Five Motorcycle Problems that California Riders Won't Understand.

I write this piece as a native Californian and a transplant to Ohio.

It is difficult to describe many of the freedoms that motorcycle riders have in California as motorcycling is pretty much a seasonal, recreational activity in the Midwest.

For me, motorcycle riding back home was not just for fun (although it sure as heck is). It was my most economical method of transportation and my time saver. It allowed me to travel to far away places very cheaply and explore the world in a whole different way. Although I can still do that out here, I am challenged by three things: the unpredictability of weather, traffic laws, and the mentality of cagers.

So without further adieu, here are several things many native California motorcyclists (who have never ridden anywhere else) will not understand...

A typical November day in Ohio. Not to worry, it'll be 65°F and sunny tomorrow.

A smooth sea never did make a seasoned sailor.

I saw that quote posted on a friend's Facebook page and felt that this quote was quite appropriate for a good summary of what's probably my last ride back down to Columbus for 2012.

The last several rides up and down I-71 have been pretty uneventful. Some days, it could be very warm and my heated gear isn't even plugged in. Other days may involve extra layers and my heated gear set to the "super toasty" setting. This most recent ride was the most challenging yet, with 160 miles of nothing but downpour, temps dropping to the mid-40s, and several cars downright refusing to yield on a merge despite turn signals and outstretched hands pointing into the lane I needed to merge into. I can say, that my years of riding, thousands of miles traveled, and choices/investments in gear have paid off for days like this. And even though this wasn't my most favorite riding conditions by any means, I am still proud to say that still I'm powering through on a motorcycle.

Considering that Eleanor has been my only source of transportation up in Northeast Ohio since I moved in September, I have managed to stretch out my riding time as far as I could take it without risking my personal safety due to road conditions. As I know that I will admit defeat this weekend and switch out for the car, thanks to the impending "Frankenstorm" and potential early snowdrifts off of Lake Erie among other things, the fact that I have been the only motorcycle out in this area for the past few weeks has been nothing but disappointing, yet unsurprising.

Living up in the Cleveland area in the past month and a half has definitely allowed me to see the variety of motorcyclists in that area of the state. It has seemed like clockwork that as September had dwindled and October has cruised on by, the number of two-wheeled vehicles has plummeted to the "die-hard" few that have donned the beanie and hoodie to make the short jaunts down the street. Blame it on the weather dropping to 40°F (that's still above freezing for these keeping score) or the fact that some riders only insure their bikes for half the year, the sharp decline has been pretty obvious. Since using the motorcycle has been my only choice until arrangements have been made for my car (located 160 miles away to the south) has been prepped for snow, I have had to ride many days in non-ideal weather conditions and have done just fine.

I know what some might be thinking, "Why don't you guys get a second car?" Thanks to our limited income and many financial barriers that we're still recovering from, a second, reliable car for both me and my husband to use has not been a feasible option. So I have had to make the most of the resources that we have, and that means turning whatever functioning vehicles we have into urban warfare machines.

Adding to that, the Southern Californian in me has pre-programmed this notion in my head that one rides every day at every possible opportunity. It has been difficult to appeal to this idea up here, but I do what I can to be the stubborn one that refuses to put the motorcycle away. And for goodness sakes, it's Ohio, not Minnesota. Three months maximum for a snow/ice-related layover here is acceptable, but SIX months? There's motorcycle gear for those kinds of spring conditions!

The motorcycle in Ohio is truly a luxury vehicle. If the day isn't pretty, the bike doesn't come out. Up in the Mentor area, there are at least two bike nights I know of. And they both involve bars. I didn't suit up in all my gear to ride two blocks for a Budweiser. Just not my scene. It also impresses me how proud NE Ohioans are of the places they live. When the first thoughts uttered in conversations about me being a fresh transplant here start with "I'm sorry," "Don't like the weather up here? Just wait five minutes, it'll get worse," and "Hope you like to drink because you're going to have to do a lot of it up here," I'm pretty enthusiastic myself! But wait, you're still here. You and me will have to deal with it. And I thought Columbus residents were quite emo.

We all have our own tolerances for what conditions we can ride in. I'm not saying that what I do is ideal for anyone, and for those who have ridden with me, you know that I have very few reasons why I won't put my helmet on and get out there. This part of the year is a frustrating time for me, nevertheless. I will do what I can to cope with it.

