Thursday, May 17, 2012
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Last Updated on Sunday, 19 February 2012 21:43
Thunder Lizard Report
By R. Jeff LeGrand
By R. Jeff LeGrand
As we enjoyed the recent bike show here in Calgary we had some unseasonably warm weather, and for the first time I can remember, there were people actually RIDING to the bike show.
I think it made for a great change, and obviously those who did so had some fun in January that they’re probably not used to.
Sadly.. at least one person didn’t, because he planted his ride square in the side of a pickup and now we’ve lost another rider... a rather unhappily unique statistic in January in Alberta. I personally hope that number never goes up.
We’re all hyper vigilant and ready to take action when we first drag the machines out of mothballs in the spring. Gravel, drivers that are “motorcycle groggy” after a long winter’s nap, shorter days and low angles of sunlight are all things we try to take into account because we know the other people aren’t quite ready for us.
However, when we get those odd winter rides, in, we have to be ten times more careful, please. Not only are the cagers not thinking about us being there.. they expect us to NOT be there. It’s January.. why the hell would they see a motorcycle? Even if the roads are bare and dry, nobody wants to ride those things at 0 or +2.. or -3, right?
So, even if it’s not the “cool” thing to do (although I think it is), consider extra measures. Throw one of those inexpensive neon yellow safety vests on over your gear... or better yet, wear one of the jackets- make it so it’s impossible to say “I didn’t even see him”.
Look twice as far ahead and behind as you normally would, try to give yourself the extra edge. Watch your speed… even if there’s no gravel or ice, your tires are NOT designed to be ridden at near freezing- they’re harder and have less traction that they do in the summer, so corner gently, avoid sudden movements, and don’t be a speed freak.. save it for when the road’s as hot as your engine and you’ve got some stickum on those donuts!
And lastly, make sure you personally are extra prepared. Riding in single digit temperatures is hard on a body... wear electrically warmed gear or use those chemical warmers, make sure you’re hydrated (winter air dries you out even faster than summer), and if your hands are really cold.... pull over somewhere and warm up. Stickin’ your hands (in gloves!) on the jugs of your engine is still a tried and true way to find heat for the fingers, and what bike shop isn’t happy to see someone stop in with their scoot during the winter months? Making sure you are warm enough and able to operate your controls is a primary concern when you get out for one of those Chinook cruises.
That being said? Here’s to all of us being able to say we rode every single month in 2012... and let’s not loose anymore riders in 2012 – K!
A few peas short of a casserole.
Doesn’t have all his corn flakes in one box.
The wheel’s spinning, but the hamster’s dead.
One Fruit Loop shy of a full bowl.
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