Riding Season Is Here: Spring Riding Tips for Newbies and Veterans Alike
Well, well, well... Our northern weather is finally showing signs of warming and I'm getting damn anxious for that first ride. Down south, I hear the days are already warming up and T-shirt weather is heading your way. The winter has been long and hard, but we've survived another one. Whether you're a veteran rider like myself or a newbie just starting out, there are a few things you should keep in mind as you begin the riding season.
Tire Pressure
First and foremost, check those safety issues, especially tire pressure. This cannot be emphasized enough for tire life and traction. Air those babies up to 40 psi. Tires as well as the road may be cold, which has the potential to reduce your traction. Cold tires are stiffer and may not grip as well. Leave the superhero cornering style for later this year, son.
Helmets
Your head is your responsibility and I don’t care about your preference. This is the most dangerous time of year to ride, so put a damn lid on it! It’ll help keep you warmer for starters.
Asphalt Conditions
Up north, the roads have taken a real beating. Freeze/thaw cycles through the winter as well as the salt break blacktop into pieces, especially on seams between lanes. Potholes are one thing, but breaks along blacktop seams can grab your front tires and before you know it, the bike’s riding you. Be careful and watch those seams. If you must cross a broken seam, do it as abruptly and at as much of a 90 degree angle as you can achieve given the room you have.
Slow Moving Critters
Critters are beginning to wake up, and like you, they need their coffee and a smoke to get up and moving in the morning. Wandering around scratchin' their butts, tryin' to clear the fog. Seriously, they are moving slower and just not awake yet, creating slow-moving targets and increased road kill.
Left Over Winter Debris
Road debris such as gravel at dirt road intersections, sand/gravel in the corners, and remaining salt, as well as general crap from over the winter, can become an issue with vision as well as a stinger on the face and hands. Springtime rains may also return this debris to roadways no matter where you’re at. Wet or damp roads from melting snow and cool temps can create icy patches in shady areas as well.
Other Motorists
Cagers that can manage to pull away from their phones long enough to operate their behemoths are sure to not remember bikes are traffic too, and they’re not used to us being out there. Just your high beams are not enough. MAKE sure they see you. Use the whole damn lane to your advantage, move around A LOT in the lane to “be seen” by oncoming and turning traffic. Consider replacing your bike's passing lamps to amber so as to not blend in with parking lot lighting behind you, especially at dawn and dusk.
These are just some of the potential issues we may come across as a new riding season begins. Our passion is on the dangerous side, which is why many of us do it in the first place. Simply understanding the potential hazards and what to watch for is a good start as we get our own “sea legs” back under us. Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times, and enjoy the scenery, the smells, thrills, and comradery that motorcycles provide. This passion brings together more blue and white-collar people than most any other.
