OVER COMING COLD WEATHER RIDING

Biker #1 " Have you been riding this week?"
Biker #2 " No it's been too cold for me. Have you been riding?"
Biker #1 "Yes, I put on 70 miles this week!"

What biker are you?

I call biker #1 THE EVERY DAY RIDER
To be an every day rider in Northern Minnesota one needs to learn how to be a Cold Weather Rider, or as we motorcycle mutants say you need to become a CWR.

KICKSTAND ARRIVING HOME FROM WORK

What does it take to become a CWR? Well in my opinion there are at least four factors.

1. Being a motorcycle nut

2. Having proper clothing

3 .Necessity

4. Having a cold weather bike

I was born a motorcycle nut, but the first 56 years of my life I didn't have a motorcycle. I just did other nutty things. If you have several of the following traits you have the right stuff to be a motorcycle nut.

• enjoy inclement weather
• don't mind getting dirty and muddy
• not redistricted to conventional behavior
• not interested in acting your age
• not very concerned about personal appearance
• like really fresh air
• like physical challenges
• don't mind looking stupid
• if in a relationship have a significant other who does not try to shape your behavior
• have a moderate to high tolerance to pain
• don't mind the unexpected
• think Mr. Rogers was a great guy

Proper Clothing

It is a must. You need some motorcycle specific stuff; like an all weather jacket and pants beyond that you can improvise with layering clothing, choppers, thin polypropylene hat under helmet etc. I have found Sorrels (winter pack boots) to be essential.

Necessity

It helps if you do not have other transportation options. In my case, my wife and I only own one car. There are days that commuting to work together fits our schedules, but several days each week requires me to spend longer hours at work. I like my job, but I have my limits. So as soon as our winter roads are some what clear and the weather hovers around freezing, I am motivated to ride a cycle.

Cold Weather Bike

One needs a bike that will start in cold weather and that can get dirty without damaging the owners psyche. I have found the perfect bike for me. It is an older two cycle trail/sport bike. Two cycle engines start very nicely in cold weather. Since it is a 125 cc it's light and maneuverable. I like the knobby tires too!

This year I started commuting to work on March 1. This is the earliest start for me. I have been able to do this due to warmer than average temperatures, no accumulating snow and just because I'm stupid.

If you need specific counseling regarding cold weather biking email me.