Ride or Store
By 36 Special on Nov 9, 2008 in Motorcycle Safety
Well it is that time of year all around the northern hemisphere to decide whether you are going to continue riding or put the bike into hibernation. Now some of you live in areas where it is pleasant all of the year but for the better part of us the weather just dares you to get on your bike. For those in the northern most areas I understand that ice does make riding just a little interesting. So I guess it is understandable to put the ride up for a few months. For the rest of us where a little cold rain, the occasional snow, and just downright sucky weather cause us to rethink our love for the open road well I am speaking to you right now.
What it all boils down to is are you prepared. If you are going to ride year round do you have the proper experience and gear to ride in the winter (maybe a little intestinal fortitude helps). If you don’t have what it takes then maybe you need to find a good riding partner who does and do a few trial runs to figure out your strengths and weaknesses before any descent runs. It doesn’t take but a few miles in sub freezing weather or a little dampness to figure out if you have the right stuff either so don’t plan any 100 mile trips to figure this out. The best bet is to get with a group and try an bad weather ride. Talk with the experienced riders and try and get a little information from them as to what works and makes life easier while in that environment. The little things make a difference.
Riding in the winter can be a great experience if you plan properly and ensure you have what you need. There should be no real reason to put the bike up for 4 months and let a bunch of good riding pass you by. So get out, enjoy, and be safe. You can check out a few of these posts for more information;