Challenged by Fog

An Otherworldly Ride

It’s unclear whether my excitement at the prospect of fog is rooted in the visual effects in a photograph, or whether I really enjoy the challenges presented when riding in those conditions. All that really matters is my reaction to seeing a dense fog warning on my weather app when I wake up. I’m going to ride. My wife knows everything else has to wait.

Dave and I planned the previous evening to ride to breakfast. Fog wasn’t in the forecast so it seemed like it would be another cool autumn morning, around 45F at departure time, and then quickly rise as the sun came up. That was the pattern for a half dozen previous morning rides.

It was disappointing to look out the window when I got up and not see any fog. At least it was gloomy which would afford some more dramatic looking photos.

Dave was already on his Triumph Thruxton when I pulled up to his house. After a quick hello and a conversation about the absence of fog we started south towards breakfast 25 miles away. The sun was trying to break through the gloom until suddenly just three miles down the road we entered some of the thickest fog I’ve seen in years. And the dance began. Glove across the visor to remove the thick moisture gathering every 30 seconds. Speed reduced to be able to stop within the shortened view of the road. And a sharp eye for oncoming traffic heading to work.

Just a mile into the fog I pulled off the road to reconsider the plan. As I stood by the motorcycle I saw Dave on his Triumph in the fog. He seemed a mythic rider, man against nature. It’s funny how fog creates stories. And then we were gone.

Fog, Moisture, and Cold

No plan makes up for not having enough gear on to stay warm. Even reduced speeds failed to keep me warm. I wasn’t freezing but wasn’t comfortable either. Thankfully I decided to wear my Gerbing 7 volt gloves. Warm hands have a way of tricking the body into thinking it’s warmer than it is.

By the time we stopped another five miles down the road the fog had lifted a bit but there was no sun breaking through to warm the morning. And both of us were wet with water dripping from jackets, pants, and gloves. Some riders tell me they power through feeling cold. I don’t possess that sort of courage. When I’m cold I stop to warm up. Often if necessary. Just another reason why I’m an old, slow rider.

A Little More Fog and a Little More Cold

Warmed a bit we were able to travel 15 miles before I could feel myself start to shiver. Why didn’t I put on that extra layer? I had a wool sweater out, right in front of me as I geared up. Even experienced cold weather riders make mistakes. Something good came from the mistake though. I ordered an Aerostich Darien TLTec Wind Pro Liner. I’ll be ready next time.

Dave isn’t the cold weather enthusiast that I am. And I think he is glad when he sees me pulling off the road. You know a rider’s hands are cold when you see them trying to warm them on the engine fins. I provided some heartening news — breakfast was not far off now. Hot coffee, hot tea, and a place to drive the fog and moisture from our bones just a few miles down the road.

The After Breakfast Effect

It was warm and cozy at the Family Chill & Grill. Sipping hot tea made everything feel fine. What a great ride to breakfast.

As much as I enjoy a hearty spread of bacon and eggs I know on cold days I will pay a price for the pleasure. As my digestive system fires up it leaves the rest of me cold. And not long after we departed I was shivering again even though the temperature had risen a few degrees.

So as any real rider would do, I chose a longer route home.

Into the Woods

By the time we entered the woods I was feeling warmer and my thoughts drifted from the cold to bow hunters and wondered how likely it would be for the W650 and its rider to be confused with a deer. A bigger issue during gun season.

It was a beautiful ride home despite the sun only making short appearances until I was almost at home. Dave and I said our farewells when I stopped for gas.

Despite gearing up wrong, miscalculating the weather, and spending some time shivering, it was a great ride. I’m not sure how Dave felt about it but we’ll see how he responds the next time I ask if he wants to ride to breakfast.