"FLORIDA'S" 12 Month Riding Season

"FLORIDA'S" 12 Month Riding Season.

Most of the locals here in Florida, know that when you live here, you have the opportunity to ride almost everyday here, according to weather.

Now, it is as I said, according to the weather, but for some of us absolutely out of our minds folk, we tend to get carried away and ride whenever, "RAIN", "SHINE", "BITTER COLD 50 degrees", and below, such as this mornings run.

It was a breezy cold 55 degree start to the morning, and it reminded me of going on the "D.A.V" ( Disabled Veteran's ) benefit run in mid Nov. Last year. I think that morning we were actually 1 degree higher temp at 56, though, not certain? I'll have to check the photo's, but I know it was most certainly colder this morning as the winds just blew and blew, no letting up some recording winds of 19 knots across the Florida Peninsula, so that makes for even a rougher ride, but I'm not in fear of any winds, now hurricane strength? no way, I stay on the couch, and I expect everyone else with half a brain would do the same, but you never know?

At any rate, we left out in 55 degree's and 19 knot winds, keep in mind this is the type of weather you have to "DRESS" for, as in many "layers", here is just an example of what this mornings gear consisted of in order to pull off a ride in 55 degree weather with 19 knot winds:

Cold Weather Gear list:
1.) Hanes Boxer Briefs.
2.) Under Armor, Tall over the calf socks.
3.) Hanes short ankle socks.
4.) Fruit of the Loom, full set of "LONG JOHNS"( Great thermal barrier).
5.) One Set of Kevlar, ultra sheer, military issued "Long Johns" ( Doubled Thermal Barrier).
6.) One Pair of "BLACK" 5.11 Tactical cargo pants.
7.) One Long Sleeve 5.11 Tactical Shirt.
8.) Kevlar Head scarf, (Military Issued)
9.) One Extra thick, "Turtle Neck Protector", this is not a shirt, but yet it is a piece of material and it pulls over your head and you seal your neck to your coat when your outer coat is zipped and buttoned all the way.
10.) One Neoprene Face Mask.
11.) One "Harley Davidson" Outer upper riding Jacket with fall protection, and zip in liner.
12.) One "SHOTS" leather concealed carry vest with full MC colors.
13.) One pair of "BOBER" sun goggles, Safety Eye protection.
14.) One "HARLEY DAVIDSON" 3/4 Helmet with zip in liner for extra warmth.
15.) One Pair Of "THINSULATE" extended rider Street Gloves ( for cold weather operations).
16.) one pair of Nylon, Mylar rain pants( These help cut the winds from freezing your legs off.

 

17.) One Pair of 10 inch, size 10 riding boots ( Leather) "Thurston's"< Best boot ever!

 

 

Sure, I might look funny while I'm burning down the road, but I'm warm as toast in this set up, and I'm quite Happy being able to ride all year long down here, not only is it a huge savings in gas, but it's quite the blast too, if you're into riding like I am?

 

Make It A Great Day Folk's!

Philip Dresko Sr.

Freelance Travel Writer/ Photographer

"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"