Questions for those that ride two wheeled contraptions.

[kindlekitten]

ah! you like the Brothers 'eh!? they're good folks, I've bought a lot of stuff from them over the years!

I really don't know if you need those base layers being in Georgia, but who knows!

I'm a skier, so any and all of my thermals are from the ski industry. I don't know what the cost comparisons might be, but you could check around since they have the same function

[wodin]

Originally Posted by HarryT

I've been riding motorbikes for 30+ years.

Invest in a decent set of leathers. It's expensive, but a lot easier than growing a new skin if you come off and slide along the road for a while.

Also, assume that every car driver is a blind idiot, because in any accident you'll come off worst.

My bike was the sole means of transport for 10+ years, and then I rode in all weathers. Now I don't ride when the roads are icy; it's just not worth the risk.

I've had various Japanese, German, and Italian motorcycles since 1973, and am past president of a motorcycle club (AKA biker gang) and I heartily endorse Harry’s recommendations.

I might add that helmet use is a bit controversial. Often they contribute to injuries rather than prevent them. Statistics seem to be a little contra-intuitive, in that in most (every?) cases that a US State has enacted a mandatory helmet law, accident/injury/death rates per passenger mile have gone up. I could get into a long discussion regarding the reasons for this, but I’ll just leave it there for now. Bottom line on that is that if you chose to wear a helmet, get the very best one that you can afford, and weight is important! The lighter the better in order to help mitigate neck injuries.

The important thing to remember is that there are two kinds of riders, those who have been down, and those who will be down.

[Spoon Man]

Well, just had to repair a hole in the gas tank, and the carbs are leaking a bit... but, I'm getting a new clutch lever and speedometer cable (riding without speedometer is not something I'm enjoying.) And its idling now!

[MJK2111]

Be careful...be very, very, careful.

Soon you'll discover a wonderful thing called "chrome" and you'll want every part on the bike to have some!

[Spoon Man]

Originally Posted by kindlekitten

ah! you like the Brothers 'eh!? they're good folks, I've bought a lot of stuff from them over the years!

I really don't know if you need those base layers being in Georgia, but who knows!

I'm a skier, so any and all of my thermals are from the ski industry. I don't know what the cost comparisons might be, but you could check around since they have the same function

They seem to have they best price and best selection that I've found so far, and its good to know that they come recommended by you.

In Ga in the winter the temperatures range from 50f to 20f any given day between October and March. In the lower ranges, I think it'd be nice, but if you think I can get away without anything, please tell me as the budget really is tight. I may forgo those options though and look into under armor knock offs for base layer clothing.

I will also look into ski gear, I don't know what the price difference is like at all, but I'll let you know!

Of the three riders I talked to today, one could activate my clutch.....

edit: Preliminary google search is leading me to the conclusion that ski gear is equal to or even higher in price.

[kindlekitten]

yeah, I'm not surprised it's higher. a couple of years ago WalMart was selling Under Armor, I don't know if they still do or not. regardless... that or something similar should really be sufficient for riding in GA. remember, your head, feet and hands will be covered, and those are the 3 biggest heat loss points. get some of the Uner armor knock offs to start, I think you'll be good to go. if you are planning some long road trips, you might need to rethink some of it.

just as an addendum... I had always resisted wearing any form of winter scarf for a variety of reasons that were mostly just *my* issues. even with all of the search and rescue, and hard core winter camping, hunting and so on that I've done, if it was more than a bandanna I wouldn't have a thing to do with it. this issue has never been discussed with my son, it was just *my* little private issue. well the son unit travels to some rather *interesting* places and for whatever reason decided that he would start sending me a variety of scarves; (the long ones that go around your neck, not head scarves) silk, wool, cashmere, cotton, odd blends.... well, they were so beautiful that I finally decided I really needed to incorporate them into my wardrobe. I also discovered that they make and AMAZING difference between a tad chilly, and gosh! I'm quite toasty!!! so to make a long story short.... don't overlook a nice neck scarf (well tucked in) as a possible asset in the warmth management department! ;o)

[Spoon Man]

Hmmm, I tend to have personal issues with wearing things that can be quickly used to strangle you (I hate wearing ties). However, I will give it a shot as things start to cool down.... maybe I'll just get some thicker balaclavas to wear....

[kindlekitten]

Originally Posted by Spoon Man

Hmmm, I tend to have personal issues with wearing things that can be quickly used to strangle you (I hate wearing ties). However, I will give it a shot as things start to cool down.... maybe I'll just get some thicker balaclavas to wear....

that was part of my initial issue, and why I specifically said "tucked safely inside your jacket". I really was amazed when I finally started wearing them, at how much of a warmth impact they made