Auckland to Ohakune COLD

[Iain]

Hi all,

Looking for a little experienced advice.

I will be riding from Auckland to Ohakune and would like to hear about the most appropriate clothing to wear - its going to be very cold. Im getting some armoured cordura pants with a thermal lining and I have a leather jacket with a similar removable lining - but I cant imagine this being enough. What should I wear underneath this considering the temperature it will be the closer I get. Ive done longish (2-4 hour) rides before but not during the winter. Im sure Ill need new gloves as well - my hands freeze even now on short trips. Most of my gear is going down before me so Ill only have a back pack to keep extra stuff in.

Also, Ive picked myself up a Nav Man - Im sure its not necessary but its a new toy. Does anyone use them? are they mounted up front or do you find that distracting and just pull over to get it from your pack when you think you should have a look.

Any thoughts would be good - just so I can feel a bit more confident about the trip.

Thanks all!

Iain

[Devil]

Merino things are good (eg. the Icebreaker brand)
Oxford "chill-out" clothing is good too. You need to be able to keep the wind out. Traditionally leather isn't good in cold weather, particularly if it gets damp (even fog). Perhaps find a jacket you can wear overtop to keep the windchill out.
A pair of $10 cotton undergloves are a godsend. Even kathmandu polyprop ones (still pretty cheap). Make sure you've got thick socks on and some kind of neck warmer.
It's very important to keep warm, if you find yourself getting cold then stop and warm up. The cold is terrible when it comes to fatigue which can lead to stupid (even fatal) mistakes.

[jrandom]

Not just underneath - wear a 100% waterproof layer over the top. You can get motorcycle-specific one-piece zip-together suits or separate pants and jacket, or you can get generic PVC gear for a lot less money. It all does the same job, which is stopping the wind from getting through to your insulation layers.

If you can't fit heated handgrips (which would be my first recommendation) then splash out on a pair of Spidi H2OUT winter gloves. They're worth every penny. Riding at > 100kph in temperatures around the freezing point will have your fingers in a fair amount of pain within minutes if you're not wearing the right gloves.

Also, I suggest a pair of Rain-Off (http://www.rain-off.com/) 100% waterproof gloves to go over your winter riding gloves and do the same job as your PVC raincoat over leathers. They're great; I just got a pair.

You'll need at least one more body layer in addition to what's already been mentioned - that should be either full-body thermal underwear, or a baggy woolen jersey worn over your leather jacket and under the raincoat.

Have fun!

[jrandom]

It's very important to keep warm, if you find yourself getting cold then stop and warm up.

I gotta second this - don't go for land speed records from A to B in cold weather. Just accept that you'll only be making as good as (or worse) time as you would in a car, and stop for coffee along the way when you start to feel crap. If you're shivering on the bike, you're fucked; stop ASAP and warm up.

The BP Wild Bean cafes actually make quite decent coffee and hot chocolate.

[Devil]

Also, I suggest a pair of Rain-Off (http://www.rain-off.com/) 100% waterproof gloves to go over your winter riding gloves and do the same job as your PVC raincoat over leathers. They're great; I just got a pair.


Where and how much? Did you get the 1 finger, or 2 finger one?

[howdamnhard]

I would strongly suggest getting heated grips.Going to work this morning at 5:30AM almost got frostbite despite wearing two pairs of gloves(but then it was only 1 degree).The faster you go the worse the windchill.A rain oversuit works well to for keeping out wind too.

[BIHB@0610]

As a wee chick with poor circulation :cold:the best investment I ever made was a pair of really cheap ski pants (from the Warehouse) that I wore over the top of my leathers. Wet weathers over the top of those and I was
toasty ....:sweatdrop:sweatdrop

I also put a few of those Kathmandu handwarmers in my pockets and popped the metal buttons before setting out - couple of hours of warmth ..... nice!!

[dino3310]

as above pretty much covers it.
be aware of black ice, it get's real bad down around national park this time of year,morning's and late afternoon's are the worst but there's plenty of all day shaded corner's that will send you on a skate.

[jrandom]

Where and how much? Did you get the 1 finger, or 2 finger one?

Two finger model.

$60.

I took a size M. A size S actually fitted over my gloves, but I put it on and got on the bike and realised that it inhibited my ability to stretch my fingers over the brake and clutch levers. Watch out for that.

I called up and popped out to pick the gloves up in Titirangi on Friday night before riding to Napier on Saturday morning. It's a family business run from home. You can also order through the website and they'll courier the glubs to you for an extra $5.

[jrandom]

I would strongly suggest getting heated grips.

Actually, yeah, further on the heated grips topic - thing is with those, it's almost impossible to insulate your fingers and hands sufficiently. Eventually, the windblast sucks all the heat out of them no matter what gloves you're wearing.

Heated grips feed heat back into your hands so that they don't chill over time, even though the wind's pulling heat out of them. They're the only real solution to the cold hand problem on long rides.

Can't beat 'em.

Brand-wise, Oxford Hotgrips are the best.

[Iain]

Wow thanks for the suggestions everyone. Very quick and specific!

