USB heated waistcoat is a game changer in winter Sandy. I purchased a cheap one from aliexpress just to try it and it's an excellent addition to my winter kit. Powers from a small power bank and runs all day on the lowest setting which is plenty warm enough for me. Can't beat a winter ride out!! Keep safe pal, cheers.
@Leslie Austin very good for not much money. I use a 20,000mah power bank for mine, but have also fitted a USB socket to the bike and picked up an extended cable to plug it in directly for longer or multi day trips. Beauty is, if its not needed, I take it off and shove it in the top box out of the way. Also good for winter camping on those freezing nights.😜
Indeed, I have a thin electric heated jacket that runs off the bike, made by Venture heat, 3 heat settings, and very nice when it is cold....well Australian cold -8C, not Europe cold....
Good heated kit is an absolute game changer in the cold. I’ve been riding for years and could not believe the difference heated kit makes. Keis or Gerbing wired directly to the bike so you aren’t carrying batteries which can easily break bones in a crash (I know from personal experience) and which you have to recharge and don’t really last long on longer rides. I started with heated grips (still got cold on the outside of my hands) then got heated gloves, then a waist coat now have a full Keis heated jacket. The wires to the bike are quick and easy it’s no hassle and guaranteed to be always warm. You will probably find heating your core with a jacket will keep your feet warm too. Thanks for the videos really enjoy them 😀
Hi Nikki I agree with everything you say, the grips are better than no heat but yes, back of hands still got cold. I'm sure doing what you have done is the best way forward for serious cold weather comfort
The excitement is going to be rising between now and June in anticipation of your trip Sandy. I am definitely looking forward to that one. And then the Normandy one? It sounds like those bikes will be quite busy just around the corner and into the future. As for those two mischievous dogs, they know that they are daddy's little angels and you could never stay angry with them LOL!! I know how that goes Sandy. I love my little four legged creatures so much, I am always getting angry with myself because I can never get too angry with them no matter what misdeeds they do. Oh well, dogs are worth every bit of the effort that is put into keeping them around. Enjoy yourself on your journeys my friend. See you on the next one.
Terry spot on mate, my dogs come first, the sofa can be replaced at somepoint, maybe when they are older and less mischievious. My dogs however are irreplaceable. I love the to bits
Glad to see you got home safe, and riding with other road users is bad enough, add in freezing fog and you are tempting fate. Thanks for sharing your little trip with us, you stay safe out there. Have a good one. 👍
Now I can see why you would want those heated handles and heating pads for your feet and new driving pants. It did not look to pleasant out. That was just 10 miles. Good for you on taking care of yourself, you only live once. Thanks for sharing. Tony.
Hello Sandy. A Cold weather riding tip for cold toes and feet as prescribed by my dear Grandmother. Cut out a piece of thin cardboard shaped to foot size then insert into the riding boots and hey presto toastie tootsies. Look forward to watching the Normandy trip Sandy and Dickie. I enjoy watching your You Tube journeys both camping and motcycling Sandy, thank you 🤗
Haha Sandy, loved the vlog but couldn’t stop laughing when you were showing the doggy damage to your sofa. That little cutie was almost hiding the evidence - it was so funny 😂😂 gorgeous dogs 🐕 🐾🐾🐕🐾🐾
Heat pads! 😂 I tried the early pads made for fishing. A work colleague told me he had them back in the early ‘80’s, when he went fishing to keep his hands warm! I thought that would be an idea for use on the bike! I bought some and on a winter ride down from tye Wirral to Bristol put one in each boot! You had to crush them to get them to work, Perfect, really warm!👍 For the first 20 miles! Then they started getting warmer and warmer! Then hotter and hotter! 😱 I ended up at the side of the road ripping my boots off and pulling them out! Practically burning my feet through my thick socks! Last thing I saw of them was the steaming snow I’d thrown them in at the side of the road! Learnt my lesson! That’s for sure! 😂😂
Now I have them fitted I hope my hands will stay warm. I had a message from David Ireland about a trip to Scotland with Wozza, not sure what plans are yet but will try to make that, if not then will come up to Yorkshire for a few days with Dickie and Harry all being well
On one of your past videos you showed a snack of McVities Digestive biscuits. I found them here in the USA, bought both the Original and Chocolate varieties, and they are delicious. They are my new favorite snacks now. Can’t wait to take them on the trail. As you say in the UK, they are marvelous! Great healthy snacks.
I was thinking about fitting a set of heated grips myself but I don’t like the way the cable revolves with the throttle twist grip., I think it looks ungainly . Also I like the standard grips on my bike & they are still in mint condition . I used to get white cotton surgical gloves from chemists to line my old fur lined motorcycle gauntlets back in the day ,but they don’t seem to flog them anymore . With the new heated grips ,foot warmers ,new bike trousers ,camping equipment & knowledge ,plus the Himalayan ,you will be ready for what ever the Dragon throws your way .👍
Good stuff Sandy! Hope you get to the Dragon Rally - would be quite an experience no doubt. The coldest rally I've done was one called the Pheasant Plucker in Derbyshire in late November, somewhen in the late 80s. It got down to -9°C overnight. As Dicky said, bike and camping gear was pretty crap back then. I remember drinking much more tea than beer in an effort to keep warm 😂.
Always good to have a friend like Dickie! Your a braver man than me Mr W, as soon as that salt hits the road my bike will stay in the garage until it’s throughly washed off. 👍👌
I can one-up you, Dickie. I did the Dragon Rally in 1966, on a BSA C15 (250), with my mate on the pillion. My son has my badge (if he hasn’t lost it). I took the smallest single-skin cotton tent you can imagine, and it was VERY wet that year. We saw one guy come in on the latest Honda, the 450 ‘Black Bomber’. Lovely machines there, and good to be part of it. Enjoy it Sandy! Les g0nmd
Dickie told me a story about when he was younger and riding in winter, he and a mate got so cold they took newspapers that they found in a bin and stuffed them under their jackets. The news papers had been used by a fish n chip shop to wrap food in......!
