August 2020 Staying Alive

With two months of rider training left in the season, things are going great this year. The heat has been a little rough on students and coaches. As I write this, we are in the tenth straight day of over 90 degrees. Hopefully it will cool down a little soon. With Sturgis being about the only event that has not cancelled this year, I assume many of you may be headed that way soon. If you have not been riding a lot this year make sure your bike is well maintained and ready for the trip. Along with that, make sure you are ready for the trip and riding. With that in mind I thought I would list several things that everyone who rides could use to stay safer on the road whether you are riding to Sturgis or just out for a day ride.

First, ride unimpaired. That could be free of alcohol, drugs, or even fatigue and heat. In the case of a Sturgis ride, wearing a jacket over a wet T shirt will keep you much cooler than riding in just a T shirt (or less). Dehydration is a dangerous condition that has the same effects as being drunk. Drink lots of water or Gatorade type products. Avoid group riding. If you have a number of friends along, break into smaller groups for the trip. It is easier to keep track of who and where the other riders are. It is also easier for other traffic to pass-or be passed. In the case of Sturgis or other large events, avoid riding in large groups. You have no idea of who is around you and what kind of rider they may be. Even if you are experienced, trained, and riding well, I guarantee there are those on the road who are not. A rule I have used for years is, “My idea of a group ride is no more than two other people, and I get to choose who they are.”

As mentioned before, make sure your bike is ready. Fresh oil, good tread on the tires, plenty of brake pad, all lights working, and all nuts and bolts tight should be the bare minimum. Along with that, clutch cables or fluid, brake fluid, and coolant, are all important. Next, safe packing will make sure that you will not lose your clean underwear on the road or have something wrap up in your rear tire and throw you down. Old stretched out bungee nets should be replaced. For many years I have used Rok Straps. They work great and have never loosened up or stretched. You still have time to order some.

Last and certainly not the least is to review and practice good riding techniques. Keep your head and eyes up. Look well ahead and look all the way through curves and corners. Brake to a proper entry speed before a curve, not after you are in the curve. This gives you a safety margin and lets you roll the throttle as you exit, which stabilizes the suspension. Use smooth progressive front braking. As the weight transfers forward you have more traction on the front tire, meaning you can use more front brake. Remember, as the weight transfers to the front tire there is less traction for the rear tire. Too much rear brake will cause a skid in this case. Something I have observed and experienced over the years on bikes with floorboards-you know who you are-is that when applying the rear brake pedal skidding is quite easy. The problem is that if you pick up your foot and step down on that big assed pedal, as the weight transfers forward your body weight is putting more and more pressure to the rear brake making a skid even more likely. The ideal situation is to apply more front brake and less rear brake as the weight transfers. To help counteract this problem on your floorboard equipped bike, keep your heel in contact with the board and just use toe pressure on the pedal. This gives you much better control of the rear brake application. The next step is to practice this and get used to it before you need it in an emergency stop.

Stay straight, ride well, and stay safe. Your memories of this season will be much happier if you arrive at November with your bike in one piece and your body intact.

Ride safe,

Gary