Now that I think about it, "A smooth sea never did make a seasoned sailor" doesn't just apply to riding in this scenario. It applies to life. As I'm frustrated at these times with what has been thrown at me (and the multitude of unnecessary barriers put on by biological family members who have nothing else to do but hate me), they just add up to the amusing stories I can tell when I'm on my motorcycle somewhere at a random gas station somewhere in [insert state here].

Is heated gear absolutely necessary? Your call.

I thought about revisiting the topic of heated motorcycle gear after my umpteenth ride to work today in wet sub-40°F conditions. My commute to work and back is about 52 miles round-trip, or the distance one-way from Los Angeles to Mission Viejo on a good day. As much as I would like to be cruising that distance in the warmth of the West Coast where it's 75°F and sunny on the beach on Christmas Day, I'm not in luck at the moment. To compensate for the riding "season" that exists in the Midwest, I ride every opportunity that is given to me and not wait for the next perfect day to come around (those rarely happen here, by the way).

I have a single basic rule about riding conditions: the bike is parked when conditions get icy or snow sticks to the road. How I determine this is has been fodder for another blog post, but other than that issue, cold conditions are not a problem during a ride as long as they are properly managed.

The story of my motorcycle life after October in Central Ohio. Good grief.

I've been asked about different types of remedies for those days when it's a bit nippy out there but you want to get out and ride. Regardless of whatever method you use to keep warm on the motorcycle, there are a few basic rules to follow:
1. Cover all holes where air can enter while the bike is moving.
2. Layer appropriately to allow for adjustment to colder/warmer temps.
3. Stay dry. Moisture will reduce the warming effects of your gear.

What's more important? Warm hands or a warm core?
The circulatory system is the human body's natural source for warmth. In simpler terms, it's like a miniature pipe system that spreads warm blood throughout the body. Alternatively, if your blood is cold, then you will feel cold. This is why scarves cover the neck, the location of the major carotid arteries, in the winter while water-soaked bandannas wrapped in the same area aids in the cooling process in the summer.

With that being said, a heated vest/jacket liner helps maintain warmth in the chest area (the center of blood circulation) keeping it at a more comfortable temperature. In turn, the warmth from the center will radiate to the rest of the body. The hands (and feet) are merely end points of the circulatory system. Although having heated gloves will help with localized warmth, a warm core will benefit the entire body and greatly reduce discomfort as a whole. If given the choice between a heated vest/jacket liner or a pair of heated gloves, the former will be more beneficial during extended trips.

Many long distance riders (including myself) consider the heated vest/jacket liner an integral tool in any journey, regardless of time of year. When riding a motorcycle cross-country one should assume a 30-60°F fluctuation in temperature over several thousand miles. Additionally, the windchill factor can turn what is comfortable at standing temperature unbearable at prolonged exposure at highway speeds. For example, a cool 70°F night travelling at 75 MPH feels like 58°F. Does that extra layer sound good right about now? (Sound a bit harsh? Click here for a windchill calculator.)

What is my tolerance for "cold" and do I want to ride in it?
As I've written (and complained about) in previous blog entries, my definition a "fair weather" rider is a person that willfully chooses to depend on numbers and the weatherman to decide when to enjoy their motorcycle ride. In most normal situations, a simple change of the gloves, jacket, or adding an additional layer is enough to compensate for a 10-20°F drop in temperature. Don't know how you'll react in cold? You won't know until you actually try it. For alternatives outside of electric gear, here's a previous blog post on the subject.

How much is motorcycle heated gear?
Good quality heated gear and all its components can be a bit pricey, with a basic jacket/glove setup starting at a couple hundred dollars. You can even get heated pants, socks, and soles too! Several known makers of heated clothing are Gerbing's, FirstGear, and Aerostitch.

Am I the type of rider that can benefit from heated gear?
Like any accessory that's available on the market, heated motorcycle gear isn't for everyone. If your commute is short (I define that as less than 10-15 miles in one direction) and it's something you'll do occasionally, proper layering and windproof materials will get you there without too much trouble. With time and understanding of your needs during a ride, heated gear may become a future consideration. The extra warmth will benefit a rider at any distance, but your decision to invest in it is all up to you.

Screw the calendar, I'm riding anyway!