I had the old Oxford grips and the controls were a big dial that you just pressed to turn on/off and turned to adjust temp. The “updated “ model with those tiny rubber buttons I found are almost impossible to press with thick winter gloves on.
Great vid Sandy and looking forward to your other trips. Sandy you can get Arm warmers from a good cycling shop, and why not put those feet warmer pads on the back of your hands aswell just a thought 😉
Hi Sandy Congratulations to you and your family on the arrival of Lewis, he has many good videos to watch when he gets older. Just to give you some advise about the Dragon Rally I have been to the Rally for the past 10 years, so have plenty of experience. If you can hot ten then do that, as one of your subscribers says last few years have been storms, so you will need a good integral ground sheet because the ground cam be water logged. Prepare for bad weather, take your steel water can to use as hot water bottle. Also consider breaking up the journey and stay in Llandudno which is off the A55. Enjoy the Rally and I will be looking forward to you making a film about it. Terry
Cheers Terry, I can deal with rain and damp conditions but maybe not icey roads, hoever the forecast looks OK though perhaps wet and winddy:) Looking forward to seeing you there Sandy
Hope you both enjoy the Dragon Sandy. I remember my first one, I borrowed a little air cooled dt125 and it absolutely persisted down, the campsite was doing a good impression of a Welsh llyn.
Happy new year dickey 😳👍😊😂 Normandy will be super busy that time of year sandy. Lots to see. Melville battery worth a visit point du hoc dog green sector on Omaha beach plus the cemetery, bayeux cemetery over 4,000 British dead well worth a visit Pegasus bridge, dead man’s corner at carentan and see if you can get to Jerusalem cemetery it is the smallest in Normandy and hold a 16 year old British soldier killed in action, very very moving. Been all round Normandy twice and still have not seen it all there is so much to take in 👍♥️😊
I'm sure Dickie will wish you HNY Marcus, I'm looking fwd to the trip, ferry booked and paid for so no backing out unless ww number 2 plus one happens! I can imagine how moving it must be, I will try and find the grave of the 16 year old. War is never worth it...!
Hi Lonnie, I really appreciate them now having ridden around 600 miles in the last 10 days and my hands were perfectly warm when combined with good quality gloves
a great video, what an insite into your world.I really enjoyed the banter with your friends, if u try the handwarmers and double tape to iside of your trousers at inner thigh that works for me as it hits the butchers death artery and will get enough oxygen to react. Be warned they get very hot best put between a layer.
Geez Sandy. You need to get those dogs outside in a kennel or garage. They're wrecking the inside of your house. You lucky you got a mate like Dickie, seems a good bloke.
Dickie is a top bloke, one of my best friends ever. As for the dogs, No way Haa...I could ever put them in a kennel outside. They live in the home with us and have all the creature comforts, food and warmth. I will just have to live with the wreckage. As they become older they are becoming less destructive
No need to persevere with the summer gloves, Sandy. You'll be amazed how much extra warmth you get from the heated grips even wearing thick winter gloves. I hope the weather's good for the Dragon.
Went to the Normandy beaches in 2019, camping on the bike, loved it. Great place to ride. Omaha beach is a must along with the American cemetery and Point du hoc and the Overlord museum amazing places to see.
Hi Charlie, Provided there is no ice on the roads we will be there but if the forcast is for treacherous road conditions it's just not worth the risk. Fingers crossed it will be OK and we can all have a great time :)
Another great video Sandy. nice shop that Dicky has and bikes too!. Well a local ham here has stolen your HOt tent idea. worked him on CW last weekend. we got about 6 -8 centimeters of snow. and the temps were around -10 C. and he was on a Mt top with Sota!! I thought he was extremely brave till I found out he had a nice tent and stove in it. he was sitting there in his shirt sleeves working contacts on cw! Glad the heated grips worked out those foot warmers looked interesting also still waiting for out cw qso! 73 de Ellis WA1RKS
You can be really cosy in a hot tent Ellis, provided you don't mind feeding the stove every 20 minutes or so. The smaller stoves do require some fettling to get the best out of them. Cold in the UK right now, around minus 4C about 24F and falling Brrrr
I had a Suzuki Bandit- naked no fairing. Tried going to Bristol in January but had to turn back! It’s not being soft at all, until you’ve tried it you can’t imagine how cold it is! Looking forward to your trips 👍
Hope you enjoy the Dragon Sandy. You will need the heated grips and foot warmers. I'm sure you and Dicky will have a good time but it is a notoriously tough rally weather wise. I've been for the last 7 years . Last year was torrential rain and a little windy but the previous year 2020 was special and gave us Storm Ciara camped on a hillside. I also caught covid there. But I look back on it with a smile and even though my rally mates backed out and I went on my own its such a friendly do that I enjoyed it and don't regret going.
Thats wonderful to hear David. I look back with fondness on adventures I've had that were very tough. I will give it my best shot to get there, just hope we don't have a "Beast from the East" event at the same time
Great to see Chug out again, I do enjoy watching your journeys out on the bikes. Could I ask has Dickie ever done any RUclips videos? as I remember it was spoken about on one of your videos, he is good on camera and like yourself interesting to listen to, all the best, see you on the next one👍🏻
@@Wigglesway Hi Nige, Dickie hasn't started filming yet but he has recently brought a camera and decent PC and I will help him get started. When he launches his channel I'll do a "Shoutout video" so stay tuned:)
Hi having watched your video and, noted that you are going to France in June 2023 on the strom. I wondered if I could tag on as I've wanted to do this trip myself. I'm of the certain age hence the reason I don't want to go alone. Enjoyed the video as usual Cheers, Bob.
