Winter/cold weather riding
Hi All Bikers (2 and 3 wheel)
As I sit here on Christmas Morning 2017, North of Boston on the NH border and watch the snow softly fall, I realize that I will not be riding today!!! But soon it will stop, the roads will be plowed, and a couple of days of sun will dry them out. Then I will be “on the road” again. But few bikes or trikes will follow. I often wonder why that is.
The two common answers are “it’s too cold”, and “don’t want to get the bike all messed up”. While I ponder those answers I would like to comment on my cold weather riding and get opinions from others.
I purchased my 2013 St Limited in April 2016. I road for over 16,000 miles last year and about 17,000 this year. Now single, riding “Trixy” is my major recreational activity. I see no reason to stop. If “cold” was the problem there would be no snowmobiles or skiers. Once the roads are cleared of snow, sand and salt it’s safe to ride. Certainly for three-wheelers. I never road my VStar after the first snow.
The coldest day so far that I have ventured out was last week at 28*F with a brisk wind. I was comfortable all day. About 5 hours. The roads were dry and the sun was out. Ice in a parking lot showed that Spider drive wheel traction can be fun.
I have no electric warming clothing. I use LLBean Snow pants with DuoFold long johns, Riding Jacket with liner, Thermal undershirt and wool sweater. Riding boots and wool socks. LLBean Gortex gloves finish the protection. I use an open helmet with a face shield and winter liner.
A couple of the reasons I like to ride in winter are: the smell of wood stoves heating homes along the back roads and being able to see into the woods along the roads. With no vegetation on the trees and brush, the unobstructed view displays brooks, lakes, barns and pastures along with wild life. Most are not visible once the leaves come out.
If a few wet spots on the road make “Trixy” less than pristine, $3.00 and 10 minuets at the local car wash makes her shine. I like to think that CanAm, who makes snowmobiles, uses materials in the Spiders that can withstand winter use.
Your comments will be appreciated.
Hi All Bikers (2 and 3 wheel)
As I sit here on Christmas Morning 2017, North of Boston on the NH border and watch the snow softly fall, I realize that I will not be riding today!!! But soon it will stop, the roads will be plowed, and a couple of days of sun will dry them out. Then I will be “on the road” again. But few bikes or trikes will follow. I often wonder why that is.
The two common answers are “it’s too cold”, and “don’t want to get the bike all messed up”. While I ponder those answers I would like to comment on my cold weather riding and get opinions from others.
I purchased my 2013 St Limited in April 2016. I road for over 16,000 miles last year and about 17,000 this year. Now single, riding “Trixy” is my major recreational activity. I see no reason to stop. If “cold” was the problem there would be no snowmobiles or skiers. Once the roads are cleared of snow, sand and salt it’s safe to ride. Certainly for three-wheelers. I never road my VStar after the first snow.
The coldest day so far that I have ventured out was last week at 28*F with a brisk wind. I was comfortable all day. About 5 hours. The roads were dry and the sun was out. Ice in a parking lot showed that Spider drive wheel traction can be fun.
I have no electric warming clothing. I use LLBean Snow pants with DuoFold long johns, Riding Jacket with liner, Thermal undershirt and wool sweater. Riding boots and wool socks. LLBean Gortex gloves finish the protection. I use an open helmet with a face shield and winter liner.
A couple of the reasons I like to ride in winter are: the smell of wood stoves heating homes along the back roads and being able to see into the woods along the roads. With no vegetation on the trees and brush, the unobstructed view displays brooks, lakes, barns and pastures along with wild life. Most are not visible once the leaves come out.
If a few wet spots on the road make “Trixy” less than pristine, $3.00 and 10 minuets at the local car wash makes her shine. I like to think that CanAm, who makes snowmobiles, uses materials in the Spiders that can withstand winter use.
Your comments will be appreciated.
