99% of all riders ride a motorcycle as a sport or hobby, maybe for recreation, or for whatever reason. Cruiser, dirt, street, doesn't matter, you have your reasons.
The difference is that I ride for a living, it's a way of life for me. I have been without a vehicle for six years. I do not rely on my friends nor do I have a spouse that I can rely on for getting a ride. No company vehicle either. I ride when it's hot, cold, dry and wet and learn to adapt to the conditions. Unless you have been without a vehicle for that many years, you will not understand. My fellow riders and I'm sure every cager will see me as nuts, and I certainly understand their point of view.
There are many people who ride for a living, but they also drive which kind of hinders their mental approach on riding when the conditions get poor. People will say that's smart, and I would have to agree to a certain extent, but I'm not going to get influenced by getting use to the luxury of being inside a car, with heat or air condition.
Granted that this is my first introduction to real winter riding, that's why I have shared my experience along the way.
Riding in this condition is not recommended, and as a Rider Coach I discourage most riders not to ride during the wintery conditions. You have to have GREAT balance and be disciplined to ride completely opposite of what you have been trained to do. Like not using the front brake or lean the bike. One mental lapse will most likely result in a quick drop. No full throttle or even half throttle, a quarter throttle is all what the bike can take because the tires are rock hard, tire grip is at a minimum combined with the slick surface. Motorcycle Awareness is at an absolute zero, there are no other riders to remind everyone.
I can go on and on, but I choose to stay on two wheels. I am fully aware of the risk and it's consequences. Yes, the seas are rough this time of year but this ship has sailed.
VR