I always liked a cold weather ride. I felt like I had enough gear on to keep me safe the colder it got. Heated grips were a game changer for me too. It made an amazing difference in comfort. Looking forward to seeing your trip. Good friends and a two wheel tour is fun for everyone.
very nice to see you and Dickie again..I rode Hardknott and Wrynose passes with you guys, John Pawson and Woza..😁 I have the oxford grips on my Himalayan (fitted before i picked the new bike up) as i use my bike to commute all seasons..to be honest Sandy, put them on the highest setting and they cook your hands even inside winter gloves..i used the highest setting ONCE and never again lol 🤣 Brill vid as usual m8 and very funny banter 👍 Me, Woza and Vic are doing the NC500 on the RE's meeting on the 7th April (JP is riding up for a meet on the first night) at a campsite near Carlisle and are just going to wing it..nothing booked, taking camping gear and grab a bed n breakfast if needed..you guys are very welcome to join us if you want to 😁 omg i have similiar dog damage but not settee, just keep the sofa as it now has dog street cred m8 😁..i have 2 dogs my son, 2 yrs old golden labrador and a springer spaniel/collie cross daughter at 8 yrs..my lab kept licking and ripping the wallpaper off..i repaired the damage and he done it again 🤣, only got so much matched wallpaper left, so not going to repair again until he stops it! I have repaired the door jamb wood that he chewed to the bone also 🤣 but your dogs are your children and you have 2 beautiful dog kids 👍
Hi Dave, That sounds epic. I would love to join you guys on this if time permits. I'll mention it to Dickie too. We had a great time meeting you Wozza and John last year:)
@@WiltshireMan ok m8 just let me know asap as i will book you on the first night campsite..if it is full..i carry a big 4 man stand up in it, tent if you can take my snoring lol
@@davidireland6952 David, I have just spoken to Dickie and he confirms he would like to come along. He has a work collegue called Harry who also has a Himalayan. Harry is almost 70 but a great motorcyclist can Harry join us please? Ofcourse I would like to come along too. I've ridden the NC500 a couple of times so if your winging it then there could be the chance to explore some of the routes slightly off the NC500, there is some beautiful landscape up there. I have emailed John P to let him know but need some hard dates so Dickie and Harry can book the time off. JP has my contact details. Thanks Sandy
I've used the little toe warmers when cycling, really good for an hour or so for me, but do feel slightly bad for the old landfill as single use. I've found dheepskin insoles to be a more sustainable warmish option, but like you say at the end, when it's miserable you have to ask is it worth dragging the bike out.
Got to keep the hands warm pal! Nothing worse than the cold biting your hands, we're buggered without the use of them. As for the dogs, that's par for the course unless we shut them out, no point having them if we do that. I recently bought a Springer Spaniel puppy and he ate two small patches of the carpet, annoying and looks horrendous but nothing a nice rug won't cover up. I love watching your videos, your content always interests me, even when it's not what i'm into and you inspire me to get out there and camp more
Spot on Paul, my dogs come first and I don't care how much damage they do provided they are warm, safe and happy. I do try to discourage them but my house is a dog friendly house and nothing here is too precious
...and not even one "Happy New Year" from Dickie, he is slipping haha. I think you are very wise, I suffered greatly with cold hands on my bikes. I spied a glorious piece of art on the floor, when you showed the damage to the couch... The trousers look perfect mate.
I thought you'd spot that Bry. I have got a place to put it but have to finish painting the wall first. Yes Dickie was going to say it but he's trying to get out of bad habits:) The trousers really were warm and comfortable Bry. Dickie is now reading your book:)
@@WiltshireMan Bless him, hope he finds something of value. As we get older, being warm can only ever be a sensible option. If you don't have to go cold, then don't....simple!
I bought a Great M/C Jacket from Sally Army Gorse Hill £15 with 2 linings, waterproof. They had the trousers too, same price, Trousers no good for cycling though.👍
A lovely video Sandy. Enjoyed it immensely start to finish. Looking forward to your next bike tour with the guys. The Normandy beaches will be a good if not sombre one. Are you planning to get across to Verdun as well? ATB.
Toasty hands. What’s not to like? I opted for heated ‘inner gloves’ which I need this time of year, but (for me) they do the job. a lot of people swear by those ‘hand guards’ but on my bike they didn’t quite work as I hoped they might. for less extreme climes, consider trying silk inner gloves - bit pricey, but they last, and somehow keep insulating even when wet. magical stuff, silk. used to get them from bike dealers, in the day, but these days I have to go online… company called ‘Petra’ as I recall, but surely others available. good pal, that Lord Dickie.
@@WiltshireMan yeah, the hand guards didn’t stop wind blast for me and that’s what gets me: wrong bars, wrong guards, wrong sort of wind? my electric gloves are wonderful, but now I’m aware just how much my toes hurt ((o: Silk supplier is “patra” not petra. Bike shops used to sell ‘em, but now it’s all merino or synthetics- nothing like as thin as silk, which allows for camera dexterity, etc. Heated hands for feet not a win then? ):
I need to use a mobility scooter and FULLY understand about getting cold! when it is cold or especially wet, it's just not fun sat on a mobility scooter (even with waterproofs on. you just get very cold. Same as a motorbike to a degree.
Dicky was 18 in 1980 ??? Looking good dude ! Trimmed up too by the looks. Great video boys, I still think heated gloves are a better option though. Keep up the good work. Rich.
Looks like the Himalaian delivers enough power for the grips. My Sr 400 does not. I do not know if my 500 Trials does, but I will only yse him in summertime. And my 750 DCT has heated grips, however she is to heawy to use in winter. So I have to wait for the spring 😢. Really like your videos! 👍. I hope I'll be able to edit/klip together a video soon. My hot tent video was made in a hurry as i was not able to put together 2 klips.
@@WiltshireMan The videoeditor in Windows 10 was easy to use. But in Windows 11 I'am not able to understand how to do things. However I am trying to learn apple moviemaker.
I guess I have spent more money for warmth. I have a Concours for cold weather and inclement weather and a nice W800 cafe for above 45 degrees. Need a duel sport for messy days!
Add a pair of RST Pro Series Paragon 6 Heated CE Gloves, and your good for sub zero. great combination that keeps the top of your fingers warm as well.