For the last few weeks, I've seen the amount of motorcyclists on the road turn from a huge presence on the road to dwindling down to a couple machines very far and in between. There are times where I find myself to be the only motorcycle on I-270 on the way to work on cool mornings. Nothing has changed much; the days are getting shorter and temperatures have dropped anywhere between 10-20 degrees on average but are well above frost warning levels. For me and the other half, that just means pulling out the long-sleeved shirts, flipping the switch on the heated gear, and throwing on the insulated, waterproof riding boots. For everyone else it seems, riding "season" is over. And traditionally in Ohio, it ends the weekend before Labor Day regardless of how nice the weather is. Last year, that translated to thousands of riders willingly losing an extra month of summer-like weather because, let's face it, you can't ride past November...it just doesn't look right.

Are you kidding me? This is the time of year that we can be thankful for not getting scorched in 90 degree heat waves! The trees are turning all sorts of colors which is a sight to see in this part of the nation. And for those who ride year-round, it does provide a refreshing feeling that the "posers" are all gone for the fall/winter and won't show up until May. (You mean I won't encounter someone at the gas station who thinks I'm a whimp/astronaut/sissy/overdressed/Santa because I'm wearing ATGATT? Sweet!)

In a place where riding a motorcycle is more of a novelty than a form of transportation, I'll still be out there on my two-wheeled car until ice glazes the road and I can play shimmy hockey in my parking lot. Yes, even I have to draw a line somewhere, there's just no reason to do it at the moment.

My Perspective on Riding Conditions

I've often heard from motorcyclists here in Ohio that they are "fair-weather" riders. The definition of "fair-weather" is usually temps no colder than 45°F, little to no wind, and somewhat sunny. Their bikes have never seen rain because they look "horrible" with dirt and dust on them. These are also the same people where, like clockwork, the motorcycle gets "put-up" for the winter right after the twilight ride during Labor Day weekend, regardless of how nice the conditions are outside. It is here in Ohio that the motorcycle "season" is truly one at that.

If I decided to be that kind of rider I'd only be riding for maybe a couple months during the year. (I don't think Eleanor would be very pleased about that, especially with all those places we still need to visit together.)

The best example of the flaws in this riding mentality was our exceptionally warm fall season in 2010. There were days when temperatures were well over 70°F and even surprisingly warmer. I did see more bikes than usual in October and November but when temps began to drop just below 40 I found myself alone on the road with my two-wheeled vehicle. By not suiting oneself up properly in insulating gear or even simply changing out the gloves worn (or wearing any at all) a rider can easily deny himself/herself of at least an additional two months of riding time.

From my experience in riding in inclement and non-ideal weather all over the United States, these are the personal boundaries I set for myself when deciding whether or not to ride in certain weather.

Dry and cold weather (defined as 32°F and below): Rideable as long as it's clear. For longer rides there must be no possibility for precipitation because anything coming down at this point can mean snow. Equipping oneself with proper insulation (layers or heated gear) can keep you riding indefinitely in these conditions. When taking twistier routes, take more time to let your bike's tires warm up to improve grip on the road.

Wet and cold (defined as 40°F and below with precipitation): I often use the "10 degree over rule" when riding in wet conditions. The ground is slowest to freeze and is on average ten degrees warmer than the air temperature. I would, however, be weary about wet bridges when riding close to freezing temps because, like the sign says, bridges are the first places where ice forms when the ground is wet. In extremely mild snowfall, air temperatures just at freezing (32°F) are similar to that of rain because snowflakes will melt instantly upon contact with the ground. The bike will get put away when snow flurries start to stick.

Are you the kind of person that will ride in not-so-ideal weather? It does come down to a personal decision. How cold do I want to go? How much do I want to invest in cold weather gear? What is my tolerance level to extreme cold? How confident am I in controlling my motorcycle when the ground is colder? I am an anomaly to the sport of motorcycling and know it. I resign myself to the fact that during the months of January, February, and half of March I will probably be one of the only active motorcyclists in Ohio. But out here, every possible day to ride is a gift that I don't like to waste.

