It's damn scary when it gets this cold... [Archive]

riffer

7th June 2005, 08:36

According to the official weather site, it's -3.9°C in Upper Hutt this morning.

Let me tell you, it feels like it.

Coming to work this morning was not fun.

There's black ice all around Upper Hutt. I had a huge slide in Ward Street, and Whakatiki Street is just yuck.

Coming on to River Road it was nearly impossible to pick up speed to merge as the rear tyre just spun on the black ice, and then come Moonshine Road bridge the rear was sliding around like I was Gary McCoy.

So to summarise, riding on ice is like ... well, riding on ice.

Not good. :no: I hate June.

Hitcher

7th June 2005, 08:52

Plenty of ice in Ngaio this morning too. I should have brought the bike to work, having had a riding-impaired weekend, thanks to the dreaded weather.

Skunk

7th June 2005, 08:53

I take it that youth and skill got you to work in one piece then...

No ice in Newlands luckily. Just bloody :cold:

riffer

7th June 2005, 08:56

Dunno about that youth bit...

Here's the weather site:

http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/aandjisa/trenthamweather.htm

Oakie

7th June 2005, 08:58

Same temp here in Christchurch this morning according to the radio (and my toes). The roads I was on had no ice tho so it was safe enough.

I've found a good way to defrost my finger tips when they get too cold. When I'm stopped at a red light and I can feel only pain in my finger tips I lean down and put my hands on the crankcase covers. They're not too hot to damage the gloves but warm enough to return the circulation to my digits. 30 seconds of that and I'm right for another few minutes of riding. Yeah I probably look a bit of a dick leaning forward like a GP racer while stationary at the lights but it keeps me comfy so I don't care. (And yes, my arms are quite long).
Still, gotta go and pay a bill at the local bike shop today so I might ask about heated handgrips.

Odin

7th June 2005, 09:27

Clockwork

7th June 2005, 09:37

Yep, very hairy until I got south of Haywards. Seemed OK past there.

placidfemme

7th June 2005, 09:38

.... Yes bloody cold in Auckland too :gob: I heard the tempurature was down to + 6c, Cant bellieve they didn't close the schools and the like.... Snow day :cold:
I think i'll have to get some real winter gear not summer gloves and jeans

:nya: :nya: :killingme :killingme

Yeah riding to work this morning in Auckland was damn cold... even with the inner linings in the kevlar jacket and pants... caught a few cagers giving me a funny look at traffic lights with my visor up and mist/steam coming out the front of my helmet like I was dragon lol...

I have winter gloves... but they don't have any protection in them... so I'll keep wearing my summer gloves :cold:

zadok

7th June 2005, 09:56

I feel for you guys. I had my share of riding in icy conditions around Turangi...not pleasant.
I am liking the climate here in Perth.

Jonty

7th June 2005, 10:02

It is always nice to see it turn in to a great day for the first working day back mind you :mad:

Oakie

7th June 2005, 10:05

I have winter gloves... but they don't have any protection in them... so I'll keep wearing my summer gloves :cold:

I was told that women's silk gloves are good as liners so I spent 5 minutes in a local shop last week looking at silk gloves but they were all way too small for my big man-hands (and yes I got some strange looks while I browsed) . Perhaps you might have better luck?

vifferman

7th June 2005, 10:09

.... Yes bloody cold in Auckland too :gob: I heard the tempurature was down to + 6c, Cant bellieve they didn't close the schools and the like.... Snow day :cold:
I think i'll have to get some real winter gear not summer gloves and jeans

:nya: :nya: :killingme :killingme

6 degrees?!?
Luxury, pure luxury.
It was a total of 7 (Seven!!) when I left for work at 8:xx. I was disappointed my fingers weren't cold in my summer glubs, but I turned the grip heaters on anyway, just because I could, and just so I could go "Aaaahhhhhh.....!!" :rofl:
I think the BubbleOfNoise (or is that: TheDomeOfAntiSilence ?) around the VFR probably kept most of the cold away. I keep forgetting how noisy the Satantune is, sans spud. But I thoroughly enjoyed my ride this morning, after only one ride in the last fortnight. :niceone: :yes: :devil2:

