First, and I would really like to know the answer to this: Does anyone know why the nose becomes an olfactory snot machine extraordinaire when the temps drop past chilly and into cold?
Seriously. I was out riding in less-than-toasty climes the other day, attempting to keep the fuel in the 848Evo's tank from turning to sludge and the battery from becoming an expensive doorstop, and it took all of 60-seconds for my sinuses to kick into overdrive and my nose to start running. Profusely.
This is extra fun with a full-face helmet. And not wearing one with a wind-chill of arctic is a non-negotiable. But its a virtual impossibility to reach past the chin bar and wipe the snot away. Its awesome.
Andhypothermia is a serious buzzkill on your riding enjoyment.
But not all riders have the discretionary funds to invest in a full complement of gear for every season and weather pattern.
And every rider who spends enough quality time on a motorcycle will find herself inexplicably riding in sleet while her gear of choice that day predicts "high of 60; clear skies and no wind."
Luckily, there are options. You might not win any beauty contests, although you could make an interesting entry for Project Runway. And most importantly, you won't miss a turn because your frozen solid hands couldn't pull in the clutch and brake levers.
So pack some duct tape under the seat cowl, wrap a bandanna round your neck, and keep a spare pair of mechanics gloves in every jacket pocket. It may not be pretty, but you will make it to your destination.
Seriously. I was out riding in less-than-toasty climes the other day, attempting to keep the fuel in the 848Evo's tank from turning to sludge and the battery from becoming an expensive doorstop, and it took all of 60-seconds for my sinuses to kick into overdrive and my nose to start running. Profusely.
This is extra fun with a full-face helmet. And not wearing one with a wind-chill of arctic is a non-negotiable. But its a virtual impossibility to reach past the chin bar and wipe the snot away. Its awesome.
But, while gross and annoying (and, according to my mother, a borderline inappropriate blog topic), the runny nose is the leastof your issues should you get caught out riding in the cold unprepared.
When you are prepared, you have wind-blocking fleece,waterproof jumpsuits, glove warmers (or even better, heated grips!),balaclavas, wool socks, and toasty thermal undies to keep you and vital bodyparts warm.
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| 20-below and still smiling: sheep are always prepared for inclement weather! |
When you neglect to checkweather.com, find yourself trapped by a freak hail storm, orforget that ambient air in the mountains is20-degrees colder than the valley below, you find yourself knocking onthe door of Stage I Hypothermia.
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| Still not fun, but these riders look like they watched the Weather Channel before setting out. |
Andhypothermia is a serious buzzkill on your riding enjoyment.
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| Ever feel as frozen is this poor moto looks? |
But not all riders have the discretionary funds to invest in a full complement of gear for every season and weather pattern.
And every rider who spends enough quality time on a motorcycle will find herself inexplicably riding in sleet while her gear of choice that day predicts "high of 60; clear skies and no wind."
Luckily, there are options. You might not win any beauty contests, although you could make an interesting entry for Project Runway. And most importantly, you won't miss a turn because your frozen solid hands couldn't pull in the clutch and brake levers.
First, you need to remember, no matter whatthe ambient temperature, it is the wind that brings the chill to your bones and sucks the warmth from your core like my current moto-project vacuums money from my wallet.
Worse, if you’re soggy, or even just a little damp,the effect of the wind is amplified like sunbeams through a magnifying glass.
Worse, if you’re soggy, or even just a little damp,the effect of the wind is amplified like sunbeams through a magnifying glass.
(Yes, you, the rider, are the ant in this analogy, about to meet certain popcorn-crackling doom.)
And, because (most) motorcycles move, you are guaranteed wind. Your most important goal: block the wind. The second, and only slightly less important goal: Stay dry.
Wind is relentless. It seeps through zippers, snakes up jacket sleeves, and, when cool enough, will freeze dry even a full-face helmet-protected face.
Chap stick can help stop the chaffing, but doesn't keep the cold out. It also fails to prevent wind-induced red, puffy "Hello, Officer. No my helmet has not been doubling as a Rastafarian fishbowl" eyes.