Ride Report: Hockey Heaven is in...Michigan?! My journey to Perani's Hockey World

I decided yesterday to hop on Eleanor and shoot straight up to Flint, MI to see the Perani's Hockey World location there. I received a hot tip to visit that place after going to the North Olmstead, OH location last year and speaking to an employee who then told me that the Flint location was filled with "nostalgia and random old hockey stuff hanging off of walls." Sounded like fun. The catch? Weather was going to be anywhere from 45-50°F during daylight hours to the mid-30s in the evening, which would be a slight problem at prolonged highway speeds. I went through all my warm gear suited myself up with the following:

Top:
BIKERS COMFORT IN ACTION ST-Wind Balaclava
Schampa Warmskin Skinny Shirt
The North Face Technical Fleece Jacket
Gerbings T-5 Heated Gloves
Aerostitch Roadcrafter Jacket

Bottom:
Schampa Warmskin Skinny Pant
Vega Meridian Pants
Aerostitch Darien Pants
Alpinestars Web Gore-Tex Boots

Additionally, my Garmin Zumo 550 that had served me well for the last 65,000 miles had been sent back to Garmin after screen failure in Chicago. So, in its place, I rigged my HTC Incredible phone to the bike using a Universal PDA clamp mount from RAM Mounts to my bike and connected its power via the rarely-used 12V plug inside my front driver's compartment and an extremely slim 12V to USB adapter so I could use its navigation and listen to the very free (and very awesome) Pandora Internet Radio. This isn't a waterproof setup by any means; but it was just fine because there was no chance for precipitation at all.

Gear Review: Vega Meridian Pants

I had the chance to test out the Vega Meridian Pants for my ride up to Chicago. I had been looking for a pair of pants that would fit underneath my overpants that would provide the warmth that regular jeans could not. I was thoroughly impressed with this pair of pants, especially because they combine a windproof outer material and a super-warm fleece liner. Additionally, their soft texture eliminated the chafing feeling that you can get from wearing jeans on a motorcycle for a prolonged period of time.

One issue I did have with these pants was their length. They do not come in a "short" sizing (I have a 29" inseam and these pants were almost 34" in a size 2X) so hemming may be necessary for a custom fit. Fortunately I was able to tuck the excess material into my tall Alpinestars boots which also kept my calves quite warm. These pants fit quite snugly and are very form fitting to help with maintaining body warmth so if you're used to more relaxed fit jeans, it can take a little adjustment.

From a cold resistance standpoint, I was very comfortable, if not, unusually warm, even when temps dropped down to 45°F while traveling interstate speeds on I-290 heading to Itasca. I can imagine combining this layer with my Schampa Warmskin Skinny Pants for maximum insulation from those sub-freezing temps.

This is definitely an asset to any cold weather rider's collection. They also look nice so they can pass for normal casual wear. I would even stretch its use to other fall/winter sports or for prolonged days outside in the nippy cold. Vega advertises the Meridians as a "sub-layer," so they're not made to take much abrasion. I would consider them to be a sub-layer underneath overpants. And at a reasonable price tag of $49.99 it's an inexpensive way to stay warm and stylish.

The sun is out!!!!

Yeah, that title needed four exclamation points.

It's been sunny ALL week, and I've been riding the FJR since Monday. After a miserable two months where I was only able to ride a handful of times, it feels good to have clear, dry roads and no other bikes on the road because "it's too cold."

Seriously? You're going to pass up rideable conditions due to a matter of ten or so degrees under desirable outside temperature? Picky, picky. It's Ohio, a place where weather can change in a matter of hours. Enjoy this gap while it lasts!

On Monday, I began the task of scrubbing in my brand new front tire by putting around local roads near my work in Lewis Center. Only other bike on the road was an older Honda Goldwing. It was about 25°F that day and I was still able to get in about 80 miles before going in for my shift.

Tuesday pretty much saw me and Matt as the only riders in the area. He was glad to be back on his BMW jetting down the freeway and not on the little scooter, his main transportation during snowstorms.

On Wednesday, a man in a truck put down his window as I was walking with full gear to Office Max and asked if being out here on the bike was "pushing it." I smiled and replied, "The roads are dry, and I'm layered pretty well, so it's just fine." It was only 26°F out.

On Thursday, I rode to Popeye's for lunch. As I left the restaurant, a rider in a yellow Honda CBR 1000 in full gear rolled up to me and asked, "So I'm not the only crazy person out here riding today? All my friends said I was." Temperature on my bike read 33°F.

I answered, "Pass up a nice day like this? Glad I'm not the only one!"

He gave me a fist bump and I rode to work.

On Friday, I took my time and cruised eastward, past the Longaberger basket building and toward Zanesville, about 60 miles outside of Columbus. About 150 miles later, I had dinner back in Whitehall, OH with the Knights of Columbus and their fish fry. I think that's the first time I've had fried Ocean Perch. Damn good fish.

