Gloves for a long ride in 50 degree temps...

[benVFR]

Simple rain covers help a lot in keeping your hands warm...

They are a PITA to wear though!

Trying to find a heated jacket is key.. pump enough heat into your torso and the heated grips/winter gloves become a luxury rather then a necessity.

[gregp]

I'm not sure where to find them, and I'm sure someone else could chime in, but when I was in the UK last week I saw riders using these (kevlar?) "bags" that attach at the handle bars

Think of putting a cloak on each handlebar, and to ride you slip your arm into each "cloak" and keep your hands underneath, on the bars the whole time.

can anyone chime in on what those are?

MSR "Hippo Hands" are big flaps of material laminated to plastic backing. They just strap onto your bars. Rocky Mountain also sells "Quad Boss" hand guards, which are more of a pocket to stick your hands into. They are a bit tougher to get onto your bike, but they protect your hands from wind and cold much better. I have both. I modified the Quad Boss pockets by sewing in a wire loop to keep the opening open. I had visions of getting my bars ripped from my hand and not being able to get my hand back in the hole. They work great and I can ride in 20 degree weather or less with no gloves at all. I run either on both my dirt and my street machines.