New York Chapter "W"

Gold Wing Road Riders Association

Rochester, NY

Rider Education Information by Gary Mandak

Riding Educator, New York Chapter "W"

A safe ride is a good ride

This is very important this time of year, as we will be getting on our "new" bike. Yes, you have a "new" bike; it is new to you after a long winter rest for both of you. This is a great time to re-introduce yourself to your bike. I know we all have names for our bikes and on rare occasions' talk to them, right? Well, lets get re-aquatinted and communicate with our bikes again. I am sure many of you sat on your bike this past winter in the garage listening to "Born To Be Wild" on your radio and making vroom - vroom sounds. Yes, its cheap therapy and it may take care of PMS (Parked Motorcycle Syndrome) but is not the same as really riding your bike! Well now it is time to ride.

First, find your manual and read it to reacquaint yourself with your bike and remember where all the controls are.

Take the time to check all the fluids, air pressure and lubricant levels. Test your bike before you go out to practice your riding skills. Sit on it, get the feel of your "new" bike and when the roads are clear, find the nearest parking lot do donuts. No, not Krispy Kreme, but do round circles in a parking lot. Getting some pylons or cans to mark the parking lot for your practice turns can be very helpful to plan and execute your turns just like you did before you parked your motorcycle several months ago. You can set them up similar to a road test or the Motorcycle Safety Course to feel comfortable again. Maybe it is time to take that overdue MSF or ERC motorcycle course to help renew those skills or maybe even learn some more. What better way to get used to your "new" bike than to ride in a controlled setting, getting used to looking through the turns, shifting and controlled stopping in a vertical position?

The best way to initially practice is alone to renew our skills before we bring our co-rider along. We need to get into our comfort zone before we hit the traffic zone. Practice, practice, practice.

Another aspect of spring riding are cars that have not seen us since last year. Be aware and give them plenty of space so they can remember we also are sharing the road. Keep a space between you and the 4 wheelers so you have room to escape if you need to.

We should also be aware of sand and salt leftovers from the winter, which can be very slippery when going into a turn. Make sure that all the salt and sand has been washed away before your initial ride.

It is better to practice your "road test" at the local mall, than taste the road after a fall.

Practice Safe Riding

Gary Mandak

Chapter "W" Educator