Cold weather riding

[Road-Kill]

I'm planning on visiting family for Thanksgiving.
I would love to ride there but its 300 miles (one way) in 40-50 degree weather, some of it in rain.
Am I pushing it too far? .........or should I just jump into my coffin (car)?
I have lots of good cold weather gear but even the best gear has limitations.

[ARtraveler]

I look at 40 to 50 as "good" riding weather. 50 is where the liners come out of the pants and jacket here. A "beautiful" spring ride.

It's all about the gear. Todays textiles with liners, gloves, boots, etc. can keep one warm and toasty. Throw a stocking cap inside the helmet and a scarf around the neck. A cold ride is a miserable ride.

For the rain, there are waterproof gloves, boots, and slip over rain suits. If you are going to avoid ice and snow--I vote go for it.

[Road-Kill]

I look at 40 to 50 as "good" riding weather. 50 is where the liners come out of the pants and jacket here. A "beautiful" spring ride.

It's all about the gear. Todays textiles with liners, gloves, boots, etc. can keep one warm and toasty. Throw a stocking cap inside the helmet and a scarf around the neck. A cold ride is a miserable ride.

For the rain, there are waterproof gloves, boots, and slip over rain suits. If you are going to avoid ice and snow--I vote go for it.

I'm thinking you're correct. I have lots of good stuff and feel up to a challenge.

[ARtraveler]

Good for you. That's the spirit.

[Raprider]

Just be sure to plan for the inevitable stops to warm up and you'll be fine!
Enjoy the ride

[Saluda]

To me a biggie is a decent windshield. Enjoy.

[pegasus1300]

You have the clothing and you have the windshield,go for it. It is in the 30-40 here and I am still riding tho I do have an electric liner.

[Big Juice]

I'm planning on visiting family for Thanksgiving.
I would love to ride there but its 300 miles (one way) in 40-50 degree weather, some of it in rain.
Am I pushing it too far? .........or should I just jump into my coffin (car)?
I have lots of good cold weather gear but even the best gear has limitations.

On an F3, I would be sure your hands and knees have extra protection. That's what gets cold on my F3. A bigger windshield is a big plus as well!

[blacklightning]

I was with you and all for riding in the 40 and 50 degree temps. But when You said that there would be rain, that is when I would have to pull out. I ride in cold, but I only ride in rain when caught in the rain. As for leaving in the rain, that is a no no for me. Good luck

[Chupaca]

how much rain and how comfortable are you with it...

[SpyderAnn01]

I almost always pick riding over driving but if the weather is going to be sucky for most of your trip I would probably take the car. Will you not only be dealing with rain and cold but also with stupid holiday traffic? You've got to decide if any of the trip will be more fun because you're on the Spyder. If it is just a means of transportation in bad weather then take the car.

[Road-Kill]

I almost always pick riding over driving but if the weather is going to be sucky for most of your trip I would probably take the car. Will you not only be dealing with rain and cold but also with stupid holiday traffic? You've got to decide if any of the trip will be more fun because you're on the Spyder. If it is just a means of transportation in bad weather then take the car.

40 and clear skies when I leave Pennsylvania.
50+ and rain when I arrive in Rhode Island.

I think I'm going to wait till this afternoon when the "big decision" is made...(I have to pack)
The big decision stems from watching the weather channel.
I'm leaning heavily towards the Spyder cause..............................its a challenge.

[redneck diva]

my hubby & his best friend just got back from 8 days on the road, they rode to Nevada & back, said sometimes the temp was in the 30-40s with cold riding gear they were comfortable & had a blast.

[Road-Kill]

my hubby & his best friend just got back from 8 days on the road, they rode to Nevada & back, said sometimes the temp was in the 30-40s with cold riding gear they were comfortable & had a blast.

and I'm only doing one day, 300 miles so yes....its the bike.
two days to relax then 300 miles return trip with clear skies.

Nice pic by the way.

[pegasus1300]

40 and clear skies when I leave Pennsylvania.
50+ and rain when I arrive in Rhode Island.

I think I'm going to wait till this afternoon when the "big decision" is made...(I have to pack)
The big decision stems from watching the weather channel.
I'm leaning heavily towards the Spyder cause..............................its a challenge.

Always ride when you can

[Docster]

Always ride when you can

^^THIS. I've ridden at times when it was 19°. Look at a Windchill Chart for actual temp at 60 mph down I-95 for the hour and a quarter to Arlington.....

It's not about the bike, it's about having the gear.

[Road-Kill]

40-50 degrees in pouring rain all 300 miles there.
My rain pants (somewhat) failed.....they are actually Gore-Tex ski pants.....not seam sealed.
My neoprene waterproof gloves failed miserably.
I arrived in ok condition, took a hot bath and was ready to party.

Today is was 32 degrees but sunny for the first 100 miles.
My heated grips felt worthless and I cried as my fingers went numb.
When it warmed up to 40-45 degrees it felt like summer and I regained feeling in my fingers.

All in all I am happy I took the bike.
I took my cousins husband for a ride on Thanksgiving day and now he wants one.

He and my cousin are now happily fighting over buying a Spyder.

[BajaRon]

40-50 degrees in pouring rain all 300 miles there.
My rain pants (somewhat) failed.....they are actually Gore-Tex ski pants.....not seam sealed.
My neoprene waterproof gloves failed miserably.
I arrived in ok condition, took a hot bath and was ready to party.

Today is was 32 degrees but sunny for the first 100 miles.
My heated grips felt worthless and I cried as my fingers went numb.
When it warmed up to 40-45 degrees it felt like summer and I regained feeling in my fingers.

All in all I am happy I took the bike.
I took my cousins husband for a ride on Thanksgiving day and now he wants one.

He and my cousin are now happily fighting over buying a Spyder.

Heated Electric gloves and a real rain proof outer shell is about the only way to keep warm in those conditions.

[Road-Kill]

Heated Electric gloves and a real rain proof outer shell is about the only way to keep warm in those conditions.

I looked at electric gloves before the trip but I noticed during my trip I was fine above 40.
My Gore-Tex pants are ok and knew that prior to the trip but I didn't want to put on my Frog-Toggs cause the "looked" silly. (bulky)
My jacket was/is 100% waterproof so no upgrading needed there.
Another lesson in extreme cold/wet weather riding.