Winter Riding Gear...?

[ABF3]

Help..!!!!
I ride to work from Riverside to Los Angeles 45 to 50 miles...usually from 3 to 5am. The temp is around 34 to 40 degrees. I'm wearing 2 cotton thermals, tops and bottoms under
my work clothes then my leather jacket, then my big military jacket. I'm really bulked up.... I really don't want to wear so much... Is there an alternative..?
Show me some love......

[frostbitevinnie]

Originally Posted by ABF3

Help..!!!!
Is there an alternative..?
Show me some love......

Try driving a C* A* G* E* R j/k!! Having grown up in So. Cal. I understand what you are talking about. It is colder here but there is not as much humidity in the air. I can go to CA for Christmas leaving MN when it is below zero and feel fine but upon arrival to CA I feel cold. It seems more of a bone chilling cold similar to our early spring weather when the snow melts. I have found here that a good wind breaker over my gear is a must but even that after an hour of fast riding does not do the trick. I believe a lot of it is also conditioning. I adjust to our winters here by being in the weather. Having a fatty meal will also help, ice cream will keep you warmer in cold weather as opposed to a cup of coffee. Ice cream=calories=energy to keep warm. Coffee=0 calories=0 energy to keep warm.

Nuff love for ya?

[mflueras]

Heated clothing or heat packs help. Lower temperature riding is all about wind resistance. Good windshield and lowers and windproof clothing is a must. Pay special attention to head gear. You lose a lot of heat there. I wear a fleece liner (ski mask style) use a helmet wind breaker and tape all the top helmet vents (chin vents I keep open to help with the fogging.) I have been able to ride near freezing temperatures with only one layer of thermal underwear, two shirts and a sweater under my heavy winter leathers by using strategically placed heat packs and paying close attention to really sealing every joint, any place wind can sneak in. Oh I forgot, really important to seal the footing and bottom of your pants as well as the sleeves. Thermal gloves are a must, electric ones preferable. Again, protect yourself from wind, you'll be more comfortable and less bulky...

[Uncle B]

outer layer needs to be windproof

[SNAFU]

[Iceman79]

First of all you have a symbol that shows you might be affiliated with the navy? Get rid of the thermos and go with polypropylene under garments and for your temps stay with the light weihts but their is heavy weights also. take it from an experience army infantryman retired.

[dcstrng]

Electric, electric, electric... and as was said, be windproof or get behind a substantial windshild and lowers or a fairing... wind will leech your body heat faster than you can make it at those temps, for anything longer than a 20 min ride...

I commute around 75-80 miles one-way down to the high-twenties, but use a Gerbing heated jacket liner... [rotect head and upper body, a balacava or neck-gaiter will help -- I use a gaiter because I must go through a guard gate and they must see my face... otherwise I wear about what your wearing except for the elctric and I wear leather on the outside... oh, and snowmobile gloves for temps below 35 or so...