Too Cold to ride?

[t conroy]

Originally Posted by oceanboy

I don't have a choice. Bike is my only mean transportation. I lost my truck and house due to salary cut and work three day week. I don't have cash for proper gear. Hopefully, it will be nice warm short winter this year to go by.

You can pick up some cheap stuff at a thrift store that might work.Im sorry to hear about your salary cut.I have worked 2 jobs for 2 years and have had my hours cut at both of them.Last year I was working 65 70 hours a week now Im down to 44. I hope this recession end soon.

[bross]

Originally Posted by Klhender

I stop as soon as they start putting down salt or the first time it snows. I would like to ride on for a bit but I refuse to have salt on my 1500 classic.the bike. I'm thinking about buying an older BMW to ride in the off season. Anyone have two bikes out there?

We do, the DRs (dual sports) get used in the spring when there's still gravel on the roads etc.

[Cranky CJ]

^^Nice^^

May 5th we did the peak to peak ride and nearly froze our...almost everything off. At one point it was spitting snow. All I could think of was what the heck are we doing. My guess it was low 30s. Took hours to warm back up in the casinos in Black Hawk. Not again. No enjoyment when its that cold. I'll stick with the age rule.

[mittens01]

An electric jock strap would have been nice.

Outstanding.

[Twopoint]

been riding mornings at 40f, will keep riding till its icy or salty

[warsw]

I just got back from a 3-day ride. I spent hours riding in temps in the teens and low 20s. I just turned the heated gear up and enjoyed the ride. Other than the cold it was clear and nice and a perfect ride. As long as the roads are clear, temperature doesn't inter in to it. Some of my best rides are in cold weather. I have had some great rides that were in the single digits and I would have really missed some fun stuff if cold had kept me home.

[dennykyser]

I rode yesterday in the upper 40's, was breezy but mostly sunny.
I put the liner in my textile jacket, insulated underwear, couple of shirts and I was good for a couple hour ride.

The insulated underwear made a world of difference.

[CruisingEagle]

It is a beautiful fall morning. Columbus Day off and I want to ride. It is 33 degrees outside at the moment and I am going to wait a few hours to let it warm up. I would prefer to be riding with temperatures over 45 if not a little warmer. At 52 years old I would prefer not to be too cold. I will be out on the bike..................but giving it a few hours.

[2thdr]

Originally Posted by dennykyser

I rode yesterday in the upper 40's, was breezy but mostly sunny.
I put the liner in my textile jacket, insulated underwear, couple of shirts and I was good for a couple hour ride.

The insulated underwear made a world of difference.

I can keep my body warm with what gear I have, but it's the hands that suffer. I might investigate some heated gloves. Yesterday was mid to lower 30's and a couple of hours at a time was all my hands could take...good problem to have I guess!

[Wiscblue]

Originally Posted by cmptrmn.1

Below 40 I don't. Maybe when I get better warm clothing.

Below 40 I worry about ice, or pavement that is cold enough to feel like ice. Even road paint can get slick then.

[lcberlin]

Originally Posted by 2thdr

I can keep my body warm with what gear I have, but it's the hands that suffer. I might investigate some heated gloves. Yesterday was mid to lower 30's and a couple of hours at a time was all my hands could take...good problem to have I guess!

I was having that issue last year. I rode til December, when the cold and salt was too much. This year, I purchased theses, from National Cycle, and they make a ton of difference on my 900LT and riding when it's cold....

National Cycle

I don't have a photo of my bike with them on. May do that, since I don't have any current photos of the bike.

[ForestLake900LT]

Last winter... don't remember whether it was January or February... one of those huge traffic-snarling snowstorms that we can get here in Minnesota. I had to drive from Minneapolis to downtown St. Paul to pick up my daughter after work. So it's the afternoon rush hour, I-94, traffic crawling in both directions, heavy snow, about 10 degrees outside, and I see this guy on a bike on the opposite side of the freeway moving along. Unbelievable! I wish I had time to grab the cell phone and grab a photo, but that would have been unsafe anyway... that was a seriously hardcore biker that day.

And another time a few years back, I was out at lunch time driving back to work and the HIGH for that day was like MINUS 10 or 15 but dry pavement (no snow) and I see I'm coming up from behind on a motorcycle rider. Turns out it was a State Patrol officer. Maybe on his way to or from a funeral procession or something. It was almost too cold out to even breathe. I imagine he had heated everything on the bike. Big Harley police bike. I am humbled.

[Rocket_88]

I have to admit that last weekends riding was a bit nippy on the fingers. I am doggedly wearing my Summer gloves for as long as I can, but I reckon that'll only be for another week or two. I have already zipped the thermal liner back into my jacket.

It's great to feel the elements though. It reminds you how alive you are.

[jaseman]

Hate to admit it, but I'm starting to become an S&S rider more and more each year.

Used to ride all year round, unless the roads were covered with snow and ice. But lately, I've been calling it quits at around 45°. At least for the daily commute.

If I get a chance, I'll still pull one of the bikes out on a nice, sunny weekend afternoon, even if it's a bit chilly. But with a four month old daughter, those chances are few and far between as well.

[V2K_CCTX]

age will do that too you jaseman....the body starts to hurt and ache for NO REASON!!!

[jaseman]

Originally Posted by V2K_CCTX

age will do that too you jaseman....the body starts to hurt and ache for NO REASON!!!

But I'm only 37

(man I'm gonna be in trouble by the time I get to my 50's )