Making Adjustments
For Fall Riding...
by R. Bruce Thomas
Wow. It's September already and that means it is time to make some adjustments in our riding behaviour.
With the mosquito population booming this year it shouldn't take much to convince you to always carry supplies to keep your visor clear. If you can't see where you're going and the hazards that may exist you are doing yourself a huge disservice in the pursuit of happiness behind the bars.
Take distracted driving seriously. I can't count the number of drivers I've witnessed running red lights or failing to fully stop at corners. Keep yourself safe by being aware of what is going on around you and doing everything in your power, like lane positioning, lighting, and bright colors, to give other drivers every opportunity to see you.
Don't follow too closely behind other vehicles as that can hide you from the line of sight of other drivers.
And particularly, don't ride too much above the speed of other traffic. While you don't want to blend in you also don't want to maneuver faster than other drivers expect or can react to.
As the hours of sunlight reduce with the approach of fall, the sun will be lower in the sky during the hours most people are driving - going to and returning from work. Always be mindful if the sun is behind you that opposing traffic will be looking into that bright sunshine and may not be able to see you. Again, use your lane positioning to give yourself a safer spot of tarmac.
Speaking of shorter daylight hours, the temperatures can vary drastically so make sure you dress in layers so you are comfortable in the mornings and evenings. It doesn't have to be winter for wind chill to be a factor.
Finally, I'd like to recommend you watch this short video clip of Geoff Duke, winner of six Grand Prix World Championships and six Isle of Man TT races in the 1950's.
Don't let the age of this film prejudice you against the knowledge that it contains. As the scrolling intro to the film states "the average motorcyclist, with aspirations to becoming a first-class rider, can learn much good road-craft from the serious competitor who handles his machine with competence, confidence, and care."
It is easy to find plenty of videos showing the Isle of Man TT race and some of the spectacular crashes it is known for but this film delves into the preparation necessary to be successful.
Noteworthy comments by Duke include:
"The most important thing for any rider is simply to know his own limitations and those of his machine."
"Remember, there's a world of difference between taking calculated risks under the control conditions of a racing circuit and taking unnecessary ones on a public highway. Get to know your machine, keep it under control all the time."
and
"Safety first may be a bit of a cliche but it still saves lives."
Most anyone can ride fast in a straight line. Understanding cornering techniques and improving your skill at such will bring greater enjoyment to your riding.
Striving to improve our road-craft with ample preparation and due care and attention is something that takes constant attention to details as well as making sure both you and your bike are in proper condition.
Ride responsibly, and often.