I am a SOCAL native, born and raised closing in on 57 years. There's a lot NOT to like about this beautiful state, most all of it can be traced to those Poli butts up in Sacramento. There is much to like however with regards to year 'round riding weather and some of the finest scenic rides anywhere. Even my signature says "Year round ridin'". However the past few weeks have kept me off my sickle. I don't mind a little chill in the air but riding in 30-40 degree weather just takes all the fun out of it. I know I'm getting laughed at right now by you mid-westerners who think 38 degress is mild, but for the first time in all my years of ridin' I'm now looking into getting a pair of chaps. I never thought I'd see the day.

 

You can do it...! The right gear makes all the difference that's for sure. A one hour trip at 80mph can difinetly get chilly.... It was 10 degrees when I rode home the other day but it's mainly been in the 20's to 30's when riding into work...

 

Welcome to the weather of the Great lakes riders! If your having a chaps moment make sure it's for the right reasons! Lol!

 

Considering it's 10 degrees here in the midwest, 30-40 degrees doesn't seem too bad. Then again, cold is a subjective call. If you aren't used to it or don't have winter riding gear, it can be unbearable.

 

Oh pleeeeze...want some cheese with your wine?

 

Spend a week here in Indiana and you will think 38 degrees is a heat wave....19 degrees this morning.

 

Last night, it was colder in the Napa Valley than it was in Anchorage Alaska.

I've visited other places that are supposed to be "cold", and I walked barefoot across a snow-covered lawn with wet hair to check the coolant in my car (green slush), and it didn't seem cold at all.

It didn't stop me from riding, but it was definitely too cold to walk barefoot. I'd have rather been riding in the Midwest again.

 

When summer avg temps are in the 110 F range, 20 F is cold. Add the wind chill factor and you're getting near ice cube time.

It's called climatised.

 

I've been riding everyday in San Diego during the "freeze" with thermals and warm gloves. Not quite balaclava weather. I have no necessary freeway time, though.

 

My heart is breaking for you - minus 10C (14F) here tonight!