Riding Your Motorcycle in the Rain Or Snow
If you live in a climate where rain and snow are the norm during the winter months, your motorcycle probably spends most of the time in storage while you wait for more favorable riding conditions. Then at the first sign of warm weather, you pull on your leather pants and motorcycle chaps and hit the road ready to inaugurate a new riding season. However, along the way you might discover that the glimmer of sunshine was just a teaser and you find yourself riding in inclement weather. A rain shower or light snowfall doesn’t need to preempt your ride, but there are some precautions you should take to make the ride safer and more enjoyable than the ride would be if you weren’t prepared. Your motorcycle apparel will offer some protection, but there are some other precautions that you should take before your ride.
If you have never experienced being caught off guard by a sudden downpour without the benefit of a face shield, many riders will attest that those innocent little water droplets sting when they make contact with your face. In this situation, some motorcyclists will tie a bandana across their face to ward off those steely raindrops. If there is a chance that you might encounter some precipitation on your ride, plan ahead by packing a face guard for your helmet. In addition to your leather pants and motorbike gear, pack a rain slicker, gloves or gauntlets, and perhaps a sweatshirt. In a heavy rain storm you might be better off pulling over and waiting out the storm. If this is the case, you will still want to keep warm if you’re not near a place where you can go indoors. Your motorcycle apparel can provide some warmth and protection, but you don’t know how long you’ll be out so it’s better to plan ahead with some warmer clothes.
Mountain biking is a rough and tough sport. In involves riding and negotiating tough, off-road mountain terrain. Clearly, an ordinary bike is not up to the arduous journey.