Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/749085
Every fall we like to include an ar cle about the riding condi ons in the Fall. Just like with this magazine, if one person reads something that helps them with their riding in the Fall season we have accomplished our goal. Check Your Skill Set Weather in the upcoming Fall season can run the spectrum. Riding a motorcycle is a physical and a learned skill. As such, your skill set can diminish if you don't ride regularly. So if you have been off the bike for an extended period of me, take some me to re-acclimate yourself to your bike. If you are new rider find an open area or a parking lot and do some slow speed maneuvering and some braking drills, if the surface is conducive. Hazard Awareness Your nice, relaxing ride through the country should be fun, but don't relax too much. When riding, you have to maintain a constant state of awareness. Here is a fun exercise you can prac ce once in a while: Ride with the concept of trying to iden fy every hazard you see so there won't be any surprises. When iden fying or calling out hazards, there are no wrong answers. Call out – even if not out loud - everything: driveway, intersec on, children, dogs, parked cars, oncoming line of cars behind a slow moving vehicle, blind curve, hillcrest, deer, gravel, construc on, potholes, railroad crossing, etc. This exercise will help you prepare for something, but more importantly, it will force you to scan beyond your normal boundaries. Wet Weather If you ride your motorcycle as much as some of us do, you are going to get wet. Riding in the rain can be done safely if you follow a few simple rules. Keep rain gear with you if you have room. Riding while dry will keep you more comfortable and is less distrac ng. Keep a pair of clear glasses or wear a helmet shield of some type. Keeping the rain out of your eyes is impera ve. Adjust your riding speed for the condi ons. Keep in mind, when it rains for the first me a er an extended dry period, there will be excessive amounts of oil on the road, making condi ons extremely slick. Watch for standing water. Motorcycle res by design are efficient at displacing water but are not exempt from hydroplaning. Remember water will pool in the normal vehicle tracks on the road and most roadways are crowned and, as such, water will be deeper on the right side of the road. Gear up, slow down, create distance, and stay focused. Leaves are Falling When fall begins to set in, the falling leaves can present an unassuming hazard. Many people venture out to see Courtesy of ISP (Illinois State Police) FALL MOTORCYCLE RIDING 30 WheelsOfGrace.com Issue 33