Blatherings From The Editor

Heat

Living in the southwest we get plenty of heat. So much so in fact, our bodies compensate for the heat by thinning the blood and making other changes to our internal bodily systems. We get acclimatized to our hot, dessert environment. When fall and winter come around, it seems the temperature drops overnight. Our bodies aren't ready for such a sudden change. To the easterners a sunny day in the 40's may be great winter weather, but to those of us acclimatized to the desert, it's COLD! So how can you keep the heat in when it's cold?

Wanda and I have found multiple layers of clothes to be the best method to keep body heat in and stay warm when riding through the winter months. Besides keeping the wind off and the warmth in, layering also gives you the flexibility to adjust to changes in temperature. Its not unusual to start out in the morning in the low 40's and get to the high 60's by midday in the desert.

Here's our layering method. First the standard underwear. Next silk long johns. Silk is very thin so it fits nicely under pants and upper body shirts and jackets. Silk is also very warm when used in a layering fashion. Panty hose or any good pair of winter long johns are good alternatives.

The next layer or two may need to be peeled off as the afternoon temperature goes up. The trick here is to make sure that each layer can stand alone if necessary. It's a drag when the temps go up and you find all your shirt layers are long-sleeved. The SEAT Club t-shirt under a long-sleeved SEAT Club Henley is the way to go. You are ensured flexibility, you look great and the club coffers appreciate it!

Our riding jacket and leather pants are the final layers unless it gets really cold or starts raining. Wanda and I both have a set of FrogToggs rain gear made out of a synthetic fiber that is both wind and waterproof. Pulled on over our jackets and pants, they keep us dry and warm. Any typical plastic rain gear works just as well.

There is one other layer that really makes all the difference - the Electric Jacket Liner! And don't forget the Electric Gloves! Sadly, we don't have Electric Pants…yet. Let's face it, the first step in preparing the big K bike for winter riding is to hook up the electric plugs. Electrics, the only way to go, don't leave home without them. Wanda and Deryle, electrified to the max!

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