Being cold on a ride can really dampen things. I can think back in a number of rides when the cold really took the fun out of things. Most of the time, this happens at the beginning or the ending of a day. We have some real challenges:
- early mornings
- late evenings
- High elevation amplifies the temps swings
- Usually soaked with sweat throughout all my clothing
- really slow parts with high heart rate where body generates a lot of heat
- Then a really fast section that makes me feel totally hypothermic
- then followed by another slow section to keep me from freezing
Torso - Lots of small layers that are easy to remove and put back on. Easy to store in your pack.
Here are some I really like:
https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/riding-gear/fly-racing-lightweight-long-sleeve-base-layer-shirt-p?ref=1017
Gloves -
Here are a couple of great options:
https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/riding-gear/100%25-brisker-gloves-p?ref=1017
https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/riding-gear/fox-racing-legion-thermo-gloves-p?ref=1017
Bottom Layers
- I've gotten in the habit of wearing base layers on my legs even in the summer.
- Helps to prevent chaffing of my legs with the knee guards or knee braces I'm wearing
- Moisture wicking in the summer
- a little extra insulation in the winter. but I don't do more than one layer so that I'm not getting bunch up issues. I don't find that I lose a ton of heat out of my lower body
- Good Winter pants
https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/riding-gear/fly-racing-lightweight-base-layer-pant-p?ref=1017
Boots
- I used to think that I should make an extra attempt to keep my feet dry when it's cold. Don't drop them in a river.
- while this is a good idea, my socks are COMPLETELY SOAKED when I get back to the truck most of the time because of sweat... so I don't worry about it as much anymore. I just keep a fresh pair of socks back at the truck to change into.
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