Polar Bear Ride 2018
 

Let's just say it was cold.
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Yes, that says -10F.

This thermometer didn't help my confidence either.
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Dammit, it started. Gotta go now.
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Normally, this is supposed to be a 35 to 50 mile ride but I cut it short for two reasons. One, it was just too cold for a longer ride. And two, a longer ride would have required a fuel stop and, well, see reason one.

As this was the coldest I've ever ridden a motorcycle, I was decked out in layers. Fleece lined base layer longies and long sleeved t-shirt along with polypro sock liners. Heavy wool blend socks over the liners. Jeans and a flannel shirt. Outer gear consisted of Wall insulated overalls, a Swedish Army winter motorcycle parka, old Sorels, a Bilt balaclava and a pair of mid range Bilt MC gloves. My winter MC gloves don't fit in the mitts.

I wasn't all that uncomfortable on the ride to the donut shop, except for my wrists. Even in the mitts, I was getting cold wind up my sleeve. I've had that parka for over 12 years and never noticed I could button the sleeves closed. No problems on the ride home after learning that tidbit.

The Ural wasn't all that happy, took a long time to warm up(duh). I was probably asking a lot of it with the extra cold temps. Anyway, I took the slow route to Crystal Lake to keep from getting too chilled. That was a six of one, half a dozen of the other, choice. By the time I got to the donut shop, the face shield on the helmet was pretty iced up.

Had coffee and donuts and BS'ed for a bit, then made for home. Hit reserve fairly close to home, so I wasn't too concerned about having to refuel. Even though it warmed up a whole five degrees, the ride home felt much colder. Except for the wrists. They were fine. And electric grips are the catsass.

At the donut shop. Just a bit of salt on the parking lot.
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See, it warmed up.
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One would think the Ural would be happy in Siberian temperatures!

:clap:

Probably with the old timey Pekar 68 carbs that threw fuel everywhere. ;)

The Keihan main jet is probably too lean, or the needle shimmed too low, for this kind of cold. Was fine in the upper end.

:wtf: Wow, I will have to rethink my definition of cold down here. Surely I can manage 48 and higher for a couple hrs in a pinch.. Got this thing I committed to on the 20th dealing with the two wheeler. (No heated seats and coffee holders) :wtf:

Making memories :clap: