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Happy Fall! Isn't this a glorious time of year? The brilliant blue sky, the puffy white clouds, the crisp air whiffed with the smell of wood burning in fireplaces and of course the breathtaking colors that the leaves become.

I love this time of year. For me it is the perfect time of year to ride.

It is also that time of the year when thoughts turn to wearing the warmer riding gear, possibly electric vests, gloves etc. And as you well know, while riding, the temperature drops anywhere from 10 - 15 degrees. Brrrrr!!!!!

I laugh every time I need to gear up for a cooler weather ride. I have the heated vest, gloves, chaps, lined leather jacket, you get the picture. However, once I dress in all this gear I can't move! Really! Last time I dressed like this I couldn't get on the bike and worse, really couldn't move as freely as I wanted. So, I removed what I could without risking hypothermia and went on my way.

From this I learned that for me, dressing in thin layers of clothing designed for cold weather works. I am notoriously "hot" all the time, so I don't mind allowing the cooler weather work its' way through my clothes. However, I am still trying to get dressing for the cooler weather right though! I've learned that I definitely need to wear pantyhose or leggings, jeans (no lined jeans for me - too much) wool socks and of course chaps.

Then of course is the upper-body layering. Long sleeved thin silks and wool blends work well. Remember your neck needs to be protected, so look for turtle necks. You can also add a neck wrap for added warmth. Lined, leather gloves work well, but I would suggest heated ones. I was riding last weekend, the temperature in the 50's and dressed warmly. My core was comfortable but my fingers froze!

Electric gear is an investment, so shop wisely. There are several brands to choose from including, but limited to Gerbing, Aerostich, Eclipse, and Widder. Also, check with your local dealership to see what they have to offer. Make sure you try on any gear with the clothes you will be wearing for riding and make sure you have adequate range of motion to operate the bike.

Good luck and safe and happy riding!

Alex

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