Long Distance Night Motorcycle Riding and Staying Warm

Posted by: Automan on Wednesday, August 13th, 2008

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Anyone who has ridden long-distance on a motorcycle often knows that sometimes you get an unexpected weather change and this can cause issues. Also getting caught after dark a couple of hundred miles from home with a mountain range to cross when the temps are getting below 40 can also be an issue; remember you are adding the chill factor simply by moving forward.

When it gets into the 20s or 30s things get a little more serious and you feel like you are riding thru a walk in freezer; Popsicle city no doubt? Of course as it cools you know that there are issues with black ice, bridges icing over and other weather related conditions, which if you are not careful will turn your little long-distance ride into a long-distance nightmare.

Many motorcycle riders like to ride with gloves that have holes in the fingers, when racing I use to use racketball gloves for this reason; good grip and I can feel my fingers, yet for night riding this will not be sufficient at all because those holes in the fingers will cause your hands to go numb and affect your ability to control the bike.

Most motorcycles do generate heat and staying close to the bike can help in this regard and yet you will need to double up your socks and a windbreaker inside of your leather jacket can also help along with a turtle neck cotton shirt. Most of all you need to plan ahead incase the weather changes and you will be glad you did. Consider this in 2006.

Lance Winslow, a retired entrepreneur, adventurer, modern day philosopher and perpetual tourist.