Knocking the Rust Off

by Gary Klinker

We have survived another Wisconsin winter! Right around my area of the state we were very short of snowfall, so it was a bit different than normal. Still, things are very busy for Safe Rider. As I said last month, I would let you know about our recent activity. The DOT Motorcycle Safety Program Spring Kick-off was done virtually again. Not an ideal situation in my mind, but it went well with some good information and ideas. We held our Safe Rider training, but sickness and injuries cut our numbers. The Board of Directors met later in the day, and we got everything for the past year reviewed and made plans for the upcoming year. Thanks to our board members for their time and expertise. As I write this the first six BRC classes are full.

Now that riding season is here it is time to knock off the rust. What does that mean? Many activities involve perishable skills, meaning that if not practiced often, they degenerate. Think of skills like archery, flying a plane, shooting, driving, even baking, and for sure riding skills can all lessen if not practiced often.

Your situational awareness and reaction time have maybe hibernated over winter and need to be awakened before you really need them. One thing we know for sure is that another winter has had detrimental effects on the roadways. Your bike has been sitting for whatever time you have been off the roads and may need some repairs, or for sure basic maintenance.

Knocking the rust off includes getting the bike ready and then starting easy at first. Take a short shake-down cruise to check things out. Make sure the mirrors and handlebars are adjusted for good visibility and control. If the bike passes this test, it is time to work on yourself. Find an open parking lot. Do some slow loops and circles. Do some easy straight line stopping, gradually increasing your speed until you are comfortable. If your bike has ABS brakes do some hard braking to cause the ABS to acuate. You should know what it feels like in case it happens some day on the road. When you are ready hit the road and work at paying attention to your surroundings. Plan escape routes, Slow down for intersections and be extra aware of everything. Find an open country road and work on looking as far ahead as you can see. Make smooth braking transitions for the curves. Once you have done all this for a while-it may take several hours, or several days-your skills should be as shiny and rust free as your bike. Then remember that every day of riding is a day to practice your skills.

Ride Safe,

Gary