Staying warm

[max]

So its gotten pretty dern cold here recently, like down in the single digits, and on more than one occasion I have found myself a little underdressed. I've got great gloves but my fingers seemed in the past to be the first things to go numb, and I didn't realize why until I found that my wrists were a little uncovered. The blood is so close to the surface of my skin there that lo and behold, there was a major chilling factor of the blood on the way out to the fingers.
I have also discovered the great benefit of a face mask or a scarf over my mouth and nose, not only does it keep those extremeties warm but I end up breathing warmer air, which keeps the guts warm as well.
Also, a pit stop for a hot cup of coffee will gear me back up for another hundred miles or so, and since I basically need to stop that often for gas anyways, it's never a bad idea.
One time I got very cold, and upon reaching my destination I ran hot water over my hands to warm them up...big mistake! They freaked out and were in pain for at least 10 horrible minutes. Now I start off with cold water and gradually warm it up as my temp increases.
Finally, if all else fails, I squeeze and release the handlebars continuously to keep the blood flowing well until I need to get home, sing a song really loudly and just try to keep my eyes off the cagers cranking the heat right next to me.

Anyone have any other tips to add?

[spyderrocs]

my cold trick

when its so cold riding is misrible, i just take my truck. Jk, i know it sounds weird but putting a trashbag around each leg under your pants and one under your jacket keeps you warmer. Also wear some rubber disposable gloves under your riding gloves. Your hands will be sweating it works so well.

[dpep]

Here's a little suggestion along this line.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=101031

[Greg O.]

I love to ride, but not when it gets below 50. Thats when I start driving my Silverado instead. I can't wait till we have some 80 degree weather to ride in again. I hate winter!

Greg O.

[Dragonfly]

The thing i love about riding our naked bikes, is that bike internaly combusted hand warmer down there.... just stick your hands (one at a time......) on the cooling fins for a bit... wa la, warm hands. At least for a few minutes...

[t3rmin]

The thing i love about riding our naked bikes, is that bike internaly combusted hand warmer down there.... just stick your hands (one at a time......) on the cooling fins for a bit... wa la, warm hands. At least for a few minutes...

Done that one myself. ;-)

[drhach]

Staying warm

I'll ride down in to the 20's provided the streets are dry. Obviously dressing in layers is important. Also, I put rain gear over my insulating clothes. This keeps the wind out. Wind is really the enemy. As those of you who live in cold areas know, wind chill is what gets you. For my Hands, nothing tops Gerbing's heated gloves. I have considered hippo hands too. But I have never tried them. For feet, any good Insulatred Gore Tex boot should do. Also, I usually wear a neck gaiter and a scarf for my neck. When it's all on, I look like that kid from Christmas Story. But I do stay warm.

[DanTheMan]

I just added heated grips from this supplier: http://www.lockitt.com/AccessoriesGrips3.htm

they work as advertised, a heated vest will probably be my next investment, then I'll probably get too warm.........:-D

[jetta90]

I had heard of this back when I started riding in the mid seventies and tried it at least once myself. Rather inconvenient but does work if you have to go that way..........................
you can slip a newspaper between your clothing and your riding jacket. Just a regular folded newspaper covering your chest and belly. The jacket will hold the folded newspaper up snug against your body and this will impede the wind from filtering through to your body.
I've used the above in a pinch when out riding far from home and under-dressed. In today's world of heated vests this is rather archaic but it does the job.

[max]

Thanks jetta, this is kind of the way I wanted to lead this thread. Good, practical ideas on how to stay warm in a pinch. Obviously I could just jump in a car, or invest hundreds on heated clothing, but that doesn't really do me any good at 75mph on a cold snap. Anyone else have any good ideas?

[Dink]

If the newspaper your put under your jacket happens to be wrapped around freshly cooked fries this tip is good for nearly an hour at 0c temps and highway speeds.

Dink