Winter Riding – Watch for Frostbite

What is too cold? What are the dangers?

Watch for frostbite

Frostbite is the superficial or deep skin tissue damage caused by prolonged skin-tissue temperature of 23 degrees F and below.

Frostbite can affect any part of the body, but the tip of the nose, earlobes and rim, fingertips and toes are the most likely areas.

Watch for wind chill

Wind chill factor is simply a combination of temperature and wind. On a motorcycle, as your velocity increases, you will generate  a wind factor.

If the temperature is 32 degrees F, and you are traveling at 40 mph; it will feel like 15.8 degrees F.

Here are the wind chill factors for different speeds at 32 degrees F:

20 mph – 20 degrees F

25 mph – 18.7 degrees F

30 mph – 17.6 degrees F

35 mph – 16.6 degrees F

40 mph – 15.8 degrees F

45 mph – 15 degrees F

50 mph – 14.4 degrees F

55 mph – 13.7 degrees F

60 mph – 13.1 degrees F

Notice that the rate of decrease after 40 mph is less.

Heat is lost through exposed skin; and at temperatures of 23 degrees F and below can cause frostbite.

Warning Signs

• Numbness
• Loss of sensitivity to touch
• Tingling
• Burning feeling

Cover up

The easiest way to combat frostbite is to cover up exposed skin. Wearing layers of clothing will help retain your body heat. Don’t forget your head, which is about 10 % of your body surface area.

Regardless of the clothing you wear, eventually, if you are exposed to cold long enough, your body will loose heat.

Plan trips with frequent stops long enough to warm up again.

Remember, if frostbite warning signs appear, you must regain body heat as soon as possible.

Wind Deflection

Anything you do to deflect wind contact to your body will help you ride longer and more comfortably.