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OK...I'll take a stab at christening this section...
This time of year, when most of us who live north of I-40 are suffering deblitating cases of PMS (Parked Motorcycle Syndrome), it's awfully tempting to find a dry day in the winter to crank up the horseless horse and go for a spin. Take em when you can get em!
Just be careful...
Even though the roads are dry, there may be residual salt and sand in the corners from road clearing efforts by your friendly neighborhood snowplow. Until this stuff gets blown or washed away, it can make the corners very treacherous. As always, look as far ahead into the curves as you can...keep an eye out for irregular surfaces and dirt or debris that can make a quick withdrawal from your traction account.
While it may be in the mid 30's or low 40's, spots on the road that don't receive adequate sunlight can still provide you with a nice surprise in the way of an ice patch. Be wary of that shady spot under and overpass or the north slope of a mountain.
Even though it might be dry and clear where your bike is parked, the same might not be said for your planned destination. In many parts of the country, conditions can change drastically in short distances. I had a breakfast jaunt cancelled a few weeks ago as what was a clear and dry Saturday morning turned into fog, flurries and a slushy freeway just a few miles up the road. When the road gets nasty, slow down, don't make any sudden control inputs, regroup your thoughts and make a smart decision as to what course to take....on that day, my smart decision was to turn back and head home.
Cold tires and cold pavement don't like to hold on to each other. Your tires grip best when at their proper operating tempurature. In July, it doesn't take that long to reach it, but in January when everything is cold, it takes a lot longer for them to reach proper temp, and they go cold again a lot quicker. Make sure your tires are where they should be before leaning hard into that curve.
We all want to put in as many miles as possible, and while it's a unforgiveable crime against humanity to pass up a rideable day in the winter, realize that there are some added dangers and be careful. There's no shame in heading back to the garage.....
Getting THERE is optional.....Getting HOME is mandatory.
Spring will be here soon.
This time of year, when most of us who live north of I-40 are suffering deblitating cases of PMS (Parked Motorcycle Syndrome), it's awfully tempting to find a dry day in the winter to crank up the horseless horse and go for a spin. Take em when you can get em!
Just be careful...
Even though the roads are dry, there may be residual salt and sand in the corners from road clearing efforts by your friendly neighborhood snowplow. Until this stuff gets blown or washed away, it can make the corners very treacherous. As always, look as far ahead into the curves as you can...keep an eye out for irregular surfaces and dirt or debris that can make a quick withdrawal from your traction account.
While it may be in the mid 30's or low 40's, spots on the road that don't receive adequate sunlight can still provide you with a nice surprise in the way of an ice patch. Be wary of that shady spot under and overpass or the north slope of a mountain.
Even though it might be dry and clear where your bike is parked, the same might not be said for your planned destination. In many parts of the country, conditions can change drastically in short distances. I had a breakfast jaunt cancelled a few weeks ago as what was a clear and dry Saturday morning turned into fog, flurries and a slushy freeway just a few miles up the road. When the road gets nasty, slow down, don't make any sudden control inputs, regroup your thoughts and make a smart decision as to what course to take....on that day, my smart decision was to turn back and head home.
Cold tires and cold pavement don't like to hold on to each other. Your tires grip best when at their proper operating tempurature. In July, it doesn't take that long to reach it, but in January when everything is cold, it takes a lot longer for them to reach proper temp, and they go cold again a lot quicker. Make sure your tires are where they should be before leaning hard into that curve.
We all want to put in as many miles as possible, and while it's a unforgiveable crime against humanity to pass up a rideable day in the winter, realize that there are some added dangers and be careful. There's no shame in heading back to the garage.....
Getting THERE is optional.....Getting HOME is mandatory.
Spring will be here soon.
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