R l use these - for birding and they last a good 8 hours - not environmental friendly and you must keep them outside socks as they need air to heat THE HEAT COMPANY Insole Foot Warmers - 5, 10 or 30 Pairs - EXTRA WARM - 8 Hours of Warmth - Instant Heat - Air Activated - Purely Natural - Small, Medium, Large, X-Large I don’t really like motorbikes - they are noisy & polluting things - and one of my colleagues killed himself in one - collided with another motorbike head on - both died on the roadside . we were in our late twenties - awful Great to see those lovely dogs tho - she knows she is in trouble - they are loveable dogs !
@@WiltshireMan Hey Sandy, nice you replied, i live in snowdonia and seeing these poor lads passing my house fills me with awe, if you want to call in for a brew your most welcome, love your channel.
I enjoyed that adventure Sandy. I am no motorbiker but I like them & my Dad had a Royal Enfield back in the day. Sound was pretty good throughout - is that just with the windslayer fitted to the Go Pro?
Ahhh I did wonder with the strength of the audio@@WiltshireMan👍, I'm going to try the windslayer when I next head out. Do you get good audio from behind the camera? I have a Hero 9 not 10 so may not be as good. PS. The John Inman show was 'Are you Being Served' 🙂
Always worn an open face helmet,plus the spectacles for eye protection 😄.. I have to admit I have purrrchased a full face helmet so I can see where the hell I’m going whilst riding the 1290r KTM 😳 It’s Mental..
Now you've only got to explain to mandy the ten reasons why you needed them salepettes Sandy 🤭 Dickies got a nicely layed out Garage 👌 A bit of a murky ride out but it was for a good reason 🧀🍵 , Enjoy the 🐲 rally sandy & dickie 🙌👍
I just like a change sometimes also the bigger bike is better for longer journeys like the motorway but really if I had to I would only need the one bike
Nice one son, heated grips are a game changer. They should be fitted as standard on all bikes sold in the U.K.
USB heated waistcoat is a game changer in winter Sandy. I purchased a cheap one from aliexpress just to try it and it's an excellent addition to my winter kit. Powers from a small power bank and runs all day on the lowest setting which is plenty warm enough for me.
Can't beat a winter ride out!!
Keep safe pal, cheers.
Just been reading about those on the C90 Club website. I think I might try one. Les
@Leslie Austin very good for not much money. I use a 20,000mah power bank for mine, but have also fitted a USB socket to the bike and picked up an extended cable to plug it in directly for longer or multi day trips. Beauty is, if its not needed, I take it off and shove it in the top box out of the way. Also good for winter camping on those freezing nights.😜
Absolutely, my son bought me one the Christmas before last, fantastic invention.
Indeed, I have a thin electric heated jacket that runs off the bike, made by Venture heat, 3 heat settings, and very nice when it is cold....well Australian cold -8C, not Europe cold....
@@robpinter5431 OK, I can take a hint when it comes from 5 different people! I’ve ordered both a waistcoat and a power-bank. Take note Sandy! Les
Good heated kit is an absolute game changer in the cold. I’ve been riding for years and could not believe the difference heated kit makes.
Keis or Gerbing wired directly to the bike so you aren’t carrying batteries which can easily break bones in a crash (I know from personal experience) and which you have to recharge and don’t really last long on longer rides.
I started with heated grips (still got cold on the outside of my hands) then got heated gloves, then a waist coat now have a full Keis heated jacket. The wires to the bike are quick and easy it’s no hassle and guaranteed to be always warm.
You will probably find heating your core with a jacket will keep your feet warm too.
Thanks for the videos really enjoy them 😀
Hi Nikki I agree with everything you say, the grips are better than no heat but yes, back of hands still got cold. I'm sure doing what you have done is the best way forward for serious cold weather comfort
This will transform your riding, makes such a difference, especially with muffs fitted at the same time.
Yes I think your right about muffs, that would make a big difference, real cosy then
The excitement is going to be rising between now and June in anticipation of your trip Sandy. I am definitely looking forward to that one. And then the Normandy one? It sounds like those bikes will be quite busy just around the corner and into the future. As for those two mischievous dogs, they know that they are daddy's little angels and you could never stay angry with them LOL!! I know how that goes Sandy. I love my little four legged creatures so much, I am always getting angry with myself because I can never get too angry with them no matter what misdeeds they do. Oh well, dogs are worth every bit of the effort that is put into keeping them around. Enjoy yourself on your journeys my friend. See you on the next one.
Terry spot on mate, my dogs come first, the sofa can be replaced at somepoint, maybe when they are older and less mischievious. My dogs however are irreplaceable. I love the to bits
🚲
Glad to see you got home safe, and riding with other road users is bad enough, add in freezing fog and you are tempting fate. Thanks for sharing your little trip with us, you stay safe out there.
Have a good one. 👍
Now I can see why you would want those heated handles and heating pads for your feet and new driving pants. It did not look to pleasant out. That was just 10 miles. Good for you on taking care of yourself, you only live once. Thanks for sharing. Tony.
Thanks Tony, I bet it is even colder where you are. Roll on Spring:)
Hello Sandy. A Cold weather riding tip for cold toes and feet as prescribed by my dear Grandmother. Cut out a piece of thin cardboard shaped to foot size then insert into the riding boots and hey presto toastie tootsies. Look forward to watching the Normandy trip Sandy and Dickie. I enjoy watching your You Tube journeys both camping and motcycling Sandy, thank you 🤗
Thats a cheap and simple idea Ann and worth a try, I might give this a go:)
A video from the Dragon will be of huge interest to me, as ive always fancied going.thanks for the uploads.
Great video Sandy 😊 Take care in that freezing fog dude! Just a thought, cooking foil over your socks (toes) works a treat 😉 KTF 🙏
I really enjoyed that, boys. Add a set of muffs and it's a total winner. Can't go wrong wrong a muff!
