I've tried quite a few gloves and have found very few that really do the trick. Gloves can really be a trial and error process for motorcycle riding so make sure that you've found the right pair before embarking on your next long cold weather ride.

In looking for gloves:

• Make sure that they are long enough that they completely cover the wrist (remember: wind-proof, wind-proof, wind-proof!)
• Find a pair with a hook and loop closure system at the wrist that allows you to tighten the gloves.
• Good fit - if the glove feels tight at all, get the next size up. We don't want anything to impede circulation!
• Good insulation - you want the high-efficiency stuff like 3M Thinsulate, not just a bunch of fluff.
• Good insulation placement - most gloves only put insulation on the top. You want a pair with a little bit in the palm and other parts of the hand as well.
• Pre-curved fingers - motorcycle gloves can wear you out if you're trying to squeeze that throttle all day. Pre-curved fingers alleviate this. If at all possible, try to squeeze a throttle before purchasing. Make sure the gloves don't get tight or bunch up - you'll really notice it after 30 minutes of riding.

Finally, after you've got all your gear sorted out there are a couple of things you'll want to be aware of in terms of safety before getting out there in the cold: Frostbite and Hypothermia.

Exposed skin is always at risk for frostbite, so make sure you don't have any exposed skin! If you feel like your skin is being pricked by needles, frostbite is on its way and you need to do something immediately. If your skin starts to turn white or waxy and feels numb and hard you need to get immediate medical attention.

Hypothermia is a separate concern. Hypothermia is where your core body temperature drops below the minimum temperature required for your body to operate. Hypothermia causes mild confusion, sluggish behavior, poor muscle coordination, and incoherent behavior

If you start feeling cold and can't decide if you should pull over, you are facing an early stage of hypothermia. Pull over immediately and get a hot coffee!

If you start shivering uncontrollably, feel sluggish, or even drunk, then you're in serious trouble. Hypothermia is already underway and you need to stop immediately to warm up.

Lastly, if you are going to be riding for long periods of time in cold weather or ride in REALLY cold weather, then you need to invest in heated clothing. In these situations, the body needs an alternative source of heat to keep itself warm - and heated clothing is the only way to go. Maybe we'll discuss heated clothing in a later article.

Riding in the cold weather is a relatively easy task. It's all just a matter of insulation. With a little trial and error you'll be out there on your motorcycle getting those looks of "he/she must be crazy" too!

Keep Ridin'

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