Auckland to Ohakune COLD

**Iain** · 10th July 2008, 15:57

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** · 10th July 2008, 16:02

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** · 10th July 2008, 16:06

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 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** · 10th July 2008, 16:12

Originally Posted by Devil

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** · 10th July 2008, 16:15

Originally Posted by jrandom

Also, I suggest a pair of Rain-Off 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** · 10th July 2008, 16:15

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** · 10th July 2008, 16:16

As a wee chick with poor circulation

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 ....

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** · 10th July 2008, 16:18

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** · 10th July 2008, 16:20

Originally Posted by Devil

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** · 10th July 2008, 16:23

Originally Posted by howdamnhard

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** · 10th July 2008, 16:30

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** · 10th July 2008, 16:32

Originally Posted by jrandom

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** · 10th July 2008, 16:34

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** · 10th July 2008, 16:34

+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.