Haha Sandy, loved the vlog but couldn’t stop laughing when you were showing the doggy damage to your sofa. That little cutie was almost hiding the evidence - it was so funny 😂😂 gorgeous dogs 🐕 🐾🐾🐕🐾🐾
Haaha Yes Thanks Lindsay. I my eye's my dogs can do no harm, they truly are beautiful creatures and they know I love them :)
@@WiltshireMan we are just the same in fact we live with our dogs 😂😂, take care
Heat pads! 😂 I tried the early pads made for fishing. A work colleague told me he had them back in the early ‘80’s, when he went fishing to keep his hands warm! I thought that would be an idea for use on the bike! I bought some and on a winter ride down from tye Wirral to Bristol put one in each boot! You had to crush them to get them to work, Perfect, really warm!👍 For the first 20 miles! Then they started getting warmer and warmer! Then hotter and hotter! 😱 I ended up at the side of the road ripping my boots off and pulling them out! Practically burning my feet through my thick socks! Last thing I saw of them was the steaming snow I’d thrown them in at the side of the road! Learnt my lesson! That’s for sure! 😂😂
Haaha, well they do need to be exposed to the air to get going, maybe you crushed them up a bit too much:)
Nice one Sandy, I don't mind riding in the winter but I pick my days, and my heated grips and hand guards make things very comfortable.
Now I have them fitted I hope my hands will stay warm. I had a message from David Ireland about a trip to Scotland with Wozza, not sure what plans are yet but will try to make that, if not then will come up to Yorkshire for a few days with Dickie and Harry all being well
@@WiltshireMan sounds good to me
Heated grips are fantastic and a game changer for cool weather…you’ll love them…👍🏻
On one of your past videos you showed a snack of McVities Digestive biscuits. I found them here in the USA, bought both the Original and Chocolate varieties, and they are delicious. They are my new favorite snacks now. Can’t wait to take them on the trail. As you say in the UK, they are marvelous! Great healthy snacks.
I was thinking about fitting a set of heated grips myself but I don’t like the way the cable revolves with the throttle twist grip., I think it looks ungainly . Also I like the standard grips on my bike & they are still in mint condition . I used to get white cotton surgical gloves from chemists to line my old fur lined motorcycle gauntlets back in the day ,but they don’t seem to flog them anymore . With the new heated grips ,foot warmers ,new bike trousers ,camping equipment & knowledge ,plus the Himalayan ,you will be ready for what ever the Dragon throws your way .👍
I met dickie , i took my yamaha 650 to his house to let him have a look , i think thats him anyway , nice guy
Good stuff Sandy! Hope you get to the Dragon Rally - would be quite an experience no doubt. The coldest rally I've done was one called the Pheasant Plucker in Derbyshire in late November, somewhen in the late 80s. It got down to -9°C overnight. As Dicky said, bike and camping gear was pretty crap back then. I remember drinking much more tea than beer in an effort to keep warm 😂.
Minus 9 is serious cold Mike
Always good to have a friend like Dickie! Your a braver man than me Mr W, as soon as that salt hits the road my bike will stay in the garage until it’s throughly washed off. 👍👌
I can one-up you, Dickie. I did the Dragon Rally in 1966, on a BSA C15 (250), with my mate on the pillion. My son has my badge (if he hasn’t lost it). I took the smallest single-skin cotton tent you can imagine, and it was VERY wet that year. We saw one guy come in on the latest Honda, the 450 ‘Black Bomber’. Lovely machines there, and good to be part of it. Enjoy it Sandy! Les g0nmd
Woe that's a story Les. I'm sure Dickie will read this and maybe comment at some point :)
I remember using news paper under my jacket to keep the wind out. Worked well.
Dickie told me a story about when he was younger and riding in winter, he and a mate got so cold they took newspapers that they found in a bin and stuffed them under their jackets. The news papers had been used by a fish n chip shop to wrap food in......!
great vid andy mandys looking well cant wait for the dragon rally thank you
I had the old Oxford grips and the controls were a big dial that you just pressed to turn on/off and turned to adjust temp. The “updated “ model with those tiny rubber buttons I found are almost impossible to press with thick winter gloves on.
Thank you for sharing your adventure! It's 13°F tonight here in Minnesota. Cheers!
Thats too cold Dan, here in the UK right now its 7C 44.6F. The coldest it has been this winter has been minus 10C or in your langauge 14 F:)
@@WiltshireMan The coldest temperature in Minnesota was -60°F on February 2, 1996.
Great vid Sandy and looking forward to your other trips. Sandy you can get Arm warmers from a good cycling shop, and why not put those feet warmer pads on the back of your hands aswell just a thought 😉
Cool video in both senses bro. Safe travels
Might be doing the dragon rally if i can get a ticket, will say hello if I see you. 👍
Your dogs so cute. I swear she was embarrassed so tried to stop you showing the sofa!
Heated grips is not wimpy when you are in the elements - now a heated car steering wheel is another story 🤣
Stay safe and healthy!
...as is a heated toothbrush... 🤣😂🤣
Hi Sandy Congratulations to you and your family on the arrival of Lewis, he has many good videos to watch when he gets older. Just to give you some advise about the Dragon Rally I have been to the Rally for the past 10 years, so have plenty of experience. If you can hot ten then do that, as one of your subscribers says last few years have been storms, so you will need a good integral ground sheet because the ground cam be water logged. Prepare for bad weather, take your steel water can to use as hot water bottle. Also consider breaking up the journey and stay in Llandudno which is off the A55. Enjoy the Rally and I will be looking forward to you making a film about it.
Terry
Cheers Terry, I can deal with rain and damp conditions but maybe not icey roads, hoever the forecast looks OK though perhaps wet and winddy:) Looking forward to seeing you there
Sandy
Hope you both enjoy the Dragon Sandy. I remember my first one, I borrowed a little air cooled dt125 and it absolutely persisted down, the campsite was doing a good impression of a Welsh llyn.
Happy new year dickey 😳👍😊😂 Normandy will be super busy that time of year sandy. Lots to see. Melville battery worth a visit point du hoc dog green sector on Omaha beach plus the cemetery, bayeux cemetery over 4,000 British dead well worth a visit Pegasus bridge, dead man’s corner at carentan and see if you can get to Jerusalem cemetery it is the smallest in Normandy and hold a 16 year old British soldier killed in action, very very moving. Been all round Normandy twice and still have not seen it all there is so much to take in 👍♥️😊
I'm sure Dickie will wish you HNY Marcus, I'm looking fwd to the trip, ferry booked and paid for so no backing out unless ww number 2 plus one happens! I can imagine how moving it must be, I will try and find the grave of the 16 year old. War is never worth it...!
