New York Chapter "W"

Gold Wing Road Riders Association

Rochester, NY

Reflect On Your Fall Riding

As the fall returns, it is time to reflect on our riding skills, apparel, our motorcycle and changing weather conditions. It is getting darker faster, it's cooler outside and the forest critters want to come out and play. Are you getting ready for these fall riding conditions?

Riding Skills

You should always ride defensively and continually scan your environment, but even more so this time of year. Rain, colder weather, fog etc are some of the elements that should impact your riding. Make sure your skills are up to the task. Ride according to the conditions and slow down or stop if you are riding over your skill level. It's better to take a break, than lock your brakes!

Apparel

We need to carry warmer riding gear and rain gear. We already know that, but is our gear reflective enough? Your helmet should have reflective tape on the sides to be more visible at night. Make sure you have clear lenses or visor for your helmet if you get caught riding after dark. Jackets and pants should be of a bright color or reflective in the back and side areas. It is better to be seen than get creamed.

Motorcycle

Are all your lights working properly and do you have enough? For most Goldwingers there is no such thing as too many lights. If you love to light up the night, make sure ALL the lights are working, as burned outs lights are of little value at night. Carry 'amp-le' lights and fuses if you get caught on the ride without functioning lights.

Don't override your headlights, meaning, riding outside your night vision. You may have to slow down to stay in this zone.

Reflective tape and stickers can be added to the back of your bike for additional visibility.

Tap your brake lights gently when coming to a stop light or sign if a BDC (brain deal cager) is behind you, is talking on the cell phone, when drinking their coffee while reading the paper. This may help them realize they are driving and not at their local coffee den.

Conditions

The chances of rain increase in the fall making the road slippery and adding wet leaves to the road will test your riding skills even further.

You may notice oil like film on the pavement when the rain first starts; this is residue coming to the surface and is extremely slippery. When you approach turns be aware of these conditions and adjust your speed accordingly. Just because the speed limit indicates 55 mph means its 55 mph in ideal conditions.

Critters

Bambi, Thumper and all their friends and relatives just love to play in the road in the early morning hours and at night. Be aware of areas that these suicidal critters are willing to meet their demise. They have little regard if you are driving a 4 wheeled vehicle or 2 wheeled one. Their sole goal in life is to get a thrill with your front grill. Don't let them fulfill their life time goal. Either way, you both will lose.

Ride within your own skill level and dress to be seen in declining weather conditions. Fall riding can be the best time of the year for motorcyclists. Be prepared for the worst to make fall riding the best and not an invitation for a 'fall festival.' Reflect on your gear, skill level, and changing weather conditions so you will be shining example for others to see. Practice Safe Riding

Gary Mandak

Chapter 'W' Educator

10-05