New York Chapter "W"

Gold Wing Road Riders Association

Rochester, NY

Motorcycle Spring Fling Thing

This is the most important time of your motorcycle riding 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!

Before you engage your transmission, engage your head. First, find your manual and read it to reacquaint yourself with your bike and remember where all the controls are. 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 take 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.

Remember that you are a newcomer to the streets again. Our four wheeled friends got used to NOT seeing you this past winter and probably will take a while to remind them we are part of the crowd again. Scan your surrounding and seek out potential dangers on the mean streets. Position yourself so you can be seen and established an escape route if you are put in a dangerous situation. Maintain this cushion and constantly scan your environment.

Wear clothing the makes you stand out, bright colors and reflective gear are a must so you don't blend in with your surroundings. Wear loud clothing, not loud pipes!

Look where you WANT to go. If you look there, you will go there. If there is an item in the road, don't focus on it or you will hit it. See it, and look for your escape route. This time of year there is debris left over from vehicles is not motorcycle friendly. Be on the lookout especially in the early spring rides for this collection of carnage.

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.

Make your spring fling, a safe motorcycle riding thing. It is better to practice your "road test" at the local mall, than taste the road after a fall.

Practice Safe Riding

Gary Mandak

4-05