DingDong

7th June 2005, 10:13

I saw this kid on a scooter this morning freezing his arse off... left hand in pocket, steel toe boots,no visor on open face, overalls only and no glove on right hand. Poor bugger :rofl: he could have put a sock on his hand, but he may not have had any of those either:weird: .
I'll take the ute thanks :yes:

Odin

7th June 2005, 10:21

.....I think the BubbleOfNoise (or is that: TheDomeOfAntiSilence ?)

I have to get me a bubble like that. currently i just have a vertical hot air blower warming the road somewhere close to the right pek (my pipes are leaking). :whistle:

In the previus post i was mainly :nya: at the :cold: south of the bombays :-p
And now I'll duck for cover :2guns: :whistle:

XP@

7th June 2005, 10:31

Yeh, my feet arrived about 30 mins after the rest of me this morning...

Nice day now though!!!

placidfemme

7th June 2005, 10:42

I was told that women's silk gloves are good as liners so I spent 5 minutes in a local shop last week looking at silk gloves but they were all way too small for my big man-hands (and yes I got some strange looks while I browsed) . Perhaps you might have better luck?

I've never heard about silk gloves as inner linings... not a bad idea, I'll keep an eye open for them. My gloves are "Neo" gloves from Red Baron... they're the ones that have the air vents on the knuckles... kinda hard to stay warm with those on lol :cold:

MikeL

7th June 2005, 11:01

When I'm stopped at a red light and I can feel only pain in my finger tips I lean down and put my hands on the crankcase covers. They're not too hot to damage the gloves but warm enough to return the circulation to my digits. 30 seconds of that and I'm right for another few minutes of riding. Yeah I probably look a bit of a dick leaning forward like a GP racer while stationary at the lights but it keeps me comfy so I don't care. (And yes, my arms are quite long).

One of the advantages of no fairings. I find that the cylinder heads are more accessible and don't stretch the arms as much. Sometimes I find myself wishing the light would stay red a bit longer...

gamgee

7th June 2005, 11:38

Pwalo

7th June 2005, 11:42

Yep damned cold this morning. As Skunk has said no ice in Newlands, but I was sure careful down by the bus depot. Man does it get cold down there!

Coldkiwi

7th June 2005, 12:47

I'll take the ute thanks :yes:

only cause you don't have to fit auckland traffic!

cold and crisp this morning? yes
breath like a dragon fogging the visor? check!
Frozen hands because I didn't think it was bad enough for glove liners? uh huh!

wished I'd taken a car instead?: NO WAY!! :ride:

no rain, no wind and no snow up this way.. I can live with a bit of a chilly start :yes:

Jonty

7th June 2005, 12:51

harden up, i rode to work at 8:00 last friday in the snow!! only had one hairy moment when turning onto stuart st, the back wheel slid a little bit but regained it and carried on fine, my dad wasn't so lucky, he slid into a gutter in his car and bent the lower suspension arm, lucky he's a mechanic aye?

You have got to watch Stuart street in the winter!! I remember my student days of sliding down Queens street. You would end up flying straight across Warrender street and up the hill. Highly dangerous doing it on your ass let alone on a bike!

sels1

7th June 2005, 13:02

Yep damned cold this morning. As Skunk has said no ice in Newlands, but I was sure careful down by the bus depot. Man does it get cold down there!

Yep, gets icy down there sometimes. I spent my first 25 years in Newlands before I wised up and moved to Kapiti.... :whistle:

Biff

7th June 2005, 13:04

I was told that women's silk gloves are good as liners so I spent 5 minutes in a local shop last week looking at silk gloves but they were all way too small for my big man-hands (and yes I got some strange looks while I browsed) . Perhaps you might have better luck?

