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the fall colors, presen ng a couple of hazards. Drivers may be a li le distracted and not paying a en on to the road and further may not see you. Be sure to keep your distance from other vehicles. Also, as the leaves begin to accumulate on the roadway they can be very slick. Whether wet or dry, riding through leaves can reduce trac on, making it difficult to stop. A simple reduc on of speed and awareness can make all the difference. Deer Season Fall riding can present some par cular hazards, none more problema c than deer season. As crops are harvested, the area deer can forage is reduced. Addi onally, as farm equipment run through the fields, deer are being pushed into other areas and, in many cases, closer to the road. Hunters are also in the mber, pushing deer into other areas. We also have to consider this is the breeding season for deer and the fact they will be running more ac vely than normal. The best defense is to stay aware, par cularly while in rural areas. Scan the roadway and just off of the shoulders and watch for deer crossings. Typically deer movement will peak at dusk and dawn. Areas where crops or mber are rela vely close to the road will present the greatest challenge. These are ideal places for deer to cross and, unfortunately, will provide you the shortest reac on me. Frost Fall in the northern states and Canada brings variable weather condi ons. O en midday temperatures may be warm and comfortable for motorcycle riding, while overnight temperatures may be near freezing. It becomes necessary to be cognizant of frost on the roadway in the early morning hours during the fall. Be sure to pay par cular a en on for frost on bridge decks or other elevated surfaces, railroad crossings, and in shady areas where the morning sun might not have melted the frost yet. Ice It's a clear, sunny winter day. The temperature is below freezing outside, but you have new warm riding gear and the roadways are clear, so you decide to take a ride on your motorcycle. Be sure to watch for ice on the roadways, even if there hasn't been any rain or snow. Ice can form on the roads very quickly from a number of sources, such as fog, frost, a driver who pours an old cup of coffee or other beverage out the car window, or from leaking vehicle fluids and car exhaust to name a few. Pay a en on for ice on the roadways in the center of the lane of traffic and on bridge decks over bodies of water. Also, pay par cular a en on near intersec ons. They are the most likely spot for people to pour out liquids and for other fluids to accumulate. Dress for Success Don't get le in the cold. In the fall, temperatures can run the spectrum from warm to below freezing. In most cases, regardless of midday temperatures, the temperature will significantly drop once the sun starts to set. It's always a good idea to keep cold weather gear with you just in case you get detained or ride longer than you an cipated. Riding while extremely cold can cause a number of distrac ons. The rider will begin to shiver, get s ff, or ride in an unorthodox posi on trying to pick up some engine heat. All of these distrac ons can reduce your ability to control the motorcycle safely, not to men on just being uncomfortable. It's also a good idea to keep a pair of clear glasses or a clear helmet shield for riding in low light condi ons. You will want to treat them with some form of an -fogging agent before riding in cold temperatures. WheelsOfGrace.com Volume 8 Issue 5 31