Another cold weather trick is like the bicycle riders use in the mountain stages. They ride up the mountain, get real cold, someone hands them some newspaper to put into the front of their jerseys. As they descend and it warms up, they discard the paper. I got stuck once in a cold front on my X and the newpaper made all the difference in not having to turn around and head downwind and go home. Bu t, I have to say, the bubble wrap sounds even warmer.
What Sherri says about layering. Next to your skin you want something that lifts sweat and then layer with cotton or silk. I don't use silk or nylon next to my skin or as a layer because it dosen't breath very well nor dose it lift sweat/moisture.I probably blew a grand trying to find what works best for me. My favorite is the Improved Coolmax Thermaskins with Lycra® layered with sleeveless cotton T -shirts. I also like sock and glove liners that lift sweat/moisture. You can get these online at Land's End. The Thermaskins are so soft and warm there's only one thing that feels better next to your skin. Trust me on this. Besides my Cortech BlueJean Jacket with hard armor & quilted removable liner, for late Spring and early Fall I like the RideHide or UnderArmor shirts next to my skin. When it heats up around and after lunch time they leave your skin feeling cool, not hot & sweaty.Since my hands seem to be the most sensitive to cold, I use three types of gloves: open finger, mesh full finger and quality thermaskin leather gloves with a short gautlet to fit over my jacket sleeve. Except when it is hot, I almost always wear a pair of Kevlar glove liners to lift sweat and prevent blisters. Getting the right size gloves is important to preventing your hands from going numb.I like my leather overpants when it is below 50 degrees and windy.Here are some web sites where I buy my stuff:http://www.ridegear.com/rg/item/F-41063/shop/Cortech_DSX_Denim_Jackets.htmlhttp://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/item.aspx?style=5296&department=106&division=1http://www.landsend.com/cd/fp/prod/0,,1_2_1931_71500_3388_7209_5:view=-1,00.html?CM_MERCH=PAGE_71499&sid=2697198943410125252http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?page=fleece-lined-double-l-jeans&categoryId=23783&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=3510&cat4=6298&shop_method=pp&feat=3510-tnhttp://www.landsend.com/cd/fp/prod/0,,1_2_1931_71500_130782_109229_5:view=59,00.html?CM_MERCH=PAGE_71499&sid=2697198943410125252http://www.landsend.com/cd/fp/prod/0,,1_2_1931_71500_130783_109230_5:view=59,00.html?CM_MERCH=PAGE_71499&sid=2697198943410125252http://www.landsend.com/cd/fp/prod/0,,1_2_1931_71500_151370_128917_5:view=-1,00.html?CM_MERCH=PAGE_71499&sid=2697198943410125252http://www.jpcycles.com/productgroup.aspx?GID=6CBED7F8-E47C-415F-840C-33E90255863A Thin is key here for a full face helmethttp://www.hondadirectlineusa.com/stores/product.asp?pid=6356&str=13&ID=957761090 This one for 40 degrees & below but it makes my helmet fit tight because of its thickness.http://www.ridehide.com/ This is good stuff, toohttp://www.goldmanbros.com/gc/catalog/Under-Armour-Mens-All-Season-Gear-100025-pg1.html This stuff works, but is a little too pricy.http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?page=fleece-lined-double-l-jeans&categoryId=23783&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=3510&cat4=6298&shop_method=pp&feat=3510-tn When it is not cold enough for leathers all day you cant beat these. With Thermaskin pants under these you can ride all day when it is in the fifties and be confortable with the fleece lined jeans.In a pinch, a sheet or two of bubble wrap on your chest works great when that cold front catches you unprepared.Also, don't forget your rain gear can serve as a great wind breaker for when those nasty Northers blow in while you are out on a ride and don't have the proper cold gear with you.Good luck and Stay Warm.Jerry