The biggest question when touring often concerns the type of gear you should carry.

On longer tours, especially those crossing the Alps or Pyrenees, weather conditions and temperatures can vary considerably even in Summer.

As a rule, the further south we travel the warmer it gets and the higher we ascend the colder it gets.

Italy and Spain are usually pleasantly dry and hot and you should wear or carry  safety gear that can accommodate the hotter termperatures. Southern France can also be very very warm and you should guard against heat stress in these conditions by wearing lighter and cooler gear and drinking plenty of water.

When we travel through the Alps or Pyrenees however, temperatures can plunge to surprisingly low levels and you should be prepared for, or aware of  the changing conditions and your comfort.  Even in the height of Summer it is not unknown for strong rain storms to hit.

There is nothing more soul destroying whilst on a long ride than cold hands, and having started to suffer from this recently (especially on early morning rides) I decided to look around for some sort of heated assistance. I had tried heated grips in the past, but found they only heated my palms and the handlebars which still left my fingertips and thumbs cold! I then decided to look around for some heated gloves.

After much web browsing and talking to many of our regulars I opted for the much recommended Gerbing Classic. After running the leads through my inner jacket, slipping the gloves on and off even whilst wet, is an absolute doddle. They are a comfortable fit and come with a handy visor wipe which is essential for low speed wet weather riding.

They are warm gloves anyway but can still be worn in Summer without any discomfort,but when the temperature         

drops you just plug the lead in and a lovely sensation of warmth spreads through your fingertips and thumbs - oh joy -  I shall definitely be riding more this winter now!

I tried these out in a rain storm up a mountain pass in Northern Italy recently and have to say they are the business!

Gerbing's heated water proof gloves are made from supple leather with added protection to the palm. These gloves are exceptionally light, strong, soft, and flexible. In addition to the lightweight Thermolite™ insulation, Gerbing heats the entire length of each finger as well back of the hand. Each pair draws about 22 Watts/1.5 Amp - Try them - you'll love 'em!
 
Sorry if that sounds like an unashamed plug but I was so happy with the gloves I just had to pass the information on.