Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 22 Oct 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 18
Cold weather tips

I am planning a trip around Newfoundland, Canada for November on a KLR. Anyone have any good cold weather riding tips. Do I need an electric heated jacket?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 22 Oct 2002
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,216
Quote:
Originally posted by Evanphoto:
I am planning a trip around Newfoundland, Canada for November on a KLR. Anyone have any good cold weather riding tips. ?
Have you checked out the trip planning section? There is a whole article on cold weather camping.


Quote:
Originally posted by Evanphoto:
Do I need an electric heated jacket?
uuh, that's a YES.


------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 22 Oct 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Kansas City Missouri USA
Posts: 79
I needed an electric vest in July in Nova Scotia. Are you SURE you want to go to Newfoundland in November?
John
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 22 Oct 2002
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posts: 102
*Apparently* the electrics on a KLR won't run a heated vest. I've read stuff about people doing their own upgrades, so you might want to look into it before making a purchase.

Good luck!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Oct 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 18
Thanks for your replies.
Yes, I think I do want to go there in November just to test myself against the elements. Is that way too stupid or just stupid?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 23 Oct 2002
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,216
I'm not sure I want to answer that - it depends on YOU.

When I was 18 I rode in the snow all the time, including on a Norton 750 with bald tires and clipon bars - and that WAS STUPID! Today I wouldn't consider going to Newfoundland in November. But I'm not 18 anymore either, and I've proved how stupid I can be more than a few times - and feel little need to do it anymore.

How experienced are YOU? I get a bad feeling not nearly experienced enough if you are asking whether or not you need an electric vest...

Have you checked the weather conditions for the area for that period? Temperature, snow, wind etc?

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 23 Oct 2002
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,216
Where are you from anyway? That helps us all - if you are from say Ontario you probably understand the climate you're facing - whereas if you're from Australia we know you haven't a clue!

click on profile to add the info in.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 23 Oct 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 18
I am from New York city but I love the cold. I have checked the weather sites and the mean temperature is 38 degrees. It is not freezing cold and does not have tons of snow because it is on the ocean. I do not think I am really prepared for it but if I went I would have to get my shit together and I would learn quite a lot.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 24 Oct 2002
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Taupo, New Zealand
Posts: 194
Quote:
Originally posted by t0by:
*Apparently* the electrics on a KLR won't run a heated vest. I've read stuff about people doing their own upgrades, so you might want to look into it before making a purchase.

Good luck!
My 2002 KLR has heated grips which draw 35 watts, about what a vest would use. I haven't had any problems with the battery draining so a vest should be okay. The stator and R/R are stock. You can get upgraded ones from electrex USA; I intended to but they were on backorder until a month after I left for Sth. America - not worth it anyway, IMHO.

James.
__________________
James Courtier
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 25 Nov 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Canada
Posts: 84
This is my first year of winter riding so here's what I know so far.

The day that it was -12C I went out and bought a little windshield.

I have put dual sport tires on my GS400 so that I can ride in several inches of slush. I have since learned not to ride in several inches of slush because SUV drivers drive faster than their abilities and can't stop.

Snowmachine gloves that go over your jacket cuffs are a must.

You'll want to wear a Dicky to keep your neck out of the wind.

The heated vest is great but you need to get the tightest one you can find. I have to puff up my chest so that I can get the full heat it puts out.

Get a double layer visor so that it doesn't fog up as much. You will end up having to keep it up if it is snowing so you need the windshield.

Don't ride in the night if it has been really hot out or if it was raining...all of the salt will have been washed off the road and you will crash.

My mom is Newfie and she says she'd rather stick out the -40C winters in Ontario instead of going back to NFLD in the winter.

Good luck, Steve
__________________
--1982 GS(X)400EZ--
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 2 Dec 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Quebec, Canada
Posts: 19
Quote:
Originally posted by Evanphoto:
I am planning a trip around Newfoundland, Canada for November on a KLR.
---------------
Obviously too late now, but mabybe for future reference.
You should always be ready for anything in Newfoundland. The only time of year when weather is kinda predictable is mid to end June to mid Aug.

In Newfoundland, your challenges in Nov would be many. Probable strong rain, strong winds, freezing rain, snow, fog. Sometimes several of these within a 4 hour period.

When I was there in June, temps varied from 39-50F with 5 days of rain.
Once in Newfoundland, you would need to plan a minimum of 7-10 days. At this, you would spend a lot of time just riding with no time to take in the essence of the place.

And so far, we haven't even considered the challenges you would have getting there to begin with. Weather in Nov is unpredictable in Nova Scotia.

hope this helps
__________________
Bruno
Montreal, Canada
CBR 929
http://pages.infinit.net/mcrides
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 2 Dec 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Quebec, Canada
Posts: 19
Quote:
Originally posted by Evanphoto:
It is not freezing cold and does not have tons of snow because it is on the ocean.
-----------------

Because it is basically an island in the middle of the ocean, it gets battered by bad weather. It get TONS of snow. But because of the high winds, even moderate to light snow creates blizzard condtions. In fact, I've never heard the term blizzard used so much as when I was in St Johns's Nfld listening to the weather channel in the winter.

hope this helps
__________________
Bruno
Montreal, Canada
CBR 929
http://pages.infinit.net/mcrides
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 19 Dec 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Western Australia
Posts: 6
Hi Grant

Coming from Australia I could take offence at your post dated 23/10/2002, but I won't.

John


Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 19 Dec 2002
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,216
Since I'm an Australian citizen - and have been skiing at Kosciusko - I'm glad to hear that!!

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:23.