During the colder months, many riders forgo storing their bikes so they can go out on winter rides. Riding your motorcycle on a trail during the winter can be a great experience, but it comes with challenges and obstacles that you wouldn’t normally encounter during the warmer months of the year. Let’s look at five tips that will help you get the most out of your winter trail ride, while keeping you safe and aware of your surroundings.
- Wear the proper gear: If you’re riding in cold weather, you always need to keep warm. When your body is cold, you will get tired faster and won’t be able to maneuver as well during your ride. Always layer your clothing because you can take off layers if you get too warm. Having the right safety gear is also important for riding on the trails, since it is easier to crash with all the obstacles that may be on your route.
- Check the weather before your ride: You need to know the temperature and weather conditions before you ride to prevent being in a dangerous situation. Extreme cold and blizzard conditions are probably not something that you’ll want to ride in. Rough winter weather can cause you to be stranded and extreme cold can cause injuries very quickly. Always check the weather before you leave on your ride to make sure you’re prepared.
- Remain aware of the risks: Different riders have different risk tolerances. Riding in winter, especially on trails, can be hazardous with snow, ice, debris and other obstacles. If you don’t feel comfortable riding on a certain day or a certain trail, don’t do it. Never let peer pressure convince you to ride if you are not comfortable.
- Take shorter rides: Riding in the cold is much harder on your body than riding in the summer. You can become dehydrated easily. It also becomes colder in the dark, and the cold can lead to exhaustion and injuries. Your daylight riding time is limited in the winter. You’ll want to finish your ride while the sun is still in the sky.
- Look out for hazards: Trails are full of hazards and obstacles. In the winter, the snow can hide a lot of things that are dangerous to riders – logs, ice, branches, potholes, etc. Always be aware of your surroundings and try to spot trail hazards before they lead to an accident.
While winter riding does present more risks than riding in the summer, taking the proper precautions will lead to a safe and fun ride. Try to remember these important tips if you head out on the winter trails for a motorcycle ride. For more great motorcycle articles, news and events, stay tuned to hupy.com and our Facebook page at facebook.com/HupyandAbraham.
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