Last Updated on: September 29, 2024

Autumn riding a motorcycle in Norway can be both a joyous, wonderful and bone chilling experience. Be prepared for weather changes!

September 29: maybe on this road for the last time this season.

“There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing” is a saying here. Many are those who’ve been surprised by the truth to this. Whether one talks of absolute drenching wetness, bitter cold, or snow. Like this year, into second half of September King Winter’s “dandruff” made appearance many places.

September 30th 2023: a cold evening I recall.

I’ll admit right away, although I dont’ mind riding in temperatures below 10C, it’s not my absolute favourite. But if the weather is good I’m prepared to tolerate temperatures down to or below 5C. It all depends. September 29th was such a day. But strong wind made it feel a lot colder than it was.

Autumn riding – dress well

There is a reason why expensive gear like Rukka sells well in this country, and indeed all across Scandinavia. That reason has nothing to do with ventilation though, which isn’t much to brag about. Riding heavy GoreTex with insulation in warm weather in Europe can be a most displeasing experience.

I know, too well.

But for Autumn riding in Norway it’s perfect. And completely shields you from weather, be it wet, dry, windy or all at the same time. Another challenge however, are hands and feet. My new boots does a pretty good job. The challenge I am having, is gloves. Am one of those who could be classified as one with Reynaud’s.

September 22nd 2024 was a warm autumn day.

Not diagnosed, but the symptoms are there. And when it kicks in, there’s nothing that can stop it, save getting indoors, drink something hot, and wait for the blood flow in fingers to normalize. When the flow is on a decline it continues till numbness hits.

The only other thing that helps, is physical exercise. The sort that gets your heart pumping fast, “a little challenging” when you’re sitting, or standing, on a motorcycle.

Finding the right gloves is key. Combined with inner lining. Heated is of course a must, but unless you have gloves that can transfer heat from the inside of your hand to the outside, you end up fried in your hands, and freezing on the outside. Not ideal!

I had a couple of Halvarssons gloves that worked well. But lost them, then got a cheaper replacement that works, but not optimal. So now I have to go and look at their newer models.

October 2021: Autumn riding with the warmest gloves I’ve ever owned.

Soon it’s over

Well over, for this season. Right now it looks like King Winter is clenching his fists around us early. But as one says, it’s not over until it’s over! I’ve been able to ride November some years. But it’s not common. This also has to do with low sun and shorter days. Which means that while the temperature can be ok around noon’ish, it drops quickly towards the evening.

I normally put the big bike into winter storage late October. My good old Honda Transalp 1994 model sits in the garage, ready to be mobilized on short notice. I’ve ridden that motorcycle too little this year. Hopefully there will be opportunities before winter descends on us.

Meanwhile I am thinking about next year. Where to go. One thing is certain, vacation will either begin a lot earlier, or later, than this year. Which is another story I will post later. What, if anything, have you planned for the 2025 season? Cheers.