I guess riding every day in CA has put me in the mentality that if it's good roads, I'm out there. I've spent years perfecting my gear and my bike to withstand what most recreational riders consider to be too "risky." If you're dressed properly, cold is the least of your worries. If ice was on the road, then the bike stays in.

Overall itinerary for this week:
Monday: Scrub tire in. 80 miles.
Tuesday: Continue scrubbing tire. 80 miles.
Wednesday: Test tire for scrubbiness. 50 miles.
Thursday: Same as Wednesday. 50 miles.
Friday: Going to Target in Newark because the ones in C-bus are too close. Going for the century mark today. Ended up doing almost 160 miles that ended with a fish fry at the Knights of Columbus in Whitehall, OH but no Target.
Saturday: Ride somewhere, far, for ice cream and long enough before tonight's hockey game. Maybe some Target.

So, all you other Ohio riders, when are you getting out there?

There's no school like the old school...video game.

It's been a bit challenging to deal with this very motorcycle un-friendly weather. Currently, central Ohio is in the midst of snowfall that is expected to hit about 4-5" in the next day. In comparison to other parts of the United States that are in the deep freeze (Bismarck, ND is recording wind chill of more than -50F° and parts of New Mexico are below 0°F), this isn't much of a tragedy. I spent about 45 minutes outside with my future mother-in-law shoveling our driveway, the driveways of three other neighbors, and the surrounding sidewalks to help reduce some of the snow hazards that has gotten cars losing grip all over the neighborhood. As of today, a Level 1 snow warning has been issued and schools won't be in session tomorrow.

To sum it up, I'm at home, and since I can't spend all day in front of my trusty computer lest I drive myself mad, I had to find something else to do that didn't require a car ride. So, out come the video games...the vintage video games!

There's something about the replay value of an original NES (Nintendo), SNES (Super Nintendo), or Sega Genesis that creeps back up to the surface every now and again. Matt and I have plugged those old systems back into the TV and spent hours beating and re-beating levels, finding secrets, and appreciating, once again, the electronic gadgets that had been vital parts of our childhood. And, thanks to used video game stores in the Columbus area, we've actually added a few more games to the vintage sets! I've been a good girl and not logged into eBay to pick up any more.

So, this is how we cope with snow...that and occasionally firing up the bikes to hear the engines again and keep the batteries alive. Perhaps the snow this early in the year may yield faster melting? There will be a pocket to ride again eventually.

Finding pockets of good weather to ride in.

Winter is upon us. Most of the Ohioans I talk to are quite optimistic about the season's temperatures with reassuring words such as, "It's only going to get colder" and "Hope you have a good coat because you'll freeze."

For the last week or so, my bike's been under a cover and hibernating. Then again, so have I. Temps this week have been in the low 20s, the point where road gutters have frozen into skateable surfaces, as seen from the example below.

On a serious note, sub-freezing point temps combined with prolonged rain can add an additional hazard to the motorcyclist because of the risk of slippery surface and in a worse-case scenario, black ice. If considering to ride in these conditions, some questions you may want to ask yourself can include:

• Have ice warnings been put into effect in my area and my destination?
• Has it rained/snowed continuously over several days?
• What is the weather forecast for my destination and the points between?
• Have I checked my motorcycle's tires, brakes, and controls (T-CLOCK)?

If you've answered these questions and deemed your journey to be feasible, bundle up with your favorite combination of safety gear and go for it! I am still adamant in keeping my FJR1300 out of winterization mode. Believe me, there will still be a pocket of good weather here and there. Look forward to it and ride on!

Long Distance Cold Weather Riding - Part Two: Your Motorcycle

I believe that successful cold weather riding is finding the perfect combination between the motorcycle gear that you're wearing and the motorcycle that you ride. What I mean by the latter is rigging your ride so that it does provide the best wind protection to help your layers effectively block out the cold, allowing you to continue riding longer. Here are a few general items to consider when preparing your motorcycle to go the extra mile in the chill. These accessories apply to any motorcycle and are very general.

Windshield: The windshield is probably the most effective motorcycle accessory for blocking out a good portion of the wind blast that comes from moving forward. Many motorcycles have windshields as a stock accessory and there are many companies such as National Cycle and Memphis Shades, to name a few, that can outfit your bike, regardless of shape or size. They also come in handy during summers when the bugs are larger than your head. Find the windshield that matches your height and riding style.

