Motorcycle Nation Podcast

The month of February is known for a few things, most notably Valentine’s Day and Groundhog’s Day. Valentine’s Day is pretty cool but I want to talk about Groundhog’s Day. Today, February 2nd, 2010 Pawksatawny Phil was pulled from the tree trunk and looked around. As hundreds stood out in the fifteen degree weather and watched, he looked around and saw his shadow, dooming us for another six weeks of this cold, nasty winter. Now I don’t know about you but I am a firm believer that snow is just another four letter word. I don’t mind riding in the cold as long as the nasty white stuff is not on the roadway.

Riding in the cold is just as enjoyable as riding in the warm weather if you have the right gear. I have accumulated some nice cold weather gear over the years and can stay pretty toasty. With the purchase a few years ago of a Cortech Advantage riding jacket I was able to get rid of my Widder heated vest. I let the gloves go with it and bought new Tourmaster Synergy electric gloves. So, I do still stay warm.

But, I still hate cold weather. I know, if you don’t like it move. Wish it was that easy. Since I have to put up with this for the time being, I think that next year we should hire a groundhog sharpshooter and pop that thing between the eyes before he can see his shadow. Ooops. I hope that none of my readers are members of PETA. Let me rephrase that. I don’t want anyone to shoot a poor defenseless animal. So, maybe the rotten varmint can become roadkill next February and we can all be sipping tea in the sun on one of our stops along the ride.

Until then, don’t put that cold weather gear away just yet. Happy riding…brrrrrrr…..

No, I have not taken up a life of crime and that is not even me. But, that is the newest piece of riding gear that I have added to my growing wardrobe. What you are looking at is the ST Wind Plus Balaclava from Comfort in Action. Not too many years ago I used to ride to work in temps as cold as 18 degrees with no windshield and a half shell helmet which provided very little protection for the face. I guess aging has removed my Billy BadA@@ Biker card from the wallet because I’m just not in to eating all that cold anymore.

I went out two years ago and bought a Memphis Shades windshield for the bike, which I highly recommend, and I already had a nice Cortech Advantage riding jacket that has a removable liner. Add in my Tourmaster Synergy Electric Gloves and the HJC flip face helmet and I was mostly toasty cruising down the road on those cold days. Notice I said mostly. Even with all this gear I have still experienced cold air around the neck and on the face as it made it’s way up under the chinbar of the helmet. That cold air sometimes gave me brain freeze as I made my way to my destination.

So, I was recently at my choice of shops here in Indy, Cycle Outfitters, and I questioned General Manager Dwayne about some added protection. He pulled out a catalog to show me what he had been riding in and told me about this balaclava and I ordered one on the spot. I picked it up on Saturday and decided not to wear it home because it was in the low 50’s and it would not be needed. Yesterday and today provided me with cooler temps in the mornings to try out this new gear.

What can I say? It is awesome. I feel no wind and no cold whatsoever. The long chest piece fits into the front of your jacket and is thin enough as to not make wearing it uncomfortable or bulky. The Windstopper© material, although thin as stated, does not let any draft through at all. The upper portion has a silky feel to it and is very comfy inside the helmet, especially if you sport a bald head like me. I paid around $26 for mine but have not found them on the net for less than $35.99. Look around for one and buy it up. You won’t be sorry.