Snow
Snow is odd stuff. It's quite cold, generally being at or below 0° Celsius, generally white, though a particularly cold snow can appear blue, and it has bulk.
Motorcycles and snow are not generally considered to mix.
If, and this is a big if, you NEED to ride in snow there are a number of things to consider:
| 1 |
You will get cold very quickly, so dress warmly, use electrically heated gloves, body warmers, or electric handlebar grips. |
|---|---|
| 2 |
Make sure that you have some means to keep both the inside and outside of you helmet visor clear |
| 3 |
Bulk up on warm, high calorie food it will be needed as you get cold. |
| 3 |
Don't do anything that will cause you to sweat in your riding gear before riding, it could freeze to your skin - not nice |
| 4 |
Don't wear cloths that will completely restrict your motion. You need to be able to move, readily. |
| 5 |
Accelerate gently. Use high gears when travelling, reduce speed on the throttle as much as possible |
| 6 |
The back wheel will spin, don't over react, don't panic, move your body weight to compensate. |
| 7 |
Going down hills, the front will push, use the rear brake to cause a little drag. |
| 8 |
On busy roads stick to the ruts carved by the cars, they are often free of the worst snow build up. |
| 9 |
If you have to change lanes, be EXTREMELY careful, the snow between lanes is often compacted ice in large chunks that will cause front or rear wheels to skip sideways. |
| 10 |
Remember that your front brake will stop the front wheel dead in snow, in an instant, use with incredible care. |
| 11 |
Stop regularly. Warm up, don't push yourself. |
| 12 |
Tell someone that you are leaving or coming, describe a probable route you will be taking. |
| 13 |
It is possible to have fun and enjoy riding in snow, but it takes preparation, care and perpetual attention. |