How to extend your riding season through winter

Want to extend your riding season through winter? MotorEagles® motorcycle crash lawyers share their tips for dealing with the worst winter has to offer.

When the first snowfall hits the ground, some riders think it’s time to move their two-wheeled companion to the corner of the garage until next spring. But for others, there’s no end to the riding season – just a change in strategy.

If you’re one of the die-hard motorcyclists who won’t let cold weather keep you from doing what you love to do, then you’ve come to the right place. Our MotorEagles® motorcycle attorneys have the tips and tricks you need to extend your riding season and avoid common winter road hazards.

Ice

Black ice is hard to see and while it’s dangerous for all motorists, it’s particularly hazardous for motorcycle riders. Black ice can form when the temperature reaches freezing points, so it might be a good idea to add an inexpensive air temperature thermometer to your bike if it doesn’t already have one.

Bridges and shaded areas are the most susceptible to ice formation, so choose well-traveled roads where traffic has melted the ice and dried the moisture.

“If you do feel like you’re on an icy patch, don’t make any sudden moves and don’t touch the brakes,” according to the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). “Pull in the clutch and let the bike coast until you’re clear.”

Hypothermia

If you’re not prepared for winter riding, the cold weather can cause your core body temperature to drop significantly, causing hypothermia. Contrary to what many believe, temperatures don’t have to be below freezing for hypothermia to occur. As speed increases, wind chill gets worse. So the longer you’re out riding, the higher your risk.

If you start shivering uncontrollably, pull over immediately to some place warm. Hypothermia may cause you to feel dizzy or even intoxicated as your muscles stiffen. According to the AMA, continued exposure to hypothermia may cause shivering to stop, but this is a sign that you’re in real danger. If you can’t decide whether you should pull over, always err on the side of caution, the MotorEagles® motorcycle crash lawyers said.

Frostbite:

Frostbite is another common danger you need to be prepared for in winter. Although it’s reversible and not as serious as hypothermia, frostbite can cause your underlying tissues to freeze, resulting in severely numb hands, toes, ears and/or nose. This typically happens when another part of your body gets cold, such as the torso, so the body starts sending more blood to the vital organs, causing the blood vessels in your extremities to constrict.

Cold weather gear

Insulating your body from the cold may be your best defense against freezing temperatures. The motorcycle attorneys at MotorEagles® recommend layers.

Synthetic material is better than other fabrics like cotton for the inner layer, while holds moisture against your body. You should layer that with fleece or wool.

“The idea is to let your body create a warm pocket of air between you and the environment,” according to an article by the AMA.

The purpose of the outer layer is to block the wind. You can choose outwear such as a leather jacket or something waterproof, like nylon. Always make sure the gear you choose will protect you in the event of a motorcycle accident.

For your hands, wear gloves that will cover the space between the gloves and the outerwear. You should choose a pair that have a waterproof liner to keep moisture out, but are breathable so they allow perspiration from your body to escape.

A full-face helmet will also help keep you warm. The MotorEagles® motorcycle crash lawyers suggest covering the area around your neck with a waterproof neck warmer. Or wearing a balaclava underneath your helmet can also provide much-needed additional warmth.

Electric gear

Electric clothing, like heated gloves, vests and socks, can help your body maintain the heat it generates. Heated clothing uses the bike’s electrical system to power your heated gear, which will work wonders for you by keeping your body insulated.

Of course, you don’t want to drain your battery, so the AMA reminds riders to make sure the charging system can handle the electrical load.

“Find out the output of your charging system; add up the draw from all your electrical gear. And always leave a margin of error,” the AMA explained.

Hydration:

Stay hydrated by drinking a lot of liquids. Most people don’t associate dehydration with winter, but the truth is that you can lose a lot of moisture in the winter. Many motorcycle riders notice they sweat or perspire in colder temperatures and this is because cold, dry air takes moisture out of the body.

Windshield

Lastly, no matter how prepared you think you are, cold weather will take the heat from your body the longer you’re on the road. Having a small windshield on your handlebars can keep wind from your chest, helping your upper body stay warm.

We hope these tips will help you deal with the worst winter has to offer and extend your riding season. As always, don’t hesitate to call the motorcycle attorneys at MotorEagles® if you need our assistance during your travels.

If you have more winter riding safety tips you’d like to share with your MotorEagles® motorcycle crash lawyers, leave a comment on our blog, Facebook or Twitter.

Tags: black ice, cold weather riding gear, frostbite, hypothermia, motorcycle attorneys, motorcycle crash lawyers, riding season, winter riding

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011 at 10:42 am and is filed under Blog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.