Enough to freeze them off you say? True. Now let’s do something about it and not be like the numpties that climb our majestic crags in shorts and t-shirts.
Riding gear
The most appropriate gear choice is what’s going to make your ride comfortable or a freezing hell. The most efficient way to keep the heat in is to wear multiple layers. Base layers that are full length in the leg and arm. Even in the cold your body can sweat when riding, these underlayers should allow your skin to breath wicking away moisture. The seat then evaporates instead of making you colder.
Above those base layers you can consider fleeces that zip up and lock in warm air. On top Gore-tex and textile suits will often provide more warmth than leathers. There’s also the option of heated jackets, trousers and gloves. Not everyone is a fan but they will provide warmth through the winter.
Extremities
No matter how warm your body is there isn’t much worse that trying to ride with frozen fingers and toes. Consider some heavy duty boots and socks that wick away moisture like your other base layers with warmer wool socks over them.
Winter gloves area a must. We prefer to wear long gloves that close tight over the jacket and don’t allow air in rather than short gloves with the jacket closing over them.
If you have heated grips on your bike that’s always going to help and if not then consider some thinner base layer gloves inside your riding gloves as an additional layer.
Gaps
No matter what gear you chose if there are gaps for air to get in and out you’re not going to stay warm. Gaps between your gear around your wrists waist and neck are the areas most likely to cause loss of warmth and allow fast flowing cold air in. The area around your ankles can also allow in cold air if not closed well. A good neck-warmer is also essential to stop the cold air racing down your back.
Helmet
During winter we prefer full face helmets on all rides. Open face helmets simply won’t help and you’ll soon have a frozen face. You should also have a fog-free visor. For helmets with airflow vents at the front you should keep those closed but you could consider keeping any rear facing vent open so your head doesn't sweat too much.
Riding style and common sense
Winter is colder, the roads and colder, your tyres are going to be colder. That mean less traction and remember even a short stop in winter will take most of the heat from your tyres. Make sure you check tyre pressures more often in winter also.
With less traction your stopping distances are going to increase by up to ten times according to various studies so give yourself a lot more room to maneuver.
Visibility can also be drastically reduced in snow. When it happens don’t be a hero. You might be able to handle a bike in the snow like a champ but consider all the other road users out there, some of whom can barely handle a vehicle on a good day. Find somewhere warm to stop, pull over and wait it out watching the four-wheeled carnage passing by. It’s also a great time to catch up on all your motorcycle magazines! J
Like most rides there can be a temptation to speed up towards the end. During the winter you should plan to stop more often to rehydrate and warm up. Towards the end of the ride don’t skip these stops. You’ll be tired and less attentive. This is when accidents can occur.
When you do stop make sure you eat well. Drinking alcohol and coffee should also be avoided because both increase the blood flow to the skin which may make you feel warmer but actually cause you to loose body heat and you don’t need any additional impairment to your senses on top of that caused by the cold.
So dress in layers, eat and drink well, stop more often and don’t try to be a hero.
· Signal earlier.
· Check your lights and tyre pressures.
· Increase the braking distance to account for wet roads.
· Invest in warm, reflective kit.
· Use anti-misting spray on your visor and mirrors.
· Don't assume that the drivers around you have seen you.
· Avoid wearing dark clothing. Particularly in the evening and early morning.
· Be wary of riding in strong winds.
· Never underestimate wet leaves.