Yeah ok mate. Match your touring handbag do they? :Pokey:

I've come over all ghey, I won't ride to work in this weather, just too darn dangerous through the lanes near me. So it's back into the cage until we get some clear ice free mornings.

Be safe :niceone:

Gremlin

7th June 2005, 13:48

speaking of steam from the mouth, I've seen helmets with an insert that covers the nose.

I have an HJC CL-14, are they a clip in or something, or is it part of certain helmets??

Marmoot

7th June 2005, 14:41

I've never heard about silk gloves as inner linings...

Me neither, but if it is as good as silk G-string :love: then I'll.......ah, better not talk about that here....

Ixion

7th June 2005, 14:45

Yeh,silk inner gloves are an old trick. You need to get mens sizing though - try outdoors and ski shops

Silk balaclavas are good too

vifferman

7th June 2005, 14:45

speaking of steam from the mouth, I've seen helmets with an insert that covers the nose.

I have an HJC CL-14, are they a clip in or something, or is it part of certain helmets??
There are aftermarket ones (OXford, and probably others) and some helmets have them as accessories (like Shoei, Arai, and AGV).
Must see about getting me one of those, and a 'chin curtain' (no, I'm not talking about a beard or other hairy decorations...)

Pwalo

7th June 2005, 14:57

Yep, gets icy down there sometimes. I spent my first 25 years in Newlands before I wised up and moved to Kapiti.... :whistle:

You cheeky beggar. I KNOW how cold it can get up in Kapiti!! Besides I live in Paparangi, not Newlands (so at least I get the sun and avoid the southerlies).

I take it that you work up on the coast, as it would be a major commute into Wellington. Used to drive my Mum and Dad, and brother mad.

Hitcher

7th June 2005, 15:34

I was told that women's silk gloves are good as liners so I spent 5 minutes in a local shop last week looking at silk gloves but they were all way too small for my big man-hands (and yes I got some strange looks while I browsed) . Perhaps you might have better luck?
Go to any good hunting/camping/shooting/fishing store and get your silk gloves there. I have largish "man-hands" and have a set of silk gloves that I wear as liners on colder days. Bloody good too, they are.

Lou Girardin

7th June 2005, 16:31

Why not try Spidi silk glove liners from your local MOTORCYCLE shop?
Around $30.00

vifferman

7th June 2005, 16:34

Do these silk glove liners fit inside gloves that are tightish? :spudwhat:

Ixion

7th June 2005, 16:49

Why not try Spidi silk glove liners from your local MOTORCYCLE shop?
Around $30.00

Cos going to your local MOTORCYCLE shop ain't half as pervy as hanging around the womens glove counter :devil2: :rofl:

(well, I don't know about AMPS of course - maybe is IS kinkier :devil2: )

Lou Girardin

7th June 2005, 16:50

Do these silk glove liners fit inside gloves that are tightish? :spudwhat:

It depends how tightish, fish's butt tightish?
The liners are quite thin.

Wolf

7th June 2005, 16:51

Light frost here as I stepped out to catch the bus this morning so I was a trifle cold (and thankful it wasn't a proper frost). I have taken it as a SignOfThingsToCome(TM) and seriously must get my bike running so I'm in my warm armour before winter hits with a vengeance.

vifferman

7th June 2005, 16:51

Cos going to your local MOTORCYCLE shop ain't half as pervy as hanging around the womens glove counter :devil2: :rofl:

(well, I don't know about AMPS of course - maybe is IS kinkier :devil2: )
Yeah, they've got all those S/M outfits: crotchless leather chaps, Hoggley Doggley g-strings, HD leather posing pouches, etc. :rofl:

vifferman

7th June 2005, 16:54

It depends how tightish, fish's butt tightish?
The liners are quite thin.
Heh... reminds me of a guy I used to work with - he had similes/metaphors for every occasion. That one was "As tight as a fish's arse. And that's watertight!"

