Back again. As I was saying, I have never found riding in the cold a problem except once. I'll explain that in a minute.
As far as cold (and wet) weather goes, for me one of the main reasons I have a screen
is for protection. I agree Ferdie would probably look better without one but the way I look at riding is practicality first, then looks if possible.
Not always easy to do but I know everyone's different and some don't like them at all but like Jimmy crack corn, I just couldn't give two fat rats, or is that "I don't care"
Anyway, in Winter the wind protection is superb. It doesn't mean I'm in some vacuum like some other IMHO, "ugly looking bikes", but it's the next best thing.
You'll notice I also have lowers. Again, initially I thought they would look terrible cos I've seen some bikes that look like a travelling screen, but I don't mind the look of Ferdie at all.
So the reason for the lowers is, I found when I put the Memphis Shades Big Shot on it just seem to divert more wind up from below. Sort of like inverse pressure or something. So with the lowers, like I said I have it pretty well sussed.
Now clothing. In a simplistic explanation, it's all about layers. Layers to put on and take off as I ride north or south and it gets warmer or colder.
So my main protection in winter clothes wise is, a quality full length wet weather coat such as Dry Rider or in my case "Rivet". I have had mine now for 5 years and it's brilliant cos it has a zip in or out warm layer I have in for down south but I can easily remove it and then unzip up these ventilation pockets for some flow through breeze.
Also on the must have list (for me this is) is a pr of Rivet wet weather pants. So between these two I am very well protected from the elements.
Now for the real cold riding such as when leaving Canberra, I also woolen thermals underwear, and in my case "Draggin Jeans". Then there's waterproof boots which are very important, the layers for up top to put on or take off as required, and besides a full face helmet (I have the shoei Multitek which opens up to look like an open face), a pair of quality, expensive warm, waterproof gloves.
So that's about it really.
People at my work talk about riding in the cold and rain and how do I do it, blah blah blah. It's all about having the right gear. If you do, I actually find it different and exciting in it's own way.
I guess the only areas I'm currently not happy with is my boots and my gloves.
The reason is, the good one's I've found cost a lot of money and I don't want to go through what I went through last winter. Namely whilst on my last leg moving into the Canberra region, I came across some freezing rain. The gloves I had I though would be ok but after becoming soaked through, and with the cold I had to stop and try to warm them up using Ferdie's engine cos I couldn't feel them anymore. Very painful too.
So, either quality water proof gloves or if they sell them, some water proof over gloves to keep to gloves dry. I haven't had a look yet but before my next ride through winter, that will be sorted.
So, for anyone travelling down from Queensland and particularly if via Stanthorpe, make sure you have some quality gear cos without it, riding is NOT fun.
As far as riding round Bulahdelah, it's not really cold there at all. In fact, the whole way along the coast is mainly pretty mild compared to inland and further south. I suppose only the early mornings are coolish but that's only brief.
Hope this has been of help to anyone interested and the Bamster who asked and who's name shall remain ononymous. Unless of course he or she would like to reply
cheers all
stacka
