive kind that seems almost quilted instead of the "white checkered" stuff. I usually only use the bottoms.
3) Layers, layers, layers. T-Shirt, Turtleneck, and Athletic windbreaker/pullover
4) Electric Gloves (mine are H-D, worth every penny). These are useful because your hands stay flexible, unlike wearing layers of gloves. My least favorite thing about riding in the cold (or rain) was cold hands...this fixed that FOREVER.
5) Electric Vest (mine is an Aerostich, don't use it very often)
6) Heavy wool socks.
7) Full face helmet (it's why snowmobilers don't use half-helmets)
8) Scarf or turtle-scarf (only if you need it)
9) Frequent (1/2 hour or hour interval) for "warm-up" stops.

Well, any additional ideas or revisions?

Chris

[Swiffer]

The biggest thing for me is keeping the wind from getting inside my jacket. I wear a turtleneck over a long sleeve henley with a T-shirt under that. Then I throw a "dickey" over my neck and chest to help keep out the drafts. Stocking cap, hunting boots and a pair of waterproof/windproof mittens with gauntlets and I'm good to go.(well, for awhile anyway:D ) Someday I'm getting an electric vest though...Tom Z. looked pretty comfortable on the way home from the flood run last year and I was shakin' in my boots!

Steve

[BATMAN]

Hey guy's, let's not forget the "Desert Dawgs!)

Pat.:crazy:

[framy]

Just a couple of different items for me work for riding cold. Last winter in preparaing to go snowmobiling I bought a skull cap-thin lyrica type on top with polar fleece in the neck area- is really great for keeping the neck warm. I also use snowmobile bibs if the temp is below 50- much warmer than leather chaps, leather ya know transmits the cold once its cold. One other item that is great is polar tech liner under the jacket with a zip up collar-worth every penney. I usually don't wear long johns as the bibs are all i need. I also use a full face for cold weather riding- the only way to stay warm.

One of the reasons i love cold weather riding is there are no bugs!!!!!

Hope everyone is having a GREAT week. Jim:crazy: :D :p

[Swiffer]

Jim, I could've used the lycra/fleece thing-ama-jig this morning riding to work...I was afraid to move any part of my face for fear it would crack from being frozen:rolleyes: . It was well worth it though for the ride home this afternoon!

Steve

[sks700]

I rode home from work at 3 am in 40 degrees and a light mist. It felt so good to be back on my bike that I hardly even noticed.

Lee

[jimbob92c]

I've been doing a bit of riding in high 20 and mid 30 degree weather....got over 300 miles in already. No special clothes really, just long johns, jeans, sweatshirt, leather jacket with an old jeans jacket (sleeves cut off) over the top, ski gloves, balaclava and helmet. I'm pretty comfy but my face gets a little chilly with the open face helmet. Of course, I'm cruising around 70 because those Vics love the cold!:D

Hopefully things should start warming up a little.....been one hell of a long winter!

Jim