Auckland to Ohakune COLD

[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

[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-Mo...-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