January 2006 Safety Article

South Florida Winter

I wish everyone a safe and happy New Year. As your new Safety Officer, I look forward to working hard for the Chapter and help continue our Chapter’s tradition of riding smart, riding safely and having fun.

With the New Year comes our cooler Florida winter riding. So now would be a good time to prepare and get ready for our winter riding with of a simple review of a riding basic: Dressing for the Ride and Hypothermia

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) defines “Hypothermia” as a condition of subnormal body core temperature. Remember that even in warm warmer weather, constant exposure to wind may cause “Hypothermia”. This means that you are basically uncomfortably and dangerously cold!

As an example, the MSF states a motorcyclist riding at 45 to 55 mph on a 65 degree day will experience a chilling effect to 49 degrees! If wind and/or rain are added to this 49 degree chill effect, then the rider feels even colder!

“Hypothermia” can cause slowed reaction times, loss of concentration and loss of smooth precise muscle movements. If we are impaired by any one of these conditions, then our ability to ride smartly and safely is significantly decreased while potentially increasing us to other risks on the road.

So how do we prepare for cool weather riding? It is best to dress for the ride, not for the current temperature. Here are some simple suggestions for cool weather riding in order to help keep the “core body temperature” up and reduce the chance of “Hypothermia”:

• Dress in layers that can be removed as desired. Thermal undergarments and chaps are very good. Carry extra layers on the ride.
• Heavy duty skull caps or a pullover cap worn under the helmet. Remember a very large percentage of the “core body temperature “is lost off the head.
• Cold weather full-length gloves.
• Stay hydrated and take more riding breaks
• Windshields are good
• Heavy duty high cut boots. (put the summer boots away)

So let’s dress for the ride and enjoy our beautiful Florida winter.

Ride smart, ride safe and have warm fun,

David

1/06