Damn I'm stupid.

[rtcpenguin]

I would seriously reconsider this unless you have some superb rain protection.

I rode about 120 miles two weeks ago in 50-60F degree weather here in Virginia, and even with my Joe Rocket jacket/liner, riding pants/thermals and other gear, I was FREEZING by the time I reached my destination. Granted, I was traveling around 60-100mph the whole time, which you may not be. Anyway, the point is, even with good gear, you will be very cold after an hour or so of riding at highway speeds, especially if you compound the cold with wetness.

Also, one of the most important things is that you keep your hands warm. I used non-perforated Joe Rocket leather gloves during my ride, and I literally had to stop twice to "revive" my hands. Its a scary feeling when you don't have control of your front brake. If you don't have real winter gloves, or something to block the wind from your bars, you might look into that.

[Alphamazing]

rtc - I undersdtand about the cold hand thing. I went on a 400 mile ride in 40 degree temps last Saturday, so I know what having cold hands is all about. I've got non perfed Teknic gloves that I'll be wearing with glove liners. I will be riding with rain gear though, so I'm not AS worried about getting soaked. I do plan on stopping regularly so that I can stay warm, too.

I'm going to look into getting some handguards, too.

[skoozi12]

  Woah, that sounds both scary and fun at the same time.  I wish you luck and I hope that you stay safe.  You better be takin some pics for us of your girl, too!

In all seriousness, good luck and please please please stay safe for you are the father of all of our robots.

[manofthefield]

Two things that I don't think have been mentioned yet:

1. Put the stuff in a trash bag, then into the tankbag (and backpack?) to keep it dry

2. If you do take a backpack, strap it down to the seat behind you.  Not only could it be danerous to wear, but it will fatigue you more on the longer ride

Have a good ride

[fettcols]

You may want to ziplock that phone and wallet. Along with some wool/goretex socks. Bundle up and be aware that your hands and feet will be the first to get cold.

Another tip (I'm sure somebody will disagree), when the droplets fill your visor.. Shouldercheck left then right. You'll see the droplets blast off to each side. Keep your distance from other cars, the water that comes up from them is much dirtier than the stuff falling from the sky. I did 135 miles in 45-50 degree rain once, only stopped once for gas and once to add more gear (and wished I would have put my wallet in the ziplock with my phone).

[scratch]

Hm..I was going to suggest a nylon scarf instead of a wool one, for better 'rain protection', but usually the rainsuit is enough to do the job due to a tall mandarin collar.

[Alphamazing]

Hm..I was going to suggest a nylon scarf instead of a wool one, for better 'rain protection', but usually the rainsuit is enough to do the job due to a tall mandarin collar.

I was wondering when you were going to chime in, scratch. I know you ride year round and regularly in the wet, so I figured you of all people could help me out. I've got scarves at home, but I'm not sure wether they're nylon or wool. Better safe than sorry to have one 'round my neck though, hm.

[makenzie71]

Nylon will be better for the wet..it'll dry out faster.  Wool is better for warmth, but all the scarf will be doing is keeping your neck out of the wind.

[dyran]

Go a day early before the rain...

[Alphamazing]

Go a day early before the rain...

Can't. I've got school until Friday afternoon. It's raining on Friday too.

I think I've got a lot of great information from everyone so far, so thank you, contributors! I'll try to get pics of this ride, and I'll post my ride report when I get back!

Anything else missing from here?

[FearedGS500]

you should just buy you a big zip lock bag and put your self in it ! on .. poke a hole in it stick a straw threw it. duck tape it off .. put the straw in your mouth and breath !! cant get wet then !

[Alphamazing]

This is definitely going to be an adventure... I need a freakin' V-Strom.

[makenzie71]

I don't know what you think you'd gain from that...it's not the bike who's thresholds will be tested.

[Alphamazing]

I don't know what you think you'd gain from that...it's not the bike who's thresholds will be tested.

The 'Strom has a good little half fairing, hand guards, and luggage. I might even put my front fairing on if I don't have to remove the headlight brackets...

[RVertigo]

Well...  You're pretty much screwed...  Once you're wet, you're going to be cold... Unless you're wearing wool (or something else that's warm-when-wet.)  And once you're cold, you're SCREWED.

So...  Don't get wet on any part of your body.  Your hands are going to be the first to go if you're not wearing Gore-Tex or rubber gloves OVER your moto gloves.  Then your boots and/or ankles...  Then your neck and/or chest.

You might think about getting a rain-suit to throw over your gear...  Like a crabbing suit or something.  8 hours of 70+ MPH rain == WET. 

A squeegee on your glove is a good idea too, but it's not going to help all that much.

[Alphamazing]

RVertigo must be too lazy to read all the responses

Yeah, I've got a rainsuit man. Hell, I might even wear TWO of them.

Squeegee won't help much? How come? Just 'cause it will be raining and after I squeegee it it'll get wet again?

[RVertigo]

You're right... I am too lazy...


Yeah... The squeegee helps, but you have to do it a lot...  I've found that turning my head to get more wind on the visor works just as well (if it's windy).


Just don't get wet...  8 hours is a loooooooooooooooooooooong time to be cold.

[badkarma506]

go ride your bike, you kitty cat. deal with your problems as they arise, you can't plan for everything, so don't try, just enjoy the ride.

[makenzie71]

I've found it best to NOT try and clear your helmet unless you're seeing sub-freezing temps.  Use something like rain-x only.  Often times the most moisture you get is from the road and trying to wipe it off may smear and streak, furthure impeading your view.

[manofthefield]

go ride your bike, you kitty cat. deal with your problems as they arise, you can't plan for everything, so don't try, just enjoy the ride.

Woohoo!  that's the turdburgler we all know and love