Cold Weather Riding
By Sean Downey on February 18, 2012, 12:00am
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As soon as the temperature starts to dip, most people start thinking about parking their motorcycles for the winter, although there are those die hard riders that will ride almost all year. I’ve seen a lot of motorcycles riding around this winter likely due to the milder-than-normal conditions. While it seems crazy to want to ride a motorcycle in the snow and ice, cold weather riding is actually more popular than one would think, especially given the winterized accessories available, such as heated suits and handlebars.
For the avid cold weather rider, road conditions and ambient temperature are significant factors to be considered. The first goes without saying. Obviously most riders will not purposely ride when there is snow and ice on the ground; however the colder weather also brings a large amount of sand in the roads, which can make riding treacherous. Care must be taken when stopping and turning on sandy roads. Black ice is also a factor that must be considered.
Another factor to consider is temperature. A rider is exposed to the elements, and it is important to wear the proper gear to keep yourself warm. Remember, when it gets cold, your body’s primary goal is to keep the vital organs warm. This means that extremities such as arms and legs, fingers and toes will be the first to freeze. It’s important to dress in layers and wear gloves and boots so that you can keep yourself warm and able to control the bike. Hypothermia and frostbite can strike quickly if you are not properly dressed for the elements.
Finally, don’t forget to stay hydrated. Dehydration affects judgment, which impairs your ability to operate a motorcycle. Taking some simple precautions and riding smart will lead to a more pleasurable ride.
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