It is not an easy effort to ride a motorcycle all year round. In some locations, it’s impossible. Still, individuals who endure the winter’s cold and rain on two wheels have a lot to teach us about being warm and what not to do. And so, after a deep-dive cross-country motorcycle trip through Texas, Arkansas, New Mexico, Arizona, and finally the Golden State in the dead of winter, I offer some recommendations. These observations may hopefully aid in your preparation for your chilly ride or for anything else you may be doing outside come wintertime.
Don’t Let Your Limbs Get Cold
Your fingertips become numb initially. Your body forces blo-od to the surface in the spring and summer when it’s warmer outside, which increases heat loss. But the same blo-od vessels that expanded on your humid summer ride constrict when it becomes chilly. The heart, lungs and brain are among the body’s essential organs that are effectively protected by this. But it is harmful to the little areas (fingers, toes, etc.) that are heated by blo-od circulation. Because of this, it’s critical to keep your extremities warm. On a motorbike, not being able to use the clutch lever or other controls might be disastrous.
The loss of warmth accelerates in tandem with your speed, as anybody who has ever ridden a motorbike in the cold will attest. And then little things become mountains to be conquered. Winds topper material and insulation are your best options if you don’t have the luxury of heated grips, while they are a pleasant alternative and not too pricey in the aftermarket. Seek gloves with an inside/outside cuff to prevent moisture and cold from getting up your sleeves.
Gore-Tex boots and long wool socks, such as those from Smartwool, will help keep the cold off your feet for a time. In the end, I can assure you that you will be stopping every hour for a hot cup of coffee to help restore sensation to your fingers if you sacrifice your limbs for more layers anywhere else.
Maintain A Warm Head, and Everything Else Will Work Out
When it comes to chilly riding, helmets are essential, but not every helmet is made equal. Unmistakable ventilation is provided by dual-sport and off-road helmets, which is fantastic for hill climbing and playing in bright meadows. However, ventilation equals ice cream headaches in the winter. Thus, a regular full-face helmet should work well, right? Kind of. The helmet is probably more insulated if it is quieter. It is less likely to let air in if the fit is tighter unless venting is specified.
A chilly head is hazardous in addition to being distracting. Headaches strike fast, and they can negatively impact your ability to make important judgments. Furthermore, studies show that although people are “more likely to rely on simplistic patterns of decision-making, which in turn led to inferior choices,” warmer weather also causes our bodies to expend energy that could be used for mental functions as they struggle to maintain a healthy body temperature. As a result, when we’re chilly, we’re less likely to make complicated judgments; instead, we tend to give up quickly, make mistakes, and put off making decisions altogether. Another important aspect of the winter motorcycle jigsaw is keeping your head warm.
Before you ride, check the forecast to be ready
It’s a stupid notion to ride across the nation in the middle of winter. But it’s less foolish if you’re prepared. Be prepared for things like weather-related delays, mechanical breakdowns, and navigational difficulties, among other things. Starting with extra base layers is an excellent idea. My favorites are a pair of Space Emergency Blankets and the Finisterre merino wool variation. Layering is key, and merino wool long johns offer much-needed warmth at the bottom of a potentially bulky pile of clothes.
What other things, if it weren’t a winter motorbike excursion, could we have missed? We have headlamps and extra batteries, food, a little pack of disposable hand warmers, rechargeable mobile battery packs, and a variety of maps that “could” lead us if our offline Google Maps aren’t available. Also, the Hotel Tonight app, which is invaluable for last-minute hotel reservations made with only a thumb swipe and may save your life when you have to stay somewhere unplanned.
A just 10-degree Fahrenheit differential may have a profound impact. In order to avoid having to remain an extra night if the weather is likely to be uncomfortable, check the forecast before you go. The difference between 45 and 55 degrees meant we were either ready to ride or freezing for an hour, as we discovered from early morning exits. Take a bit longer to go and allow it to warm up if you’re not traveling too far.
To Remain Dry, You Must Keep Warmer for Longer
The stylishness of famous motorcyclists on Instagram has the power to influence people. With their bubble visors and three-quarter helmets, their skintight leather jackets, and their work boots with cushioned soles that have developed an enviable patina. However, none of the things I just said would keep you warm. To tell the truth, I’ve done most of the things I’ve listed. Again, though, my priorities are waterproof and warm when it comes to cycling across the nation during the dead of winter in the West. How you carry anything you’re not wearing follows the same logic as how you keep yourself warm and dry. Roll-top dry bags ensure that everything you need stays dry, even in the heaviest downpours.
When used as a second (and third) line of protection against the weather, several bags (one within the other) may be quite effective. When warmth is at stake, redundancy is acceptable. However, what occurs if something does become wet? Distancing yourself is crucial. Waterproof liners are a common feature of contemporary motorbike bags, which you roll up and store inside another bag. We make extras so we can keep everything dry and isolated from anything that could get wet. Having a few gallon-sized Ziploc bags on hand is a convenient stopgap that serves many purposes. It’s simple to stay away from damp stuff because so many manufacturers provide heavy-duty, nearly waterproof vinyl bags with completely sealed radio frequency welded seams.
Be Ready Mentally To Stay Warm And Maybe Get Cold
It’s almost as crucial to psychologically prepare for the cold as it is to physically endure it. As I previously stated, even seemingly insignificant actions may become enormous accomplishments when you’re cold, especially in your extremities. However, as the temperature approaches freezing, it’s sometimes simpler to go from point A to point B if you convert miles into milestones. You might frequently experience a semi-euphoric sense when you know there’s something warm waiting for you, which helps to relieve the temporary discomfort of freezing fingertips. That’s what I tell myself, anyhow. However, it appears to be effective!
The idea is to essentially deceive yourself into accepting your situation since you are aware that this emotion or lack thereof will pass. Nevertheless, don’t be fooled by the absence of emotion. It is rather easy to have frostbite and hypothermia in their early stages. You run the risk of causing irreversible nerve damage if your fingers and toes progress from chilly to painful to numb. And when your core meets those same requirements, well then, hopefully, it won’t come to that.
Remain Safe And Warm
The secret to staying somewhat warm when riding a motorbike in the winter is to dress in layers, use heated gear (if available), manage wind to slow down the pace at which heat is lost, and set little goals, like stopping more often to warm up. Drinking plenty of water and eating snacks are also essential for preventing hypothermia. Your metabolism is working hard when you have a full stomach, which raises blo-od flow and, in turn, your body’s core temperature. Dehydration also results in an increase of cells to sustain a fuel-starved system. You may stay rather toasty with an 8-ounce glass of water. Furthermore drinking room temperature water might speed up your body’s absorption of the water and help you stay hydrated for longer.
Recognize when the weather is too cold to ride
And lastly, knowing when to give up is essential.You are considered hypothermic if your core temperature is lower than 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Your body will start to tremble in an attempt to produce heat leaving you powerless. You will experience bewilderment, involuntary spasms, and muscular stiffness when your core temperature falls below that point. The first line of defense against these symptoms is awareness of them. It’s common knowledge that riding a motorcycle means being a “tough guy” (or gal), yet being chilly may kill you. You might be able to save your own skin by setting aside these attitudes in exchange for some fundamental understanding.