Great video sandy
Loved my heated grips.
Those hot grips should be really nice to have I would guess. It can be a miserable ride if the hands are cold.
Hi Lonnie,
I really appreciate them now having ridden around 600 miles in the last 10 days and my hands were perfectly warm when combined with good quality gloves
I enjoyed your video while sat in front of the log fire waiting for the frost and ice to go then get out on my little Sherpa the Himalayan
Probably wise to stay in the warm Chris especially when there ice on the roads
a great video, what an insite into your world.I really enjoyed the banter with your friends, if u try the handwarmers and double tape to iside of your trousers at inner thigh that works for me as it hits the butchers death artery and will get enough oxygen to react. Be warned they get very hot best put between a layer.
I like the trick to keep your feet warm sandy, cheers for that!
Geez Sandy. You need to get those dogs outside in a kennel or garage. They're wrecking the inside of your house.
You lucky you got a mate like Dickie, seems a good bloke.
Dickie is a top bloke, one of my best friends ever.
As for the dogs, No way Haa...I could ever put them in a kennel outside. They live in the home with us and have all the creature comforts, food and warmth. I will just have to live with the wreckage. As they become older they are becoming less destructive
No need to persevere with the summer gloves, Sandy. You'll be amazed how much extra warmth you get from the heated grips even wearing thick winter gloves. I hope the weather's good for the Dragon.
Thanks Steve, I just hope the roads are rideable. If there's ice I'm staying at home
Looks like you’re all set up and ready to go, I use the hothands for feet and hands when out shooting they are just the job if sat in a hide 🥶
They still do the goodie bag, and the Bruce Pollard rally is a good warm up. Will see you there. I have known Dickie for years, top bloke. - Kurt.
I said warm up....not the best choice of words.
Hopefully provided the roads are rideable we will be there and you can meet Dickie again
I’m off to France the same time will look out for you.
Liked the look of the hunter
Good interesting made me smile as well Hi Brrrr
Went to the Normandy beaches in 2019, camping on the bike, loved it. Great place to ride. Omaha beach is a must along with the American cemetery and Point du hoc and the Overlord museum amazing places to see.
Enjoyable video. Cheers Sandy.
+9:43 Carmen looking hopefully at the crinkly packet of foot warmers and then averting her gaze, being very polite 😂
Some lovely bikes!
Carmen is always on the lookout for a snack :)
I find those hothands for hands and feet great when out shooting 👍
The difference with heated grips is not having to change into winter gloves as soon in the fall. Ronn
Looking forward to meeting up with you both at the Dragon. 😊 Charlie.
Hi Charlie,
Provided there is no ice on the roads we will be there but if the forcast is for treacherous road conditions it's just not worth the risk. Fingers crossed it will be OK and we can all have a great time :)
@@WiltshireMan I agree totally! I'll be watching the weather forecast closely. 😊
My best investment last year was RST heated glove! Last about 8 hours......brilliant and the fit any bike.
Yes a good buy I should think
Another great video Sandy. nice shop that Dicky has and bikes too!. Well a local ham here has stolen your HOt tent idea. worked him on CW last weekend. we got about 6 -8 centimeters of snow. and the temps were around -10 C. and he was on a Mt top with Sota!! I thought he was extremely brave till I found out he had a nice tent and stove in it. he was sitting there in his shirt sleeves working contacts on cw! Glad the heated grips worked out those foot warmers looked interesting also still waiting for out cw qso! 73 de Ellis WA1RKS
You can be really cosy in a hot tent Ellis, provided you don't mind feeding the stove every 20 minutes or so. The smaller stoves do require some fettling to get the best out of them. Cold in the UK right now, around minus 4C about 24F and falling Brrrr
I bought some of the Oxford thermal socks Sandy, and really rate them.
Thanks Luke I shall have to check them out:)
I had a Suzuki Bandit- naked no fairing. Tried going to Bristol in January but had to turn back! It’s not being soft at all, until you’ve tried it you can’t imagine how cold it is!
Looking forward to your trips 👍
I've had some pretty cold rides too Dave, nothing wrong with turning back. Safety comes first
Bless Carmen way she was Looking up at you , She's come on a treat , Part of the Family now.
Still got the Paraglideing Thing ?
Nice Vid Sandy .
Hi Dee, I have packed in the flying now.
Hope you enjoy the Dragon Sandy. You will need the heated grips and foot warmers. I'm sure you and Dicky will have a good time but it is a notoriously tough rally weather wise. I've been for the last 7 years . Last year was torrential rain and a little windy but the previous year 2020 was special and gave us Storm Ciara camped on a hillside. I also caught covid there. But I look back on it with a smile and even though my rally mates backed out and I went on my own its such a friendly do that I enjoyed it and don't regret going.
Thats wonderful to hear David. I look back with fondness on adventures I've had that were very tough. I will give it my best shot to get there, just hope we don't have a "Beast from the East" event at the same time
Fair play Sandy and we’ll deserved! You’re no whimp! ❤
Haaha Thanks:)
Great to see Chug out again, I do enjoy watching your journeys out on the bikes. Could I ask has Dickie ever done any RUclips videos? as I remember it was spoken about on one of your videos, he is good on camera and like yourself interesting to listen to, all the best, see you on the next one👍🏻
@@Wigglesway Hi Nige,
Dickie hasn't started filming yet but he has recently brought a camera and decent PC and I will help him get started. When he launches his channel I'll do a "Shoutout video" so stay tuned:)
@@WiltshireMan thanks for the reply, ok that sounds good, be good to see a channel from him .
Hi having watched your video and, noted that you are going to France in June 2023 on the strom. I wondered if I could tag on as I've wanted to do this trip myself.
I'm of the certain age hence the reason I don't want to go alone.
Enjoyed the video as usual
Cheers,
Bob.
Hi Robert, this is a ride organised by a group of local riders here in Swindon, I don't know if there are any other spaces. Where are you based?