Ill look at some heated hand grips, definately go with the thermals - Im going skiing so Ive got them already, as well as a scarf. Ive noticed the leather jacket doesnt keep the heat or prevent wind from getting through the stiching etc... I might just invest in a jacket and pant set for winter and save the leather jacket for summer.

Thanks again. I think I need a heated mouse grip - its warmer outside.

Iain

[Iain]

The BP Wild Bean cafes actually make quite decent coffee and hot chocolate.

Yes they do! The coffee is brilliant and on a trip like this you can get a few free using their frequent coffee cards. The Entertainer book has 2 for 1 Wild Bean coupons which is nice!

Iain

[Crisis management]

What the rest of them said, plenty of layers (you should be almost sweating getting on your bike in Auckland) and stop often.
I would ride down via the western side of Taupo (Ngaurawahia, Whatawhata, Te Kuiti, Taumaranui) rather than SH1 as it keeps you off the higher country / icy bits until the last minute but that will also be a bit weather dependant. Leaving Auckland about 9am will see you in Ohakune by 3pm and should avoid the worst of the frosty bits.
Just as a reality check, I travelled that way on monday, -2 at 6am at cambridge with freezing rain, +2 by taupo at 9am but ice on the Taupo Napier road at 10am (enough to produce a nice slide).
Be carefull and don't underestimate the cold.

Also.....it's neat country so enjoy the ride!

[madmal64]

+1 for the icebreaker gear.
Think in layers. I usually have icebreaker thermals then a long polyprop top the long sleeve t then thin(ish) woollen jersey then jacket with winter lining in for the top half. Similar for the legs and I wear at least 2 pairs of socks and alway wear a pair of cheap polyprop gloves under my winter gloves.
Its all about how much air you can trap & heat with the body. The more layers the less able heat is able to escape. Great in winter, not so good in summer.
Chill out gear is bloody awesome! I use a neoprene face mask which is probably the best peice of kit I have got. Its so nice to not get cold cheeks and nose.
Its a heaps easier to start off warm & staying that way than getting yourself cold & then trying to bring the body back to a reasonable temperature.

Oh watch out for ice! Corners that dont get the sun all winter can be a real tricky spot.

[jrandom]

Yes they do! The coffee is brilliant and on a trip like this you can get a few free using their frequent coffee cards.

I know, those Wild Bean coffee cards are great, a free drink after five paid ones!

[jrandom]

watch out for ice! Corners...

Mmyes.

Golden rule for slides - stay on the gas.

Rear wheel slides won't catch you unawares if you're mentally prepared for them. Just stay rock steady on the gas, look where you want to go and you'll be sweet.

Try not to brake over ice with the front, though - that'll fuck you up, wham-bam flat on your arse. Get your braking done on clean road and make sure the bike's neutral on the suspension as you head into potentially dodgy corners.

[Iain]

Just as a reality check, I travelled that way on monday, -2 at 6am at cambridge with freezing rain, +2 by taupo at 9am but ice on the Taupo Napier road at 10am (enough to produce a nice slide).
Be carefull and don't underestimate the cold.

Also.....it's neat country so enjoy the ride!

I hear ya. Reading the rain radar maps on metservice.co.nz properly should let me pick a window to avoid any rain. Checking the speed of any incoming front should see me right. I had a rather nasty incident involving black ice and a car when I was growing up in Canada so Im very aware of the problem - I guess its a matter of knowing that it can be around in certain circumstances.

Iain

[marty]

i've got bib pants and raincoat that i cut the crappy liner out of - they fit over my leathers (which are rubbish for keeping warm) and are brilliant. a pair of snowboard overmitts over my summer weight leather gloves keep the wind out 100%. i wear winter weight polyprops underneath my leathers, but nothing else.

i've ridden 200k today, and there was plenty of ice about. other than that, i was plenty warm enough.

[Iain]

Are a good pair of Cordura pants like the Dririder range not windproof?

Iain

[Crisis management]

Are a good pair of Cordura pants like the Dririder range not windproof?


They're ok but mine certainly let water in and a rain oversuit makes the difference between warm and cold. For $100 an oversuit will make a huge difference, cuts all the wind and adds a layer of insulating air.

[Devil]

Are a good pair of Cordura pants like the Dririder range not windproof?

Iain

It's good stuff but unfortunately no one piece of gear does everything, AND the extremes.
I have all dririder gear, it's great. But yeah, extreme cold and/or wet, you wont beat an oversuit.

[sels1]

+1 for the icebreaker gear.
.

+1 here too. I'm a real convert to this Merino stuff

[yungatart]

A balaclava to keep your head warm!
And don't underestimate the power of an old newspaper to keep you warm, stuff it down the inside of your jacket!

[doc]

Actually, yeah, further on the heated grips topic - thing is with those, it's almost impossible to insulate your fingers and hands sufficiently. Eventually, the windblast sucks all the heat out of them no matter what gloves you're wearing.

Heated grips feed heat back into your hands so that they don't chill over time, even though the wind's pulling heat out of them. They're the only real solution to the cold hand problem on long rides.

