New York Chapter "W"

Gold Wing Road Riders Association

Rochester, NY

Rain Rain Go Away

Now that we are riding full time again and the weather has warmed up, we now have to face the reality of getting caught in the rain. There are special considerations when riding in the liquid sun that you should remember while getting your free bike wash.

Speed Limit

The speed limit is based on ideal riding conditions. That means most of our riding is not ideal riding weather, especially if you ride in the northeast. You should ride to the level of weather conditions that currently exists. Slow down to a safe speed for the conditions or to a speed when your co- rider quits hitting you in the back of the helmet.

Road Conditions

When the rain first starts, you may notice a bluish tint to the water on the road. Those are the contaminates coming to the surface of the road when it first starts to rain. This 'road cocktail' is a mixture of oil, transmission fluid, coolant and left over drinks tossed out the cager's windows. This is the time you really need to be aware of the road conditions as the road is very slippery. As the rain continues, it will eventually wash away this road film.

Metal Grating

Metal grating, railroad tracks or bridge grating will cause you slip slide away. Keep a lookout for any metal surfaces and stabilize a correct speed before you ride over metal grating. Do not hit the brakes or over steer the bike or it will cause you to slide. This may be a blast when you ride a dirt bike, but not when a cager is right behind you.

Tires

Tires should always be inflated to the proper level and have sufficient tire tread all the time, but it is crucial when it rains. If your tires are worn to an unsafe level when the rain hits, you may experience hydroplaning. Hydroplaning is when water on the road is deeper than your tire tread and creates a barrier between your tire and the road. It feels like ice and you will slide. Think of your Goldwing on ice skates, I skid you not.

Gear

If you anticipate rain, don your gear before the rain starts. It is much easier to put on rain gear over dry clothing, not pre-moisten clothing. It is also very uncomfortable and may cause you to be cold. Be sure you have correct eye ware if you are looking over your windshield. If you wear rain gear, make sure it is highly visible.

Weather stations

Consult weather conditions before you ride and if you have a weather station on your radio, listen to what you are riding into. Also look ahead to possible declining weather conditions and decide if you want to ride it out or pull over and wait it out.

It is important to change your riding habits in poor weather. When you are riding you may want to chant, 'Rain rain go away, please don't make my Goldwing sway'. A little sway could mean a bad day.

Practice Safe Riding

Gary Mandak

Chapter "W" Educator