> wear under a helmet, In the winters of AZ, I wore something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Arctiva-Polartec-Balaclava/dp/B000JRDCBS http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/216,56028_Wickers-Balaclava-Moisture-Wicking-Midweight-for-Men-and-Women.html which can be bought at a local bicycle shop. It's thin material, worn under a bicycle helmet. >>>what's the warmest socks, do you wear an > Icelandic winter riding suit or skidoo suit? What gloves are best? Info on winter riding: "The most effective way to stay comfortable is to dress in layers. This is also most efficient in terms of what you have to buy and it gives you the flexibility to remove layers as the day warms up or as you warm from exertion. A rule of thumb that most experienced winter riders follow is that if you are warm and comfy the first few miles, you are over-dressed. As a minimum, you will need long tights or wind pants, full-finger gloves, wool socks, a wind shell or light jacket, long-sleeved polypro undershirt, balaclava or headband that covers your ears, and a neck gaitor (usually not needed with a balaclava). Note: a balaclava is a ski-mask-like garment that covers the head, neck and part of the face with a cutout provided for eyes and nose. Some people will add polypro or silk tights under their riding tights in really cold weather. I use tights with a brushed inside texture that gives added warmth and have never needed anything else down to under 20°. Long-sleeved jerseys are also nice to have for those not-so-cold days and to wear under your wind shell. My typical upper body layers for the colder days will include a polypro undershirt (don't wear cotton next to your skin in winter, it will absorb perspiration and make you colder), a wool or synthetic sweater and a light wind shell. It's amazing how warm this will make you. I do sometimes wear a cotton blend sweatshirt, but I always wear polypro next to my skin. On not-so-cold days, I sometimes wear a short-sleeved jersey over the polypro undershirt. The wool socks mentioned above will make a big difference in how warm your feet are, but if you are like me, the feet are the hardest part to keep warm. In very cold weather, I add thin polypro sock liners and booties (neoprene covers worn over shoes). I've also learned that covering your head helps keep your feet and hands warm. Strange, but true. Up to 70% of your body heat can be lost through your head and neck. A balaclava is the perfect solution! Booties are the best solution for cold feet on the coldest days. Some think they are too warm and cause the feet to perspire, but I've not had that problem. Just as with the upper body, don't wear cotton next to your skin on your feet. Merino wool or polypro are the best choices. Maybe those who complain about wet feet with booties don't follow this rule. There are also shoe covers (neoprene items that cover just the toes) for not-so-cold days. These are great when it's not cold enough for booties, but too cold to not cover the mesh on your shoes. Polypro or silk glove liners are also handy. I wear them under my cut-off gloves when the weather is just a bit cool and under my full-finger gloves when it gets really frigid." ___________________ Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
