The State of The Road
My wife and I debate quite frequently the choice of road I will take to get from "Point A" and "Point B", and any other "point" along the way, when we are driving in "our cage". Due to the fact that my wife can get a bit nauseous on curvy roads at speed (she is a "car person"), and I like twisty, elevation change roads, the debate usually ends like this, "Take the main highway". End of debate. My wife is not a rider (nor will she fly or sail with me because of the "lean over" factor of all of these), and therefore does not share the same enthusiasm for turning the yolk, steering wheel or push steering that I do.
In most cases the main highway relates to fairly good asphalt with a minimum of road issues that can distract from an anticipated smooth, comfortable, and worry free drive / ride (some Parkways and Expressways exempted! The Queensway through Ottawa during rush hours can be an exercise in collision avoidance). The state of the road is a very important item for my wife (she likes to read while I drive), and the less potholes, starts, stops, debris avoidance, and leans around corners the better.
While filling in the cracks can preserve roadways, the rubberized material
is very slippery and unpredictable to a motorcycle
is very slippery and unpredictable to a motorcycle
The State of the Road to a rider is also a very important item to ones enjoyment of the ride, and more importantly, ones own safety. I recently had the pleasure of riding through an area that offered great views, beauty, and twisty roads. Unfortunately, I had to keep my eyes on the road ahead to try and determine a route around the myriad of potholes and obstacles. Keep in mind I am riding on a public "asphalt" highway with my sport touring bike, not with a dirt bike or dual sport (although on this day, it would really have been helpful!)
A big part of the enjoyment in riding is finding good roads that offer plenty of twisties but do not present challenges to the riders safety.
The enjoyment of the ride was overtaken by my continued desire to ride safely. Should I mention that the road started out very well with refreshed paving having been put down several years earlier, but this stopped after about 10 km. It seems the transportation department decided the last 40 plus km of the highway did not need to be repaired. The speed limit on the road was 80 km/h but there was not feasible on two wheels, and barely for 4 wheels. Maybe this is the new way to keep people from speeding and implementing a "speed limiter" that really works. The holes in the road were often in the track that a motorcyclist would follow and many were up to a 1/2 metre wide and about 2 metres long, and tapered in the shape of a tear drop so that if you dropped a wheel into the hole, it could cause a rider to bend a wheel or worse, loose control. This does not take into consideration the gravel on the road, and the breaks in the pavement along the edge, and cracks in the pavement caused by frost action. Ah, yes. Just the kind of road you like to ride.
So, how do you deal with a road like this? We all have or will be riding them. After all, living in Canada means extreme changes in temperature and frost action. Damage to roads is going to happen, and unfortunately, most road repairs are determined by usage - 4 wheeled and up vehicles with very little, if any, consideration given to motorcycles.
Common sense dictates you ride slower (keeping in mind you will undoubtedly be traveling slower than the "cages" sharing the road with you so be prepared to pull over every so often if you start having a line up behind you). Remember, some of those driving the cars may start to become impatient and when someone becomes impatient, they tend to do impulsive things without giving much thought to the cause and effect their actions can do. Road scanning is imperative, 12-14 seconds up the road as you normally do, but quick scans of the immediate road, hunting for road issues (holes, gravel and other debris) that you may not be able to see in a long scan. As well, you continue to check the rear view mirrors for the traffic behind you. The eyes can be very busy if you make sure you are completely aware of all your surroundings. There is scant chance to enjoy the scenery!
If the road has quite a bit of gravel or debris, you will want to make sure you brake with the rear brake first before the front break. It helps to control your direction and "settles" the bike as you slow down or before the major stopping power of the front brake comes into play.
So, how do you deal with a road like this? We all have or will be riding them. After all, living in Canada means extreme changes in temperature and frost action. Damage to roads is going to happen, and unfortunately, most road repairs are determined by usage - 4 wheeled and up vehicles with very little, if any, consideration given to motorcycles.
Common sense dictates you ride slower (keeping in mind you will undoubtedly be traveling slower than the "cages" sharing the road with you so be prepared to pull over every so often if you start having a line up behind you). Remember, some of those driving the cars may start to become impatient and when someone becomes impatient, they tend to do impulsive things without giving much thought to the cause and effect their actions can do. Road scanning is imperative, 12-14 seconds up the road as you normally do, but quick scans of the immediate road, hunting for road issues (holes, gravel and other debris) that you may not be able to see in a long scan. As well, you continue to check the rear view mirrors for the traffic behind you. The eyes can be very busy if you make sure you are completely aware of all your surroundings. There is scant chance to enjoy the scenery!
If the road has quite a bit of gravel or debris, you will want to make sure you brake with the rear brake first before the front break. It helps to control your direction and "settles" the bike as you slow down or before the major stopping power of the front brake comes into play.
Being in traffic tie-ups is anything but enjoyable, especially is the weather is around 40 degrees celcius. Check road reports and also Apple or Google Maps as they can give the low down on road construction, etc.
n addition, to be pro-active, before your ride, and if you know what roads you will be on, you can check out Goggle Earth street view, if it is listed, and have a look at the road before you go. It will give you an idea of just what it is like, but keep in mind the date the pictures were taken. Things may have changed since then. And if you know ahead of time that you are going to ride those rough roads, you may want to readjust your rear shock(s) if your bike is capable to make the ride a bit more comfortable before you go.
Many a good ride has been interrupted by the state of the road but you can take in what's going on around you by just getting off to the side of the road and smelling the roses, or trees, or.....
Many a good ride has been interrupted by the state of the road but you can take in what's going on around you by just getting off to the side of the road and smelling the roses, or trees, or.....