Removing the cold barrier.

Today the sky was blue, and the temprature crept up to 6 degrees centigrade (where is that pesky degree symbol when you need it?). Previously it would have been too cold for riding, but today I broke with tradition and donned my christmas present from Ali, a set of Keis electrically heated vest, gloves and boot insoles.

At first I wasn't sure how effective the gloves and soles were - I could feel the heat on my back but everything else seemed just OK rather than hot. I changed the setting from medium to high, and set off up the M55. I cold still feel the heat from the vest but everything just seemed comfortable. This is some acheivement when you take into account the windchill factor that motorway speed brings, driving through the digits until they hurt.

After 50 miles I thought I need to see what it would be like without the heating, and after a couple of miles at 30mph, my fingers were hurtingto the point of being dangerous, so the experiment has been a success. I made my way home, and after 80 miles my legs began to complain, my hips seemed to freeze and discomfort penetrated my knees. Next time thermals will be worn.

After 95 miles, I returned home, sharing the last part of the journey on the M6 and M55 with a guy on a Triumph Rocket. As we pulled up at the last set of light I could see the wires leading into his gloves. Electric heating - it's the way to maximise the bright winter days and cure the blues.

I washed the bike down to get rid of any residual salt, and by the time I finished the cold was making me shiver - I wa no longer protected by the Keis gear!