Seat: Keeping your butt from freezing to your seat can be an easy task with a sheepskin seat covering. Like the seat covers that are used in cars, natural sheepskin assists in temperature regulation and also helps to keep you dry by preventing water and moisture from pooling in the recesses of the saddle. I personally use the sheepskin pads made by Alaska Leather on my FJR1300. They make lots of sizes to fit the many types of seats out there and are definitely worth the investment. Did I mention that their fuzziness also adds a little plush as well?

Legs and feet: If you don't have the bike that has a decent amount of leg covering, some alternatives include leather engine bar covers, leg chaps, and leather leg gaiters. For the most part I've found that a combination of on-the-bike and worn equipment will help legs stay warm effectively. Unless you're riding a Goldwing-esque bike, this will always be a challenge.

Hand coverings: If you're the proud owner of a dual sport or enduro-style bike, there's probably a company that makes hard plastic hand guards for your model. Some possible alternatives to this extra layer above the gloves include ATV mitts and Hippo Hands. If you're using the removable type of hand covering, be aware that wind can push the fabric into the brake and clutch levers as that can activate them earlier than you'd want them to so please test them before riding.

Aside from typical luxury items such as a GPS or radio/MP3 player, these additional accessories can help make cold weather a lot more tolerable and your bike a lot more versatile. Don't forget to follow proper maintenance schedules, have fun, and ride safely!

Long Distance Cold Weather Riding - Part One: Outfitting Yourself

Nearly seven years of riding in CA has gotten me spoiled.

I was fortunate to have begun my motorcycling career in Southern California, a place where the weather is always tolerable and/or pleasant and the traffic made every freeway and street a jungle gym for two-wheeled vehicles. To touch on the first part of that last statement, preparing for a constant streak of truly "cold" weather (this definition will cover temps below 45°F, also known as a "state emergency" in Southern California) in combination with ATGATT (All The Gear, All The Time) never crossed my mind. Back at home, a normal ride would consist of throwing on all the gear and riding across the freeway with the breeze flowing through the helmet with any and every air vent on the jacket and pants wide open to prevent sweat. On some days, we Californians may have had to *gasp* put the liners in our mesh jackets. A tragedy to say the least.

Flash forward to a December in Central Ohio. While many motorcycles in my area have already been winterized and have begun their several months of hibernation, Matt and I are still riding our mechanical beasts for as long as the winter weather doesn't bring the snowfall. I am still a believer in riding year-round, although this adjustment to Midwest conditions will make this a slight bit more challenging. One of the largest hurdles in this accomplishment (and I emphasize that word, accomplishment, because it does take willpower to pull off what we do), is bundling up and riding against potentially painful cold winds and weather.

Earlier this week, Matt and I rode 600 miles in two days from Columbus to Urbana, IL and back. We had decided to ride because, well, it's cheaper, and weather forecasts stated that there was less than a 15% chance of any precipitation at all the major cities we would cross (technically, just Indianapolis, IN). In preparation for the run, we planned our riding gear and stops for this trip. I will try to break this down into "factors" we had to consider during this journey.

Windchill factor: The temperature in Columbus on the day of our departure was 37°F (and falling). That's before factoring in that we were maintaining a constant speed of 65-75MPH on I-70. This meant that the actual temperature we would be experiencing would be significantly lower than what my on-bike thermometer would read. I've pulled the wind chill chart from NOAA to show this point.

Using the table, 40°F in calm weather combined with a speed of 60MPH brings down the temperature to 25°F. Yeah, that's below water's freezing point.

Now, consider that our return to Columbus averaged approximately 25°F in calm weather. That combined with a speed of 60MPH brought the ambient temperature down to 3°F. So, our riding temperature range during this trip was anywhere from 25°-3°F at 60MPH. Since our speeds were, at times, reaching 70-75MPH (Indiana's speed limit is 70MPH), the range lowered even further to 19°-1°F.  That's what we were riding through for 600 miles. Holy crap, that's cold.

Constant exposure to cold temperatures: If this was a short, typical ride to work on I-270, dealing with 19° degrees (assuming freeway speeds) wouldn't be that bad. However, long distance riding also compounds the cold weather problem because you are exposed to a constant stream of wind, like getting locked in the giant dairy refrigerator room at Meijer with nothing but a polo shirt on.