I always liked a cold weather ride. I felt like I had enough gear on to keep me safe the colder it got. Heated grips were a game changer for me too. It made an amazing difference in comfort. Looking forward to seeing your trip. Good friends and a two wheel tour is fun for everyone.
I'm looking forward to the coming riding season Jim, got some good trips planned
Enjoyed that 👍
All good fun Ken I am looking fwd to going to Normandy this year, ferry all booked and paid for so all being well it should happen.
@@WiltshireMan have a great time. We look forward to watching the videos 😀👍
very nice to see you and Dickie again..I rode Hardknott and Wrynose passes with you guys, John Pawson and Woza..😁
I have the oxford grips on my Himalayan (fitted before i picked the new bike up) as i use my bike to commute all seasons..to be honest Sandy, put them on the highest setting and they cook your hands even inside winter gloves..i used the highest setting ONCE and never again lol 🤣
Brill vid as usual m8 and very funny banter 👍
Me, Woza and Vic are doing the NC500 on the RE's meeting on the 7th April (JP is riding up for a meet on the first night) at a campsite near Carlisle and are just going to wing it..nothing booked, taking camping gear and grab a bed n breakfast if needed..you guys are very welcome to join us if you want to 😁
omg i have similiar dog damage but not settee, just keep the sofa as it now has dog street cred m8 😁..i have 2 dogs my son, 2 yrs old golden labrador and a springer spaniel/collie cross daughter at 8 yrs..my lab kept licking and ripping the wallpaper off..i repaired the damage and he done it again 🤣, only got so much matched wallpaper left, so not going to repair again until he stops it! I have repaired the door jamb wood that he chewed to the bone also 🤣 but your dogs are your children and you have 2 beautiful dog kids 👍
Hi Dave, That sounds epic. I would love to join you guys on this if time permits. I'll mention it to Dickie too. We had a great time meeting you Wozza and John last year:)
@@WiltshireMan ok m8
just let me know asap as i will book you on the first night campsite..if it is full..i carry a big 4 man stand up in it, tent if you can take my snoring lol
@@davidireland6952 David,
I have just spoken to Dickie and he confirms he would like to come along. He has a work collegue called Harry who also has a Himalayan. Harry is almost 70 but a great motorcyclist can Harry join us please? Ofcourse I would like to come along too.
I've ridden the NC500 a couple of times so if your winging it then there could be the chance to explore some of the routes slightly off the NC500, there is some beautiful landscape up there.
I have emailed John P to let him know but need some hard dates so Dickie and Harry can book the time off.
JP has my contact details.
Thanks
Sandy
Nice one sandy , Rest day rider ( Charlie ) from your town is also going to do the Dragon .
Yes I know:) Hopefully we can meet up provided the road conditions aren't too bad
Great to watch 👍👍
It was a bit of fun James :)
I've used the little toe warmers when cycling, really good for an hour or so for me, but do feel slightly bad for the old landfill as single use. I've found dheepskin insoles to be a more sustainable warmish option, but like you say at the end, when it's miserable you have to ask is it worth dragging the bike out.
Got to keep the hands warm pal! Nothing worse than the cold biting your hands, we're buggered without the use of them.
As for the dogs, that's par for the course unless we shut them out, no point having them if we do that. I recently bought a Springer Spaniel puppy and he ate two small patches of the carpet, annoying and looks horrendous but nothing a nice rug won't cover up.
I love watching your videos, your content always interests me, even when it's not what i'm into and you inspire me to get out there and camp more
Spot on Paul, my dogs come first and I don't care how much damage they do provided they are warm, safe and happy. I do try to discourage them but my house is a dog friendly house and nothing here is too precious
...and not even one "Happy New Year" from Dickie, he is slipping haha. I think you are very wise, I suffered greatly with cold hands on my bikes. I spied a glorious piece of art on the floor, when you showed the damage to the couch... The trousers look perfect mate.
I thought you'd spot that Bry. I have got a place to put it but have to finish painting the wall first. Yes Dickie was going to say it but he's trying to get out of bad habits:)
The trousers really were warm and comfortable Bry. Dickie is now reading your book:)
@@WiltshireMan Bless him, hope he finds something of value. As we get older, being warm can only ever be a sensible option. If you don't have to go cold, then don't....simple!
I bought a Great M/C Jacket from Sally Army Gorse Hill £15 with 2 linings, waterproof. They had the trousers too, same price, Trousers no good for cycling though.👍
I reckon you got a great bargain there Unome:)
@@WiltshireMan I think it was brand new, the kecks still had the label on.
A lovely video Sandy. Enjoyed it immensely start to finish. Looking forward to your next bike tour with the guys. The Normandy beaches will be a good if not sombre one. Are you planning to get across to Verdun as well?
ATB.
Not sure of the itinery just yet Alex but will be over there for 7 days so should see a lot
Toasty hands. What’s not to like? I opted for heated ‘inner gloves’ which I need this time of year, but (for me) they do the job. a lot of people swear by those ‘hand guards’ but on my bike they didn’t quite work as I hoped they might. for less extreme climes, consider trying silk inner gloves - bit pricey, but they last, and somehow keep insulating even when wet. magical stuff, silk. used to get them from bike dealers, in the day, but these days I have to go online… company called ‘Petra’ as I recall, but surely others available. good pal, that Lord Dickie.
Thanks for the info Barry, the handguards don't keep the wind blast off my hands it has to be said. Dickie sure is a great chap:)
@@WiltshireMan yeah, the hand guards didn’t stop wind blast for me and that’s what gets me: wrong bars, wrong guards, wrong sort of wind? my electric gloves are wonderful, but now I’m aware just how much my toes hurt ((o: Silk supplier is “patra” not petra. Bike shops used to sell ‘em, but now it’s all merino or synthetics- nothing like as thin as silk, which allows for camera dexterity, etc. Heated hands for feet not a win then? ):
I need to use a mobility scooter and FULLY understand about getting cold! when it is cold or especially wet, it's just not fun sat on a mobility scooter (even with waterproofs on. you just get very cold. Same as a motorbike to a degree.
