Baby, It’s Cold Outside: Motorcycling In The Snow
Baby, It’s Cold Outside: Motorcycling In The Snow
It’s hard to avoid the snow during the winter in the UK, so if you’ve passed your CBT test and have got yourself a motorbike, here are some tips on how to ride even when it is snowy and icy outside.
Although it is not safe to take the motorcycle out in the snow, sometimes there are emergencies that call for you to get on your bike whatever the weather. And anyone who finds themselves in this situation this week will find this advice useful, as
snowy conditions have hit much of the country.
Ride on fresh snow
Riders might think it’s better to stay on tyre tracks that have already been made in the snow, but these can become very slippery as the snow melts and turns to ice.
Therefore, it is better to stick to areas of freshly fallen snow where possible. For instance, you could try to use the snow in the middle of the road or at the edges where other riders and drivers have not been yet.
Wear protective clothing
Riding in the snow isn’t just dangerous because of the risk of black ice and skidding across the road. It can also be freezing for the rider, making it harder to remain in control of the bike.
That is why it is essential not to consider riding without the right gear, including boots, heated gloves, waterproofs, and a jacket that zips to the trousers to avoid getting any draughts.
It is also sensible to
wear multiple layers , including a base layer, so you can stay warm if you are caught in a snowstorm.
Use the highest gear
When hitting the road, make sure you remain in the highest gear you can. This will stop the motorcycle from spinning by suppressing the power of the engine.
It is also sensible to keep the revs low and movements controlled, and press lightly on the brake. If you hit it hard, this can cause wheels to spin. It is better to have a slow ride than a dangerous one, after all.
