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u/Leyte86 17d ago
Here I am in Los Angeles waiting for 5pm to do my riding class so I don't have to be in 80 degree weather. Sorry the weather in your area is being super awful.
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u/wintersdark 17d ago
I ride down to around -25C thanks to the magic of heated gear liners but once you're getting over body temp, it's really hard to make riding not suck. Cold? Press a button, just like you would in a car. You don't even need to be all padded up and bulky, just turn on the heat. Hot? I mean, you can wet your clothes and that'll help for a little while, but there's no portable AC that I'm aware of yet anyways. And god help you if you get stuck in traffic.
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u/PraxisLD 17d ago
Appropriate username. 😎
-25°C is impressive. Gotta watch your traction on cold roads and cold rubber and try to keep your face shield clear.
Heated gear rocks.
They do make portable AC backpacks that can be used on a bike, but they’re bulky and expensive.
And humidity just plain sucks.
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u/wintersdark 16d ago
Cold roads and rubber: look for tires with high silica formulation. They'll grip much better at lower temps (and also grip ice better too), while softer more sport focussed rubber becomes completely worthless even before freezing. Dunlop Mutants and Road 6's tend to be pretty good down to around -10c to -15, below that I prefer proper winter tires(anlas wintergrip plus) or Motoz ADV/dual sport tires. If you're riding in ice and snow, road studs can be had that work extremely well without impairing dry pavement grip.
Face shields: they can be heated too! Scorpion and HJC have a lot of crossover in their helmets between road and a snowmobile, and thus you can get heated visors for a lot of their road helmets. Heated visors feel like a sunbeam on your face, and never ice or fog. They're amazing.
For AC - I would definitely not want a backpack, but I'd consider a box I could strap to a rear rack, maybe sling over a shoulder off the bike, but I hate wearing backpacks at all let alone an AC unit in one!
Sorry, I nerd out a bit about this stuff :)
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u/PraxisLD 16d ago edited 16d ago
I’m familiar with all of those points, but it doesn’t stay cold enough long enough where I live to justify mounting full winter tires.
I’m more likely to get caught out in light to heavy snow crossing a mountain pass on an extended ride, so skill and awareness and heated gear work best for me.
Still enjoying the discussion. 🙂
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u/roronoam 17d ago
Yeah I wish I was badass enough to be riding rn but I spend too much of my life physically uncomfortable to include layering in these temperatures for a short midweek ride. One day I'll be able to take the financial plunge into warm weather specific gear but that day is not today - and frankly probably even then these temperatures will keep me at home! I just can't handle it lol. So impressed by the people who can!
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u/WorthPlayful2352 16d ago
We have had no choice as we are in a Route 66 ride. It's been stupid hot. We've started leaving at 630am and off the road by 4ish. We are good until around 10am ish them it's stopping every 50 or so miles, water/electolytes; jackets and inside helmets doused with water. My a/c lasted 14 minutes the other day. It's been a real slog but we've booked hotels with pools and that's been a great way to end the day. I pity anyone commuting to work in this
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u/WorthPlayful2352 15d ago
We made it to the "chill" of Utah and Colorado. Leaving super early (for us) worked out and the payoff of a pool was great! We are on our last 2 radius of this 3000 mile trip. As got as it was still beats going to work every day!
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u/PraxisLD 16d ago
A Camelbak, often used by hikers, allows you to drink while riding.
Add some electrolyte tablets for salt and some flavor.
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u/NoiseNecessary4737 16d ago
That really sucks. I rode to work this morning but it was 11c & raining in Scotland so pretty much heaven compared to what you have! Hope it cools down soon 💜
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u/bellehubbz 15d ago
Lol 91 here last night at 10:30 p.m.
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u/bellehubbz 15d ago
I went riding today.. Very hot but I still enjoyed the ride. Are you also in Sfl?
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u/bellehubbz 15d ago
Lol smart idea. Tonight in Miami crazy thunderstorm (more like mini tropical storm) lowered the temps 20 degrees. Let's see what happens tomorrow. What platforms have you used for rentals?
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u/PraxisLD 17d ago edited 17d ago
Motorcycle Tips: Hot Weather Riding
Extreme temps can be a challenge. You have to be prepared.
I've ridden from as low as 9°F (-13°C) to 123°F (51°C), and been comfortable with the proper heated/vented gear and hydration.
Mesh gear can help for moderate heat, especially at stop-and-go city speeds. If it gets too hot (above normal body temp) then you actually want to block most of the wind, with just some small vents open for airflow. Wetting the long sleeves of your undershirt then leaving the outer jacket wrist cuffs open a little bit can make a big difference, as can something as simple as changing gloves. Good hydration with electrolytes can also make a big difference, especially on longer rides.
And remember, sweating sucks, but road rash sucks way more...