Cold Weather Riding

Cold Weather Riding:

Exposed skin is at risk of frostbite in temperatures as warm as 55 degrees! Riding at just 30 mph on a 45 degree day will put you in danger of both hypothermia and frostbite in as little as a half hour.

Your nose, ears, fingers and toes are the more likely targets of frostbite. The early symptoms include a pins-and-needles sensation. At this point, no permanent damage has occurred, and you can reverse the effects of exposure by gently re-warming the skin. In the next stage, waxy patches may occur and the skin may feel numb. After this, you may lose feeling in the affected area. Remember, when your ears and fingers stop hurting, it's time to worry.

There are plenty of products available to help you beat the cold. What's right for you depends on how cold it is and how long you intend to ride. The idea is layers, to let your body create a warm cushion of air between you and the environment. As your outer layer, some form of windbreaker will do the trick. A denim jacket, though comfortable standing still, just won't cut it. You need a material that blocks air. Leather has always been a popular outer shell for its wind resistance, abrasion resistance and the fact that it looks cool.

Hands are particularly vulnerable. Gauntlet-style gloves will help keep your fingers warmer longer. The extra length up your sleeve helps to seal cold air out and warm air in.

It may seem obvious, but a full face helmet will keep you warmer than no helmet, or a shorty. And you'll want to seal the area between your neck and the helmet and jacket. A bandanna will work, but leather or any wind proof fabric will cut wind better. There are fleece and silk neck warmers, and a balaclava which fits over your head like a ski mask.

Here's another little known fact: drink lots of liquids. Yes, you still lose water even though you're cold. It's easy to get dehydrated, even in winter, because you don't notice that you're perspiring. Go easy on caffeine drinks, and of course alcohol, but sweet drinks can provide much needed carbs to help boost your body's heat making ability