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DH and I are taking a 5 hour road trip for the first time this weekend to the mountains for our 12th anniversary. It's in the 60's here at home, but will be in 40's in the mountains when we get there. What suggestions do you have on how to stay comfortable and warm throughout the ride? Especially without breaking the bank on expensive gear? Thanks!

i found that the weatherproof coats from the garment company is good to down about 10 degrees myself. i bought one from costco for 50 bucks, thats not breaking any bank there. and they are in fact very waterproof and very toasty. its better to be overprepared than to be underprepared.

Layering is what works best for me. Just make sure your first layer is cotton or spandex based which wicks away body moisture. Outershell can be anything that's windproof and somewhat water resistant. Fleece is nice to have in between. Don't have any one layer that is too thick as it will offset the temperature too significantly.

Cotton is a problem. It stays damp and will chill you quickly. Go to WallyWorld (Walmart) or Dick's Sporting Goods, etc. and get some polypropilene(sp?) undies. Use that as your first layer. It will wick moisture away from your skin before it can chill you.

The thick waffle weave cotton long underwear that we wore in Scouts is no longer recommended.

Ideal is UnderArmor cold weather wear, but that is EXPENSIVE (on the order of $30-$35 for one piece). If you can work that in, it will do the job nicely.

Having rainwear along will serve well if you find that the wind is pulling heat away too quickly at travelling speeds. You can just add it on top of whatever you've got on and you'll be amazed at how toasty you are.

Expect that as night falls, temps may drop down into the 30's. Keep your eyes peeled for 'wet' patches in the road, which could be ICE.

P

I ride in the winter all the time. Mountain climber quality long underwear, a nice warm sweater, a pair of winter riding gloves, extra socks, and pull-over hood, with neck gaiter. That and you may have to plan to stop more often. Also there is some great heated gear made by Witter if you really want to keep riding when it is very cold.

Sometimes you can find some good deals at a Military surplus store. I'd only get something you could wear under your usual riding gear, so you can still have the protection. Also a mask tat covers your face and neck is a good thing to get. Like the ones people associate bank robbers or ninjas with... Baklava's?(Or is that the dessert... eh i dont know). Maybe some liners you can wear under your gloves, that kind of stuff.

This time of year may not be an issue, but weather change in the mountains can be dramatic. I got a touch of hypothermia in May after getting caught in the rain.

If your teeth chatter, you are cold. If they stop chattering, it is hypothermia. Pull over and get some coffee! Look for Cracker Barrel resturaunts - they typically have a fireplace burning in the fall and winter

--Dave

Yeah i would have to say just do as may lays as you can

Kmac7204 wrote:Yeah i would have to say just do as may lays as you can

It's almost as if there's some kind of thought trying to claw its way through that abomination of words and vaguely-related characters.

Almost.

Kmac7204 wrote:Yeah i would have to say just do as may lays as you can

Yeah, I'd be warm after a stunt like that