Coming from Las Vegas I had to adapt to this frigid winter riding here in Boise where the temps have dipped below 10 degrees F (-12 C). As I'm stopped at the red light and I look over to my left as I see a police cruiser roll up besides me and we establish eye contact, the LEO shakes his head with a smirk. Yes, it's that cold! Forget about leaning the bike over, no such thing as grip, my tires have become Flintstones tires, Rock Hard!
I would not be able to ride without my heated gear, I have a heated jacket and gloves. It doesn't keep you warm when the temps are that low, but makes it rideable.
Motorcycle Awareness? There is zero during the winter when it comes to the cagers. You need other bikes to help contribute to the cause, out of sight, out of mind, I'm on my own.
Although the primary roads are clear and dry, the median and between the lanes I find lengthy patches of packed snow and ice, and loose materials such as gravel. Swerving is not an option when it comes to corrective measures. My path of travel has become very limited, got to make it count, I have to anticipate worst case scenario well ahead of time with creativity. every vehicle I see is a threat. Riding on packed snow and ice, I might as well just disengage the front brake. Rear brakes all the way. And don't lean that bike! Side streets are bad! I have to admit, it has given my the heebie jeebies riding on that stuff.
One morning on the way to work the temps was around 10 degrees and it was snowing pretty good. Seeing a bunch of white snowflakes illuminated by my headlight as it approached my visor was a sight to see. Since it was so cold, the snow just blew off the road surface from the wind. As I looked in my mirror, my bike was like a jet creating one of those contrails that you see up in the sky. Now that was cool!
Can't let that visor fog up when it's this cold. Once it does, it immediately turn into frost. Yes, it's that cold.
I've have yet to say "Uncle" and take a taxi to or from work.
I would not be able to ride without my heated gear, I have a heated jacket and gloves. It doesn't keep you warm when the temps are that low, but makes it rideable.
Motorcycle Awareness? There is zero during the winter when it comes to the cagers. You need other bikes to help contribute to the cause, out of sight, out of mind, I'm on my own.
Although the primary roads are clear and dry, the median and between the lanes I find lengthy patches of packed snow and ice, and loose materials such as gravel. Swerving is not an option when it comes to corrective measures. My path of travel has become very limited, got to make it count, I have to anticipate worst case scenario well ahead of time with creativity. every vehicle I see is a threat. Riding on packed snow and ice, I might as well just disengage the front brake. Rear brakes all the way. And don't lean that bike! Side streets are bad! I have to admit, it has given my the heebie jeebies riding on that stuff.
One morning on the way to work the temps was around 10 degrees and it was snowing pretty good. Seeing a bunch of white snowflakes illuminated by my headlight as it approached my visor was a sight to see. Since it was so cold, the snow just blew off the road surface from the wind. As I looked in my mirror, my bike was like a jet creating one of those contrails that you see up in the sky. Now that was cool!
Can't let that visor fog up when it's this cold. Once it does, it immediately turn into frost. Yes, it's that cold.
I've have yet to say "Uncle" and take a taxi to or from work.
