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In this Issue:
1) Personal Note
2) Motorcycle Riding Tip - How to Handle Gravel (Part 2)
Coming Soon:
... HelmetGiggles Comic Strip
Personal Note:
I hope you're having a great summer! I've been traveling a good bit this summer. Just back from seeing the Arch in St. Louis Missouri. We approached St. Louis from the East... driving through Illinois. Either Illinois doesn't have a motorcycle helmet law, or a bunch of riders were ignoring it!
Seeing motorcyclists riding with nothing on their heads was really strange. According to my calculations, over 80% of the riders I saw, did NOT wear a helmet. It made me think, "If I was riding through Illinois, would I take off my helmet?" I don't think so. How about you?
By the way, the Arch is definitely worth seeing. My kids loved it.
David Mixson
david@motorcyclementor.com
Riding Tip - How to Handle Gravel (Part 2)
Pete's Riding Tip "How to Handle Gravel (Part 1)" was a hit. Chris asked this follow-up question in the MotorcycleMentor.com forum:
How do Riders handle gravel in a turn when you are going from a paved road to a gravel one?
I encounter this situation every time I ride; the road leading to my driveway is gravel and marked with some pretty big potholes, a few right at the edge where the pavement meets the gravel. The paved road connecting to this gravel road is a straightaway with a 35 mph speed limit, so while I am slowing to make a safe turn, people behind me are accelerating (or trying to, if they're not on my tail).
Thanks, Chris
Pete replies: Good Question, Chris. Actually, it's several questions since you're dealing with multiple events happening simultaneously. Let's start with the cars on your tail, making you feel like you have to rush the turn.
While you are still on the pavement, some distance from your turn, I gather from your description that you are checking your mirrors (good) signaling with both a turn signal and the brake light (good).
I would only add here to begin slowing plenty early so the car following has lots of time to react to your intentions; resist the temptation to rush things and slow down only at the last moment trying to be a nice guy and not hold up traffic.
You are a legitimate road user; don't put yourself in jeopardy because someone appears impatient. Nor do you want to pull way over to the shoulder (in the case of a right turn) or hug the center lane (in the case of a left turn); this only encourages them to share your lane and squeeze by.
Also, be very disciplined about checking your brake and stop lamps prior to a ride; sounds like your life depends on knowing they are working.
Now, if gravel has spilled from the side road onto the paved road's surface, it most likely has compromised your traction. You'll have to take the turn plenty slow, looking well through the turn (not down at the gravel or potholes), elbows relaxed, and just a light touch on the grips.
Already have the tranny downshifted as you slow for the turn, get your braking all done and out of the way before you actually begin the turn, though you may find it useful to ride the rear brake pedal lightly through the turn to compensate for any lack of smoothness with the throttle.
You'll get the hang of it. Don't forget to remind yourself to relax. The motorcycle does not steer well when you are tense.
Fred added: The area of the turn-in, where gravel is resting on top of pavement will be a lot more tricky than the gravel road where the gravel is resting on more gravel. Crossing the gravel on pavement might require a vertical or nearly vertical bike to keep from losing it, vs a basic gravel road, where it is quite ok to have some lean.
Thanks Pete and Fred!
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Until Next Week,
David Mixson
MotorcycleMentor.com™
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