I'd say, not nearly that tight. Snug.
Thin gloves as described should be OK under them.

Coldkiwi

7th June 2005, 18:18

Why not try Spidi silk glove liners from your local MOTORCYCLE shop?
Around $30.00

or pop down to pack'n'pedal and grab some polypropylene ones for $10 if ya cheap! (I am and they're very effective)

Hitcher

7th June 2005, 19:57

Do these silk glove liners fit inside gloves that are tightish?
Yes. That's the beauty of silk. It's thin and breathable.

Hitcher

7th June 2005, 20:00

Why not try Spidi silk glove liners from your local MOTORCYCLE shop?
Around $30.00
Because, like many things MOTORCYCLE shops "sell", they don't always:
a) stock them
b) in your size...

It's easier to go where you know you'll get what you want. For maybe a bit cheaper too.

TwoSeven

7th June 2005, 20:04

I dont really suffer from the cold on the bike. My old 'Frank Thomas' jacket is tried and tested down below -11C + wind chill (about -40 I think it was all up). This morning it was -2 and I wouldnt have noticed. I still wear lite gloves and an open face lid.

Basically, so long as your wind-proof, you wont feel much of the chill.

However, if your on the bike longer than half an our or an our, then you have to worry about penative chill (the kind that seeps thru). Thats where you also need to start thinking about more layers (big bulky stuff wont work).

Other thing - when you get to your destination - have a cup of coffee or tea as soon as possible - it stops you developing a chill.

Toast

7th June 2005, 21:01

It is always nice to see it turn in to a great day for the first working day back mind you :mad:

Especially when it's exam study break and you're a Uni student and don't have work until tomorrow :D ...ah the Coro loop :niceone: ...made up for missing the KB ride on the weekend...damn that place is the bomb!!

dhunt

7th June 2005, 22:15

speaking of steam from the mouth, I've seen helmets with an insert that covers the nose.

I have an HJC CL-14, are they a clip in or something, or is it part of certain helmets??
My CL-14 (NZ model) came with one, so yes you can definitely get them for your helmet. It comes as clip in thingy (technical term) that fits in your helmets. Helps lots - but helmet still fogs up a bit even with it in.

Gremlin

7th June 2005, 22:27

My CL-14 (NZ model) came with one, so yes you can definitely get them for your helmet. It comes as clip in thingy (technical term) that fits in your helmets. Helps lots - but helmet still fogs up a bit even with it in.
Thanks, I got my helmet from Motomail, so I'll guess it's a NZ model.

The reason I'm looking for one is that at the moment I get just a little bit of fog (dad said he got a fair bit when he tried out my bike, but evidently I breathe better/don't breathe at all), but enough to not go away by opening the visor, but enough to be irritating. I also have some spray that supposedly helps. Should use it...

I'll phone Mt Eden tomorrow...

8th June 2005, 02:59

.
.
Silk gloves (my 0.02 worth)

Spidi do make silk liner gloves, but not many bike shops (to the best of my knowledge) keep them in stock.

Outdoor shops (in Wgtn try Gordons) sell a range of NZ-made silk products called Silk Body. They do gloves, and I have a pair of them. They cost around $28-$30. They come in all sizes, small to very large. They're very thin so you don't really notice them under bike gloves, but they really make a difference and keep you warmer.

I also have a long-sleeved Silk Body t-shirt that is great, I wear it under my Icebreaker layers when it's real cold. Also have Silk Body socks (calf length_ that I wear under my Icebreaker thick socks when it's real cold.

I know silk (or merino) costs more than polyprop, but I believe that (as a general rule) you get what you pay for.

Back to riffer's original topic....I was very glad that I was in the car this morning. No ice that we noticed, but another couple of days of this weather and we'll get ice at the bottom of our hill.

Take care out there peoples.....

.
.

Lou Girardin

8th June 2005, 08:10