When ever fall starts to whisper its brisk crackle into winter two things happen. One: many riders winterize and store their bikes, sometimes regretting it when we get some crazy anomaly like a 62 degree New Years Day Cold Finger run. Two: riders gear up for the winter by layering and protecting themselves in a variety of ways.

I say what ever it takes to keep riding. On my first run out to Montauk on New Years day (before the inception of the Cold Finger run) it was 26 degrees and from my home it’s a 75 mile scoot. I wore my ex-wife’s stockings under jeans and chaps, gauntlet gloves, three shirts a sweater and leather jacket and a bandana over my face. When I arrived my toes face and fingers were freezing. My torso and legs were fine. So after that experience I went shopping and got some thermal sox and liners for the gloves.

There are a variety of ways you can keep warm and still enjoy the bike. The most elaborate and expensive as well as effective and expensive is electric clothing. I have the jacket liner and gloves although I hardly use them. One good way to block the cold is with a windshield and fairing attachments. Also invest in a pair of flannel or fleece lined jeans (Carhartt has a great line) wear two pair of sox and a high heavy duty boot. There are a ton of items to protect your face and neck from leather bandanas and facemasks to head socks and pull over gizmos. Its is not a bad idea to invest in a full-face helmet if you plan to ride frequently.

Just remember the more you put on the more time you need to get ready and the more you have to remove if you head indoors. Oh and by the way make sure you have your keys out before you put on your chaps and everything else. Putting items like keys, phone, money, and wallet in your jacket pocket makes life easier when you stop for gas and such.

If you have anything to add please let me know and I will pass it along.

On the air and in the wind, Fingers