Riding this area following Sturgis and I am strapped for space. Is a leather jacket a must or chaps and a lighter jacket would be OK? Any input would be appreciated.

 

Leather jackets felt good when we went over the top of Beartooth last week. It was about mid 40's. You're at 10,900 feet...!

 

I would think that a leather jacket would be needed. But you can improvise. A light jacket under your rain gear would suffice.

 

If I were to go that way again I would surely take leather. We traveled both those roads in July a few years back and snow removal was the issue. It changes quite quickly up there. Great ride though.

 

I always take my leather jacket even when riding into warmer climates. Too many times I have wished I had it, I generally take a hooded sweatshirt instead of a light jacket so I can layer as needed. Last year on my way from Washington to Sonoma California in the late afternoon at one point I had a long sleeve t-shirt, hooded sweatshirt, leather jacket and my vest on up in the mountains.

 

Great ride - can't wait to get back there myself. Question is can you predict the weather? What time of day will go through the Beartooth area? I'd take it and the chaps.
How old are you? Cold weather bothers me a lot more at 65 than it did at 35. Just sayin there are lots of factors.

 

Kind of what I expected to hear. Thanks.

 

Take leather. Weather changes quickly and it can be cold up there

 

Check out my tour story on "Yellowstone to the Black Hills" in "American Iron Magazine." on the newsstands now. It will answer your question---------from below freezing at 7:30 am to over 90 degrees an hour and a half later. During the heat of the day you'll be O.K.. Its only 69 miles but an incredible ride. We like early in the morning because there is very little traffic but a bit nippy.-----Sanyasi

 

I went through there last year after Sturgis and I wore full leather during most of the ride. It was a fairly windy day...and I hate the cold. But, I would definitely bring your leather jacket. Chaps wouldn't hurt...all depends how well you retain body heat.