Cold days upon us!

[agnes]

Well, this morning I woke up and it was bloody chilly! 7C!!!!

So, anyone got any winter projects lined up? I want to do one, but have no idea where to start lol.

ags

 

[agnes]

I was tempted to pick up a Cagiva the other day... Selling for £600, engine had a few probs but nothing that couldn't be fixed with a cup of tea, spanner and a hammer! lol

Looked like this.... (Not original Dakar bike lol, just a copy)

And know what you mean about cold, I only have a 1 piece leather set and a overall for when it rains... Can get bloody cold!

ags

 

[agnes]

For those doing their first winter commute on a bike, drink a tea or something hot just before you head off... Does wonders

I commuted over the last couple of winters and I can tell you, after a while it gets to you. The cold mornings at 3C or below just kill you...

After 25 miles your hands are numb and painful, you can't feel your face. Several times I was in agony from the pain from my fingers and had to take 5 mins in the toilets running them under cold water (cold is better, not hot...).

ags

 

[agnes]

That sounds like a horrid experience. I only commute 9 miles and it takes about 30 minutes as it's in London area. But I am not going to let myself go through pain like this, no way! I rather get hand muffs

I'm a stubborn git lol, all I wore was track leathers (all I own, safest option for me hehe), waterproof overalls to block wind (does bloody wonders!) along side none vented leather gloves with inner gloves.

I never wore or will wear textile gear. Just can't with the Ducati 748, the seating position is far too 'tucked in'.

ags

 

[agnes]

wow. even in winter i sleep with the windows open. still get hot.

Think it's at 30 mph you take off 7C... Something like that, so on a bike, on a dry winters day going down a A road at 90 when the temp is 3C can mean your hitting winds of -20C... Bloody cold. Like you, I leave my windows open as well. But it's a different ball park lol.

ags

 

[agnes]

I'm not sure what I'll do when the temperature will get close to freezing as I'll be too scared of black ice and obviously any snow on the roads is a no go for me too, I will probably ask you once we will get to Dec/Jan for some advice. Thankfully you only get so much snow in SE England

Black ice is always a huge risk, but you can avoid that by sticking to main roads, not totaly avoid, but will decrease the chance of running into some.

Best trick is to simply take your time and read the road.

ags

 

[agnes]

My coldest most miserable night ride was up to sheffield from reading in February this year to see my mate. Left at 9pm, due to spur of the moment choice. I had normal jeans on, my sidi boots, summer leather jack and helmet with summer gloves. 40 miles in I had tears in my eyes from fingers being beyond sore. Decided to pull over and put on my waterproofs to stop the wind, also put some thicker gloves on that I packed lol.

Worst part was the hot water wasnt running at the first service station I pulled up at so did 110 miles frozen at 90+ mph speed simply to find a service station asap lol.

This was on a VFR 800 09 plate so at least i had some sort of wind shield lol.

ags

 

[agnes]

I caved in at one point and put 2x small milk cartons (the plastic ones) over my grips as a wind shield... Worked a charm lol.

ags