Winter Riding

[TC1474]

Each year as the days grow shorter and winter draws in the number of bikes on our roads plummets as many of us swap two wheels for the warmth, comfort and convenience of four.

However, some people have no option but to ride all year round. Not many years ago winter kit was of dubious quality but these days it can actually be an enjoyable experience, providing you take a few simple precautions.

Cold is probably the biggest enemy of the winter biker. Once you are cold it will affect your concentration and a lack of concentration is something no biker can afford to have. Modern man made materials will afford you warmth and protection which can be supplemented by the use of thermal underwear, thermal socks and inner gloves, or you could splash out on a heated waistcoat and trousers.

A balaclava will keep your head and neck warm, or you can simply wear a roll neck shirt or proper neck warmer if you don’t like the idea of wearing something under your helmet.

Heated handlebar grips for many, are a must have accessory, but many choose heated inner gloves instead. Whatever your choice you need to try and prevent your hands from becoming cold to the point where your control of the bike is affected and the risk of an accident is increased. If you cannot afford the little extras, then it is worth remembering that if you put a warm head into a warm helmet and, in particular, warm hands into warm gloves, the heat will be retained for much longer than if everything is cold.

If you only wear leathers then consider wearing a cheap anorak or paddock jacket over the top of your leather jacket rather than a number of layers underneath. Too much additional underclothing will stretch your leather to the point where it will become baggy and less protective, allowing cold air to pass through it so that you won’t actually feel any warmer. If you wear an “over-jacket” a pocket of warm air will be formed between your leather and the outer garment so you will stay warmer for longer. In addition, if you take a tumble you are more likely to damage a cheap jacket rather than your expensive leathers.

Out on the road there are a number of things that you will need to think about more than you would during the warmer summer months. For example, on a bright sunny winter’s day, the road may give the impression of being dry and problem free but in the shaded areas there may still be damp patches and, one of the biker’s biggest enemies, “Ice”. Leaves that have become damp and rotten can often be found spread across the carriageway. Damp leaves do not afford particularly good grip.

Many riders complain about the brightness of the sun during the summer months but I often find it is a bigger problem during the winter when the sun sits much lower in the sky and can blind very easily. Ride accordingly, but remember that other road users will be suffering from a similar problem, so take particular care that they have seen you.

Paint, such as that used in road markings, can be slippery at any time, but during the winter months the combination of paint, water, ice and cold weather can be a lethal cocktail. Therefore make sure that you cross over these lines while the bike is upright or, through corners consider modifying your line slightly. Manhole covers can be particularly slippery when wet. When they are cold as well they can be a particular hazard. Whilst considering the road surface it is worth checking the overall condition of the carriageway for cracks and debris caused by frost damage.

Finally you must keep your bike clean and well maintained to avoid nasty surprises such as seized brakes or rust building up on important components. The salt used by our Highways Authorities to keep the roads clear of snow and ice tends to be particularly corrosive, and once it gets into the braking system you are looking at a major stripdown. Before your first journey of the day make sure everything is working as it should and then give the bike a hose down or wash when you get home, this will keep corrosive damage to a minimum and ensure that the bike is in tip top condition.

Winter riding can be fun, you just need confidence, awareness and the right equipment to make sure that you won’t get cold or wet

[houltmac]

Some top tips there. In short, it's all stuff you normally deal with, just be a little more careful and vigilant. Oh, and stay warm!

I have a good set of kit right now, but I also have an order for some of Knox's ColdKillers range (most of it actually, including: sport pants, sport top, hot hood, undergloves and socks). Cold can be a real bitch, especially at speed in the early morning.

[Stu]

just thought i would bump this seen as though winter is on top of us

[RiffmasterII]

The best thing about winter riding is the nice frosty air running through my air intake, feels like its got a turbo attached!

[Guest]

Thanks for these - always good to be reminded.

Another tip someone gave me was if you want to practise riding in icy conditions, try doing your journey using only your back brake - forcing you to plan ahead. The idea is that if you are used to doing it when not icy (i.e. when you can use the front brake without too severe consequences should you mess up) you'll be more used to it when you sort of have to do it in icy conditions.

[priest]

i also use "engine breaking" and yeah, my rear wheel slipped on a manhole recently but i managed to control the bike