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Slipperier than water and oil combined, ice on the road is the ultimate challenge and the worst nightmare for a motorcyclist. Fresh snow, the first of the season, is not all that bad. About as slippery as wet mud, it is still rideable at a reasonable pace, using the same tactics as in rain. Though heavy snowfall does reduce visibility far more than rain does and could make finding out where the road goes, under that ever growing white mass, a tricky business. Ride slow, keep clearing the visor and focus in the distance as it is easier to make out the road when seeing the bigger picture of the surroundings. Wind driven snow is bad and you shouldn't be riding in a blizzard in the first place. Look far shelter and warmth and wait for the wind to die down.
Hard ice is a different animal altogether. First of all, be ready and alert for that inevitable slide or two. The secret is to ride slowly, very slowly, keeping the bike vertical and make all control inputs – steering, stopping and accelerating – as gently as possible. Begin your stops very early, primarily using engine braking, no front and using the rear brakes sparingly. Slow way down for those turns and take your time. If you have to turn or slow down suddenly, you are sure to slide and fall. The good news is that the impact will be softened by the snow and ice and the layers of clothing you would be wearing. The bad news is that the vehicle behind you can't stop either. Don't be embarrassed in keeping your feet stretched out as outriggers, heels skimming the surface, ready to counter the first hint of a slide. Because even though a fall is not that dangerous when you are riding very slow, raising the bike upright again, alone in those zero-friction conditions, can become very frustrating if not downright impossible.
Apart from the traction trouble, it is the cold weather that can be another major threat. Cold is usually a comfort problem , but if you let yourself get chilled enough, you can loose your ability to ride safely. The key to staying warm lies in layers of clothing and wind-proofing the cold out. Dress in layers, soft wool inners followed by warm lined tracksuits. A heavy jacket finally covered by a wind and rain proof top suit (remember, water conducts heat away 200 times better than air, so don't get wet in the cold) can take you through the coldest of rides. The layers trap warm air next to the body and the wind proofing protects it from getting blown away. Quilted jackets provide the necessary dead air space and are very effective as insulation. Double socks, one cotton and followed by a woolen pair with heavy ankle high boots keep away those cold toes. And fleece lined leather gloves with a waterproof nape covering takes care of those paws. Use a double layer of cotton balaclavas inside the helmet and a muffler wrapped around the neck, its extra length tucked away inside the jacket. But avoid bundling so tight that it impairs your circulation. While riding, keep your muscles relaxed, wiggle your toes and fingers, squeeze the tank between your knees periodically. To stay alert, sing or shout of you have to. A mind that is not alert is a prime target for hypothermia. If chilled and wet, get out of the cold, get something hot to eat, or better still drink but avoid alcohol. Hard drinks will make you loose heat faster as they dilate your blood vessels. Exchange wet clothing for dry and keep moving around. Nothing works better than physical exercise to get that circulation going. But don't over do it. perspiration and subzero conditions are a lethal combination.
Hard ice is a different animal altogether. First of all, be ready and alert for that inevitable slide or two. The secret is to ride slowly, very slowly, keeping the bike vertical and make all control inputs – steering, stopping and accelerating – as gently as possible. Begin your stops very early, primarily using engine braking, no front and using the rear brakes sparingly. Slow way down for those turns and take your time. If you have to turn or slow down suddenly, you are sure to slide and fall. The good news is that the impact will be softened by the snow and ice and the layers of clothing you would be wearing. The bad news is that the vehicle behind you can't stop either. Don't be embarrassed in keeping your feet stretched out as outriggers, heels skimming the surface, ready to counter the first hint of a slide. Because even though a fall is not that dangerous when you are riding very slow, raising the bike upright again, alone in those zero-friction conditions, can become very frustrating if not downright impossible.
Apart from the traction trouble, it is the cold weather that can be another major threat. Cold is usually a comfort problem , but if you let yourself get chilled enough, you can loose your ability to ride safely. The key to staying warm lies in layers of clothing and wind-proofing the cold out. Dress in layers, soft wool inners followed by warm lined tracksuits. A heavy jacket finally covered by a wind and rain proof top suit (remember, water conducts heat away 200 times better than air, so don't get wet in the cold) can take you through the coldest of rides. The layers trap warm air next to the body and the wind proofing protects it from getting blown away. Quilted jackets provide the necessary dead air space and are very effective as insulation. Double socks, one cotton and followed by a woolen pair with heavy ankle high boots keep away those cold toes. And fleece lined leather gloves with a waterproof nape covering takes care of those paws. Use a double layer of cotton balaclavas inside the helmet and a muffler wrapped around the neck, its extra length tucked away inside the jacket. But avoid bundling so tight that it impairs your circulation. While riding, keep your muscles relaxed, wiggle your toes and fingers, squeeze the tank between your knees periodically. To stay alert, sing or shout of you have to. A mind that is not alert is a prime target for hypothermia. If chilled and wet, get out of the cold, get something hot to eat, or better still drink but avoid alcohol. Hard drinks will make you loose heat faster as they dilate your blood vessels. Exchange wet clothing for dry and keep moving around. Nothing works better than physical exercise to get that circulation going. But don't over do it. perspiration and subzero conditions are a lethal combination.
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