cold weather ride

[wollybugger]

I woke up this morning to snow on the ground, and since I had decided to take a vaction day, I thought it would be a good day for a ride. I put 160 mile on the KLR. Temperatures were in the low 30's, just above freezing, when I left and in the low 40s when I returned. Though I rode in temperatures as low as -10 during the years I lived in Alaska, the temperatures today are as cold as I will ride, now that I am pushing 70 years. The issue of cold weather gear comes up here every every once in a while. I rode comfortable the whole way and thought I'd tell you how I dress for those of you who might want resist the tempation to put your bikes away this winter. I dress in layers, though I don't like the cold weather inserts that come in most riding gear. I start with two pair of cotton socks, a pair of thermal underware pants and a long sleeve T-shirt, mostly because it is stuff I already have. For boots, I have a pair of insulted boots that I cut from an old pair of chest waders when the waders went bad. I then put on a pair of blue jeans and a sweatshirt. I have a polar fleece vest that I electrified a few years ago and still use. Before I put on the homemade electric (it cost about $5 to make) vest, I put on a pair of riding pants. After I put on the vest, I put on a long sleeve polar fleece jacket, followed by my fabric riding jacket. I then put on the helmet which is all I wear on the head and face. Lastly I put on a pair of snow machine mittens. The trick is to keep you trunk warm, which makes it easier to keep the appendiges warm. As the day warms up, off come the layers. The insulated boots and snow machine mittens are great for keeping the fingers and toes warm, as they are the weak spot when riding cold weather. Joe Grove Paragould, AR

[Jeffrey]

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