While most riders who live in colder climates store their bikes for the winter season, some individuals enjoy embarking on winter riding. While riding your bike in the winter may not appeal to everyone, it can be an exhilarating and unique experience for those looking for something new. With that being said, however, there are additional challenges, hazards and preparations that riders must acknowledge.
Riding in cold weather will demand you to deal with the added layers of challenges associated with it. It will require extra thought and vigilance revolving around your environment, body and equipment. This article will provide you the necessary tips in order to make sure you have a safe and comfortable ride each time you hit the road.
- Know your risk tolerance: Every rider approaches winter riding differently. Some may have a higher risk tolerance than others. It is entirely normal to air on the side of caution if you do not feel comfortable riding on a specific day because of potential hazards such as snowfall. You know yourself better than anyone ever will. Never let peer pressure convince you to ride when you are not comfortable with it.
- Don't ride as far: It's easy to ride for hours on end during the summer months. It's not so easy during the winter. Cold weather makes your body work harder to generate heat. The dry air of winter also takes moisture away from your body without you noticing. This can quickly leave you dehydrated from any ride you embark on. Added to the fact that temperatures can drop rapidly after sundown. It is essential to keep time and distance in mind when going out for a ride.
- Ride Less: Riding your motorcycle seven days a week in perfect summer weather can be music to any biker enthusiast's ears. Not so much for winter. As mentioned before, riding in the winter wears on your body faster. It is also easier to get sick if exposed to cold air long enough. Spacing out your days is a great way to give your body the proper care and rest it needs for the next ride.
- Invest in proper winter gear: There is nothing worse than riding through the cold air without the appropriate equipment to keep you warm. Not only do you increase the likelihood of getting sick, but you also become a hazard on the road because your dexterity for maneuvering will be reduced. Invest in proper gear to keep yourself and others safe on the road.
- Recognize environmental hazards: Winter riding presents more risks to be aware of before hitting the road. Hazards can range from snowstorms, black ice, loss of traction, salt, cold tires and potholes. Being vigilant and mindful of these hazards can alleviate any potential accidents.
- Check the weather: Checking the weather cannot be stressed enough. It is an easy and quick way to get a snapshot of your day and determine if it is safe to ride or not. Check the weather every time before you ride.
While winter riding does present more risks than riding in the summer, taking the proper precautions can result in safe and fun rides every time. Hopefully, this article can give you a starting base of what steps to take should you embark on winter motorcycle riding. For more resources on motorcycle information, visit hupy.com and also visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HupyandAbraham/.
In the event that you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle crash, the experienced attorneys of Hupy and Abraham may be able to help you. We will go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that you are treated fairly, provide you with the personal attention that you deserve and use our experience of helping more than 4,000 injured riders make successful recoveries. Our personal injury law firm is the largest in the Midwest, with offices located in Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa. Our motorcycle attorneys have secured a number of motorcycle settlements in excess of a million dollars.
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