My first snowstorm ride

[Botch]

I saw the news last night, they said it would snow, but there wasn't a cloud in the sky when I rode to work this morning. Worked two hours, decided to get some lunch, and it was just starting to come down with a strong wind; wasn't sticking to the roads. Started out for home, the ice was soon forming on my faceshield and I couldn't get it off. Before I even got off Hill AFB it was starting to build on the road, and the bike didn't "feel right". I got as far as a Guitar Center store, pulled into the lot and the furthest spot, and shut her down, and then I slipped in the snow walking to the front door! Damn, that was too close!
I caused a commotion in the store, taking my helmet off and getting snow all over the place. Called a taxi, the 20-minute wait they promised took an hour (Guitar Center is NOT where you want to spend an entire hour on a Saturday afternoon! ). I figured it was cheaper to take a taxi than even one drop; the bridge over the railroad tracks on the way home was very icy, doubt I would've made it over that.
So, I guess I dodged a bullet. Snow's supposed to stop and it get warmer tomorrow, so hopefully I can get her home then.

 

[RJ2112]

.....Snow's supposed to stop and it get warmer tomorrow, so hopefully I can get her home then. .................

Hopefully, before someone else does.

 

[lytehouse]

It must have blasted thru Utah & decided to spend a couple of days here in Colorado! We'll be lucky to see the sun on Tuesday or Wednesday! So they say!!
Oh well.....gotta have it to ski on eh?

 

[Moses195]

I left at 6:50 am and it was cloudy and 44 deg. Got in 45 miles and rode the last 5 in a light rain. Tom is supposed to 30 am and a high of 43!!! I want to ride but this might be the 1st Sun in 23 weeks that I chicken out!!

 

[Debaser]

I've never had a problem with slippery roads, even the last 2 miles of my commute which doesn't get gritted, I just take it very easy and make sure I'm never in a position to need to brake hard, passed those 2 miles the motorways are always fine and I can ride as usual. Riding while it is actually snowing is a pain, as Botch said it freezes to your visor and you can't wipe it off, also fingers and toes get colder much quicker than usual.

 

[bergj1986]

Glad to hear you're ok Botch. This reminds me of the time I left work, only to find a good amount of snow on the ground and no taxi's or anything (midnight in Cambridge, MA). I decided to ride my Piaggio Typhoon 50cc to work that day, glad I didn't take my motorcycle. There was some accumulation on the ground, I figured with the "off road-style" tires that were on the scooter, it wouldnt be so bad.

I had absolutely no traction and had to use all of my riding skills to get me home. It was so cold, the engine was barely staying running (gotta love Italian reliability!) . I made it back to my apt just as the snow REALLY started coming down. It was certainly a sketchy ride home, glad I made it!

 

[abacall]

Man, riding is snow is NO fun.
Recent encounter...

I'm done man. I don't need to ride to commute.

 

[chunkygoat]

Hey man i feel your pain. The first few months I had my fz, i don't want to say i felt invincible, but I felt that i could handle the weather. I still to this day haven't dropped her, but I've ridden through torrential rains, snowstorms, floods, etc.

As i've come along now, I realized it isn't enjoyable nor is it worth the risk you take. Yes it can be done (riding in the snow), but why risk it if your mind is only on you NOT crashing. That is hardly enjoyable, and I've learned to check the weather and try my best to avoid snowstorms. Worst case scenario - pull over and call a taxi.

So you handled it the way I would, although i still to this day do not regret the experiences I've had because of how much I have learned from them.