As much as you bundle up properly, the equipment that you wear doesn't have time to defrost or warm up when it's being battered by the wind. So it's either doing one of two things: (1) keeping you insulated for the first 60-70 miles and then beginning to slowly refrigerate your appendages or (2) if it's electrical gear, trying to cancel out the cold by producing its own heat, leaving your body parts "comfortably" cold but not freezing.

Unfortunately, after the use of wind-blocking gear and thick, heat-conserving clothing, there aren't many solutions to steady refrigeration without resorting to heated gear and constant breaks. Of course, there are short-term solutions such as chemical heat packets as well. My personal strategy for defrosting was to take a break that was long enough to allow my gear to return to room temperature. That would give the gear more endurance against the effects of the cold until the next stop.

Insulation factor: As a veteran of four cross-country trips over 2,500 miles (as of 2009), I've learned that having a wide selection of gear to mix and match makes riding in any possible condition more comfortable and increases ride confidence and stamina. In this situation, I thought about my gear and came up with this pretty effective combination for this winter riding. Please keep in mind that some of this gear has been in my collection for a while; these were not whim purchases. Links are included for your reference.

• Jacket: Aerostitch Roadcrafter Jacket
  
• Liner: North Face Apex Bionic jacket
  
• Gloves: Gerbing's T5 Heated Gloves
  
• Boots: Alpinestars Alpha Touring Boots
  
• Overpants: Frog Toggs
• NOTE: This is rain gear but it has windproofing qualities and wearing them throughout the trip would save time in case of inclement weather. I own a a pair of 3XL pants to fit on top of all my layers while allowing me to move freely.
  
• Pants: Aerostitch Darien Pants
  
• Undergarments: 
• top - compression polyester shirt followed with a wind resistant, long sleeved shirt
• bottom - wool long underwear, jeans
• Socks (upgraded upon reaching Urbana, IL after learning the hard way): Wigwam 40° Below cold weather socks
• Neck covering: Comfort In Action Baclava
  

In the end, all this gear fit comfortably and movement wasn't a factor at all. In addition, this gear fit in a such a way that there were no holes where wind could enter. Typically, weak points in gear are the neck and hand areas. Those are sensitive areas to cold so we took extra diligence to seal any openings.

So, what does it really feel like? Depending on the bike you own, whether or not you've got a windshield installed, and other factors, it is cold, but covering your bases on the areas I mentioned above will make the ride more tolerable and enjoyable. Besides, it would put a smirk on your face when you can tell all your CA riding buddies, "Hey, where I ride, I can freeze ice cubes!"

Some important tips to remember while preparing yourself to ride in the cold:

• Check your tire pressure on your bike before leaving. Cold weather will decrease your tire pressure and affect control and fuel economy. Invest in a small tire gauge and keep it in your bike. It's a good habit to do so anyway, regardless of the weather.
• Layers are your friend. The basic rule of thumb when dressing for the cold is to keep your core warm by wearing the tightest layers first and then building over them. Find your own combination of compression shirts, wind blocking jerseys, face coverings, and other riding gear that will keep you protected while still allowing for a good range of movement.
• Block the wind. Cover every part of your body. Once wind finds a hole in your gear, your ability to ride through it will diminish because you'll be spending your time freezing as the air will shoot up any area you leave open. Remember that insulation is useless unless you've properly sealed every orfice that wind (and in some cases, water) can enter.
• Consider electric gear. So far, I only have a pair of electric gloves, but they have been excellent in keeping frostbite and loss of feeling to the hands at bay. Although, this is a luxury option for most people, it can greatly enhance the cold weather riding experience, given that you've already bundled up properly.
  
• Stay hydrated. You will stay warmer if you have liquid in your system. Drink water. Have a hot chocolate at your stop. Your body will thank you later.
• Stay dry. Ever had cold water poured on your skin? Not fun. Moisture attracts the cold, so stay dry and you'll last longer out there.
• Take more breaks. Being cold already takes a lot of energy to manage so try not to wear yourself out before you arrive at your destination.
• Practice riding with your gear. Please experiment with your gear at shorter distances and in familiar areas before trying to go for the big trip. An effective collection of motorcycle gear takes miles to perfect. Even after 100,000 miles on my own all-time odometer, I'm still enhancing equipment on both my bike and my person.

It's not an easy task to ride at these temperatures, but with a little preparation and understanding of cold weather, you can extend your riding season by weeks, months, or even close to year-round. Good luck!

I plan to address issues on the actual motorcycle in Part Two of my commentary on long distance cold weather riding. Stay tuned!