My Year of Winter Commuting

Last winter was… an experience. For those who don’t know me, I’m Kidd, the other half of Chic Riot. And while Chic Riot is a women-focused brand, I wanted to share my own story from the saddle because it shaped how I think about gear, comfort, and what riders (of any gender) really go through out there.

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Why I Rode All Winter

So, we were down to one car last year, and someone had to take one for the team. My wife tossed me the challenge, “If we only have one car, you ride.”

So I decided to be a big boy about it. No excuses. Two wheels, all winter babyyy!!!

Every morning at 7:30 a.m., I hopped on the bike for a 20-minute ride to work. Not a long ride, right?

But let me tell you, twenty minutes in the cold hits different. By the time I pulled into the office parking lot, I was done. Done like I’d ridden across the state done. Cold wind doesn’t care about distance.

My Winter Survival Kit

Pretty early on, I realized my regular gear wasn’t going to cut it so, I upgraded: Leather Jacket, heated gloves, heated vest and a warm balaclava. The gloves saved me and the balaclava kept my face from freezing off.

The vest? Well… the entire front panel stopped working a few weeks in. So, half the ride I was warm, and the other half felt like the cold was punching me in the chest.

Every single morning my helmet fogged up. Didn’t matter what I tried, cracking the visor, wiping it, even yelling at it. Cold Georgia mornings love to fog helmets, and once it starts, there’s no winning.

There was one hard line for me: I was not riding in the rain. Cold? Fine, wind? Fine, 20 degrees? Miserable but doable, But cold rain absolutely not. That was my boundary.

Georgia Cold Still Counts

People love to say, “But you live in Georgia, it doesn’t get that cold.”

Try riding a motorcycle at 20 degrees with windchill. I promise, you’ll feel every bit of it.

Last year, I rode pretty much every single day. And even though it was tough, it taught me a lot about preparation, mental grit, and gear that actually matters. Shameless, I know, but there were times I wish I had one of Chic Riots leather jackets (sorry I just had to add that in there lol)

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Well, the good news is I don’t have to do it again this year, but honestly… after surviving last winter, part of me wants to crank up the bike on a cold morning just to see if I still have the skin (and patience) for it.

Last winter really taught me firsthand how much thoughtful gear matters, especially for riders who don’t want to stop just because the temperature drops. A good leather jacket and heated gear is definitely a must for winter riding.

If my story helps even one rider feel more prepared, or more seen, then it’s worth sharing. I know Chic Riot is A women’s moto brand but hopefully I could share a few more stories and my point of view in the future. Until next time ladies, Stay Chic!!