EEEK

EEEK! What do I wear?

To be appropriately dressed to ride will be a better experience for you. Nothing sucks more than not being prepared for mother nature changing her temperATURE. Even if you keep the riding gear handy on the bike just in case. Remember you're out there riding in mother nature's unpredictable environment so you need to be prepared at all times when embarking on a motorcycle adventure. Check out this wind chill chart to understand how temperature will totally effect your rider comfort and that you indeed need to be prepared.

Here's what you need to consider.

DRESS APPROPRIATELY:

Temperature changes are drastic when you ride on a motorcycle. You are exposed to the elements. Just because the weather is warm while off the bike, doesn't mean it will be like that when riding at 55 - 80 miles per hour. The temperature can drastically drop, or for that matter rise while you're cooking over hot asphalt. So you need to be prepared for nature's temper.

HELMET: Even if you're in a no helmet state, consider what your personal choice is. If you want to, wear a helmet and protect your brain. A helmet also keeps you warm in cold weather. Or you can go without the helmet, feel the wind in your hair and take the chance. Freedom of choice.

There are various helmets to choose from and the best way to select one is to go to your local motorcycle shop and try some on for size. Look for DOT or SNELL approved helmets if you're serious about brain protection. A full face offers the most protection. I wear all kinds of helmets, including novelty ones that are not approved and therefore considered a "brain bucket."

Consider a face shield for the 3/4 or 1/2 helmet, too. It'll save you from additional face wrinkles, no kidding! The wind is brutal, girls. Click here to read more about helmets.

EYEWEAR: Get yourself a pair of decent riding glasses that protect your eyes against the wind and flying objects. Riding glasses are different than regular glasses because they are designed to fit tight, usually have wind resistant barriers surrounding the eye area and have super UV coating.

JACKET: A real riding jacket is necessary to face the unpredictable elements out there. Regular coats are not designed to face the wind and will take air in and balloon out, and pretend motorcycle-styled jackets don't offer the wind protection either and are usually too short and your waist line is exposed. So, invest in a real riding jacket because even when you're not riding, you'll wear it because it's comfortable and versatile and will end up becoming your most favorite jacket.

As well, riding jackets are equipped with necessary pockets and zippers useful as a driver of an iron steed where you can place maps, loose change, and so forth. A riding jacket is well worth the investment and there's loads to choose from, thanks to the motorcycle industry finally realizing that women motorcyclists do indeed need real women's sizes.

NOTE: For the rubinesque lady, no worries. Go to www.womenbiker.com and they will take care of your riding gear needs.

CHAPS: Get yourself a pair of leather riding chaps because when the legs get cold, damn, it's no fun. An excellent investment, let me tell ya. You can wear them over your daisy duke shorts, too, so you don't burn your legs on the pipes, and it keeps your legs protected.

NECKWEAR: A must is to keep a bandanna handy for cold weather or rainy riding. Also invest in a leather/fleece neck wrap which will keep precious heat from escaping around your face. This neck wrap also comes up over the face a bit to prevent nose chill.

GLOVES: Cold hands SUCK! Believe me and it's dangerous to ride when your limbs are quivering and shivering from the chill. Gloves also protect your hands from the sun and in the event of a fall, and makes for better comfort over the long haul.

BOOTS: Yes, well constructed boots that come up OVER the ankle. Keep your ankles protected and your feet warm. You will also want to invest in some rain covers for your boots or waterproof boots all together. Wet feet are annoying while riding. Be sure to get socks that wick away moisture, too. Invest in riding boots because it will make a huge difference in rider comfort. Though, I prefer to wear my beat up cowgirl boots that are like slippers.

RAIN GEAR: Oh rain gear can be a ride saver for sure. Not only that, rain gear is wind resistant and nice to wear at night when it gets super cold out. You'll also want to make sure that you get rain mitts to cover your gloves. You can purchase an entire rain suit or rain gators which just cover the legs. Remember, once you're wet, you're going to get super cold, so be prepared. Learn how to read the skies.

ANKLE STRAPS: Pick these up at an outdoor store of some sort. These babies are great for keeping the pant legs from blowing up around your knees.

SHOE SAVERS: Oh, a nifty little item that just saves the toe of your shifter shoe. It's an elastic fabric that goes around the ball of your foot and over top.

OTHER GEAR: Think of wearing additional cold weather gear such as thermals, fleece and Gortex to layer beneath your leathers.

SKIN & HAIR PROTECTION:

Wear sun block on exposed skin at all times. Be sure to keep your face well moisturized. Don't forget to coat the ears and the tip of the nose generously with sun block. Prevent the raccoon look from sunglasses.

If you have long hair, be sure to braid it or tie it back or else it will get nasty snarls, and it's recommended to coat the hair with conditioner because the wind will strip away any moisture. You can use these cool hair gloves to keep your hair tidy and sexy.

For helmet head, by golly, get a righteous do-rag or cool hat to cover that bad hair moment up. Or, flaunt if you want too! Or, if you're a wild child, make it even more messier for that bed head look by using a wax based hair product, no kidding.

Note Apparel Manufacturers to come. In the meantime check out Best - Motorcycle - Gear online.

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