Can't beat 'em.

Brand-wise, Oxford Hotgrips are the best.

Add those handguards trailbikes use and your sweet


+1 here too. I'm a real convert to this Merino stuff
+1 for the icebreaker pricey but guaranteed not to stink for 11 days. I also like the moleskin pants you can get at RD1.

With quality cordoura gear now days you dont need the morning paper down the front of your jacket. (mind you , some of the temporary tatoo's you got were interesting)

Of course don't travel after the sun has gone helps too.

[Rob Taylor]

Go buy some dry rider gloves.Put one of those thin nylon rain coats on first over your jumper but under your leather jacket.Wear long johns (Long Thermals) your pants and some wet weather leggings.If you have the wet weather top put that on too.You will then be toasty warm .Go buy a neck warmer or a balacava.If you get cold take a break for hot coffee.Be safe:niceone:

[HungusMaximist]

Don't forget your ear plugs, those long open road rides can make your ears go deaf.

My helmet is especially crap so I wear them all the time on open road rides...

[MaxB]

Remember to change your riding style for the extra layers you will be wearing. For example, you won't be sliding around the seat or hanging off as much. You will jhave to adjust for the restriction to your movement.

I wonder if you are going to the Cold Kiwi in about 7 weeks? If so the weather will have warmed up enough for the roads to be fairly clear of ice. If you are going soon there is a real risk of getting snowed on over the Desert Road.

[fireball]

from an outdoor rec perspective avoid anything cotton underneath... as it sucks the heat away from your body.....

ice breaker is a good thermo brand high quaility, but expensive try get merenio fleece stuff as its the warmest thing out.... woolen boot socks are a must to keep your toes warm and if you can put on a pair of thin merenio socks on first it will help to keep the sweat off your skin if you get to warm.

make sure you get a wind breaker scarf i can not rate these enough they are fantastic you will be surprised the amount of heat you loose from your neck even when in codura. tuck it down your jacket then up over your chin... or up over your nose
if you cant afford one use a piece of silk it works the same

good luck and safe travels! beware of grit and ice

[BiK3RChiK]

Also, try a pocket warmer! like this...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Parts-accessories/Other/auction-164601225.htm

just remember to take some lighter fluid and a lighter with you. I find mine better than the heated grips! I put it in a bum bag and can put in on my front or back where ever I need it.

Have a nice holiday and don't forget to take heaps of pics!

[CookMySock]

Are a good pair of Cordura pants like the Dririder range not windproof?My DriRiders are very windproof. Amazingly warm actually.

The only under-clothing I have found to be warm is anything made from Polypropylene. Don't buy "thermal" stuff unless it says "polypropylene" on the label.

I wear the following on cold trips ;

Thick Polypro balaclava under helmet.

Thick beater singlet
2 layers of longsleeve poloneck polypropylene
Thick jersey/jacket/polarfleece
Dririder Jacket

Long pants tucked into Polypro socks
Dririder pants
(no undies! I hate undies!)

Plus the usual boots and gloves.

I have heated grips and they do help a lot. With the above combination I can ride anywhere during the day. Different story at night - I stay warm (ish) over a 1hour trip - never done anything longer than 1hr at night.

Heated jacket is my next addition.

DB

[erik]

They're ok but mine certainly let water in and a rain oversuit makes the difference between warm and cold. For $100 an oversuit will make a huge difference, cuts all the wind and adds a layer of insulating air.
+1
I've got dririder cordura pants and they're ok for commuting in the rain and with the liner in they're probably ok for shorter rides.
But I think for stopping the wind, you really need a PVC oversuit, either one piece or two piece. Two piece is way easier to get into and you can wear the jacket by itself to stop the wind if that's all you want.
I've only tried 2 cordura jackets, a Feildsheer and my current Arlen Ness one. They're both supposed to have waterproof breathable liners in them, but from riding with them, then riding with the non-breathable rain jacket on top, the breathable gear doesn't stop wind well at all.

[klingon]

In addition to everything those people have said already (amazing - a KB thread that has stayed on topic and sensible!) I would add three things:

1) A kidney belt/back protector can add a lot of warmth around your torso without restricting movement.

2) Don't have any gaps, anywhere. Make sure your gloves overlap your sleeves, your socks/boots and trouser legs have plenty of overlap and a snug fit, and you have a good neck warmer so you don't get a draft down your collar. If in doubt, get wide strips of elastic fabric and take it in your backpack so you can wrap it sweatband-style around any gaps if you discover them once you're on the road!

3) Move around on your bike at every opportunity to keep the blood circulating. Flex your fingers, shrug your shoulders, turn your head, raise yourself up off the seat, stick your feet out and waggle them around. Not all at once of course! I think of this as 'bike yoga' and it makes a huge difference to how cosy I feel on a long cold ride. (Also keeps any following traffic amused)

Have a fun ride!

[blossomsowner]

how about a wheat bag or two down your clothing.....hold the heat for ages and can be reheated in every petrol station microwave along the way.