Porelle gloves and socks

We've found on our last couple of journeys that keeping the all important feet and hands dry and warm is perhaps the most important consideration for comfortable, long distance riding in colder conditions - there's nothing more depressing than ice block feet and icicle fingers. We've thought long and hard about this one, and are still experimenting with the right combinations...

On this tour, we opted for Porelle's Seal Skinz, waterproof socks with a thermal under layer Excellent when you're not peddling, they can be a problem when you are. Whilst riding, air circulates around the feet, creating an 'airconditioner-like' effect on your wet shoe. Result: frozen toes. A thicker thermal layer helps but also causes problems with shoe sizing as the Seal Skinz themselves are fairly bulky - we used the thermal versions rather than the lightweights. In the UK winters, Cass rides with a pair of Shimano waterproof boots. Excellent for the keeping feet warm throughout a day of rain but rather sweaty in the sun, unfortunately they're too specific and clumpy for a longer tour.

Similarly, we tried Porelle's Seal Skinz gloves and had the same problem. Fingers were kept dry but not warm. Perhaps lobster style gloves over a fleece inner would retain natural body warmth more efficiently but still give a degree of dexterity. Specific to a tandem, mitts themselves would be perfect for the stoker who doesn't have brakes or gears to contend with. It's worth noting though, that we have been riding under pretty extreme conditions - 3,000 plus metre passes, snowfall, hail and torrential rain!!