Chap stick can help stop the chaffing, but doesn't keep the cold out. It also fails to prevent wind-induced red, puffy "Hello, Officer. No my helmet has not been doubling as a Rastafarian fishbowl" eyes.
A bandanna, on the other hand, when folded into a triangle, worn bank-robber style under the helmet, with the bottom tucked into the neckline of your jacket, blocks the wind and keeps the cheeks warm:
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| Warning: be prepared for adverse and paranoid reactions at gas stations and when approaching ATMs |
Bandannas can also tie pieces of your moto together or keep gear attached to it. Double as an emergency tourniquet, splint and sling. And protect your neck from painful road debris, mop up sweat, clean up dirt, and even sop away snot.
Bandannas, along with zip ties, duct tape, and safety wire, are items you should NEVER RIDE WITHOUT.
Windbreakers and raingear do more than keep you dry. They block the wind. So what if its not raining? Forgot the liner to your perforated jacket? Wear the windbreaker or raingear under your jacket. Or over. Your choice. It works either way.
Bandannas, along with zip ties, duct tape, and safety wire, are items you should NEVER RIDE WITHOUT.
Windbreakers and raingear do more than keep you dry. They block the wind. So what if its not raining? Forgot the liner to your perforated jacket? Wear the windbreaker or raingear under your jacket. Or over. Your choice. It works either way.
And think beyond the moto-gear. Even if it hasn't been branded by Honda or Harley, there's no reason why your North Face fleece, Under Armor running pants, or Burton snowboarding socks and gloves won't work on two-wheels.
Maybe the windproof climbing shell doesn't have the extra give at the arms you would normally find on a jacket made for crouched-over sportbike riders, but don't leave it at home simply because it doesn't say Alpine Stars. Always better to have something rather than nothing.
Maybe the windproof climbing shell doesn't have the extra give at the arms you would normally find on a jacket made for crouched-over sportbike riders, but don't leave it at home simply because it doesn't say Alpine Stars. Always better to have something rather than nothing.
This works both ways. The armor in my Triumph Explorer Sympatex jacketwill be very useful while snowboarding this season:
If you're desperate and without either moto- or camping wear, you need to consider the raw material, not a finished product.
Newspaper and magazines can make for good insulation. Do not attempt if there is even a hint of rain unless you are planning to paper mache yourself a body cast.
Just as rubberized rain gear keeps the water and wind at bay, plastic is that much better.
Ziplock bags as socks; over the dry, under a pair of wet ones. (Note: keep anything wet as many layers from your skin as possible.)
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| No water in this zip lock |
Trash bags wound around legs and arms, worn like a tunic over your torso, and held in place with duct tape, is armor against the wet and cold.
Plastic can also dress a motorcycle. It is particularly helpful if you are clueless enough to take a month-long trip through New England, the timing of which corresponds exactly with a very late season Nor'easter, on a motorcycle with neither windscreen nor front fender:
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| Don't ask. Seriously. |
Duct tape seals off zippers, vents, and other small openings that can feel like huge gaping holes for the wind to come blasting through.
Ziplocks, tape, saran wrap, and trash bags, are all available at any gas station or convenience store. If pathetic and miserable looking enough, these may be provided to you free of charge by cagers, truckers, or the hostess at a roadside restaurant.
Now, I'm sure a few of you out there are thinking to yourselves, "What sort of idiot gets stuck in the snow in a perforated jacket?"
Or: "Is it possible to find yourself in the middle of nowhere, sopping wet, in 50-degree weather, three-hours from home?"
It is. Which is why I can truthfully tell you that families on roadtrips have spare ziplocks and plastic grocery bags. O
And if you travel by moto enough, you will someday walk out of your hotel room along the Ohio-West Virginia border to discover the temperature has unexpectedly dropped 30-degrees and rain has appeared where forecasters had predicted blue skies just 24-hours earlier.
So pack some duct tape under the seat cowl, wrap a bandanna round your neck, and keep a spare pair of mechanics gloves in every jacket pocket. It may not be pretty, but you will make it to your destination.
Happy riding!
Love it? Hate it? Suggestions or ideas? Leave a comment or email Ann at: Ann.Daly.07@gmail.com