Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother’s house we go. The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh over white and drifting snow. Well, a motorcycle is not a sleigh. The best safety tip for riding in snow is: Don’t do it. But sometimes you might have to ride on a road that’s not clear of snow, though the white stuff has stopped falling. These tips might help:
Both snow and salt cause tires to lose traction. Be sure to check your tire pressure before you ride. And, if tread is low, now might be the time for new tires.
Because you have less traction, leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles. Double or even triple the space you ordinarily leave and give yourself room and time to stop.
Avoid speeding up, even on hills, if you can. Try to let inertia carry you uphill and then go very slowly downhill.
As the snow melts, be wary of places where snow and ice linger. Bridge decks, for example, have cold air above and below them and are often slippery when the rest of the highway is dry.
And remember to have the right gear for winter. It’s better to be prepared than to be sorry. So have heated gear, including heated gloves, or wear lots and lots of layers.
Yet, there’s no denying it: Unless you plan to ride exclusively around the Southern United States, you’ll face some chilly winters. And even before it...