Dicky was 18 in 1980 ??? Looking good dude ! Trimmed up too by the looks. Great video boys, I still think heated gloves are a better option though. Keep up the good work. Rich.
You could be right with the gloves Rich, but the grips were quite warm too
Looks like the Himalaian delivers enough power for the grips. My Sr 400 does not. I do not know if my 500 Trials does, but I will only yse him in summertime. And my 750 DCT has heated grips, however she is to heawy to use in winter. So I have to wait for the spring 😢. Really like your videos! 👍. I hope I'll be able to edit/klip together a video soon. My hot tent video was made in a hurry as i was not able to put together 2 klips.
You will have to learn how to add clips together Bolle, it's not hard to learn, maybe have to download a video editor to do it though
@@WiltshireMan The videoeditor in Windows 10 was easy to use. But in Windows 11 I'am not able to understand how to do things. However I am trying to learn apple moviemaker.
Went to the Dragon in 2018 and 2019 good fun but cold and wet on both occasions
good vid some good kit thanks lee
I'm not a bike rider, but I did like the original Bullet Enfield. Had a nice 'thump' to the engine noise
Hi Andy
Yes the old Bullet had a lovely sound, those engines though do not meet modern emission regs unfortunately
I guess I have spent more money for warmth. I have a Concours for cold weather and inclement weather and a nice W800 cafe for above 45 degrees. Need a duel sport for messy days!
I like REs but want one with larger engine- capable of taking pinion , luggage and motorway speed when necessary.
Very brave to ride out in that ice! I'm interested to know what clothing you're wearing in those conditions to remain warm...?
I always remove grips by spraying WD40 via its straw between the bars and grip. And use hair spray to fix them. Very easy to adjust until sets.
Ah I never knew about using hair spray, I've see WD40 used to remove grips though. Thanks for that
Add a pair of RST Pro Series Paragon 6 Heated CE Gloves, and your good for sub zero. great combination that keeps the top of your fingers warm as well.
Probably better than hot grips
Have you thought about " gauntlant" gloves?
R l use these - for birding and they last a good 8 hours - not environmental friendly and you must keep them outside socks as they need air to heat
THE HEAT COMPANY Insole Foot Warmers - 5, 10 or 30 Pairs - EXTRA WARM - 8 Hours of Warmth - Instant Heat - Air Activated - Purely Natural - Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
I don’t really like motorbikes - they are noisy & polluting things - and one of my colleagues killed himself in one - collided with another motorbike head on - both died on the roadside . we were in our late twenties - awful
Great to see those lovely dogs tho - she knows she is in trouble - they are loveable dogs !
The dragon rally should be part of the sas selection course,
Haaha
@@WiltshireMan Hey Sandy, nice you replied, i live in snowdonia and seeing these poor lads passing my house fills me with awe, if you want to call in for a brew your most welcome, love your channel.
Your dogs looked as if they were saying: "Are you talking about us?".
I think they understand more than we sometimes give them credit for Bill
They should be serving bovril sandy at that bike shop 🤣.
Haa That would have been a nice drink on a cold day Wozza :)
Mr Wiltshire didn't look happy 😁
Always happy but feeling the cold :)
Those hot grips sure do the trick.
I dont think you mentioned the ambient temperature.
I think it was about minus 2 C. Not nice riding weather and freezing fog
your not a wimp , its dangerous riding if your not in full control ;;
I am off to Bruce Pollard and Dragon rally in Feb Cornwall to Snowdonia in Feb what can go wrong !!
Polar vortex cold may get us Peter
I enjoyed that adventure Sandy. I am no motorbiker but I like them & my Dad had a Royal Enfield back in the day. Sound was pretty good throughout - is that just with the windslayer fitted to the Go Pro?
Hi Gavin No the mic was a lav mic and the camera was my old gopro hero 7. I used the hero 10 and windslayer when I was in the shop
Ahhh I did wonder with the strength of the audio@@WiltshireMan👍, I'm going to try the windslayer when I next head out. Do you get good audio from behind the camera? I have a Hero 9 not 10 so may not be as good. PS. The John Inman show was 'Are you Being Served' 🙂
Nothing worse than cold hands and feet Sandy , hopefully this will be a thing of the past now 👍
The hot hands foot warmers really got going once I took the boots off Dave, I think they work best when there is plenty of air around them
Naughty but you love them lol
Hey, can I ask if them new pants are Weise? If they are could you do a review maybe?
Yes they are Weise, maybe a review after a bit, lets see how good they are first
I’m considering the Weise dune pants but can’t find any reviews at all? Can I ask what model of pants you ended up getting please?
@@iangriffiths9930 Mine are the Weise Pro Air
How the hell does Dickie ride with no face covering when its that cold , tougher than me both of you !!!!!!.
Always worn an open face helmet,plus the spectacles for eye protection 😄.. I have to admit I have purrrchased a full face helmet so I can see where the hell I’m going whilst riding the 1290r KTM 😳 It’s Mental..
Now you've only got to explain to mandy the ten reasons why you needed them salepettes Sandy 🤭 Dickies got a nicely layed out Garage 👌 A bit of a murky ride out but it was for a good reason 🧀🍵 , Enjoy the 🐲 rally sandy & dickie 🙌👍
Dickies garage is a lovely place to be Martin
Just wondering why you have two bikes which offer similar purpose?
I just like a change sometimes also the bigger bike is better for longer journeys like the motorway but really if I had to I would only need the one bike
I was going to make a comment about hot grips, hot socks, hot tents and old codgers- but I won't.🤐
Nice comment Joe:)
When I go mountain biking in the snow, I wrap my toes in aluminum foil shiny side in.
Works like a hot dam LOL one of my better stupid ideas.
I've never thought of that, worth a try. If it doesn't work I'll blame you :)
My mates refused to try it cos it sounds daft, only lasts one ride. I'll send u 10p if it dont work 👍
If in doubt don't go out 🥶🥶🥶
Thats probably the wisest move Paul, soon be spring