Motorcycle enthusiasts don’t like stowing their bikes away for the winter months. As the dark winter days drag on, it’s like their motorcycles are calling to them from the garage and the roads tease them with moments of glorious sunshine. So, it’s no wonder that hardy souls still head out on sparkly Saturday mornings to take in the gorgeous Colorado mountain air.
If you think you might take a winter motorcycle ride this season, check out the following tips to keep you safer on the road. (I’m lucky to have another motorcycle enthusiast and expert on the O’Sullivan team: Before becoming an attorney, Eli Ohlhausen worked in the motorcycle industry, first as a certified mechanic, then as a service advisor, and eventually as manager of the service department for a BMW dealership.) Eli and I put our heads together and we offer the following tips for safe winter motorcycle riding.
One of Eli’s favorite things to do in the winter is riding dirt bikes! If you love to ride but don’t want to risk the winter roads, get yourself a dirt bike (they are cheaper this time of year than they will be next spring) and find a good dirt bike park. You can ride a dirt bike in all sorts of inclement weather.
Not only are dirt bikes fun, but they are a great way to improve your riding skills. You will literally fall over and off your bike dozens of times, and you will learn to navigate tricky obstacles, which is excellent training for the road. Also, riding dirt bikes helps you to learn to control your natural panic reaction in stressful riding situations – and it’s always easier to keep the bike upright when you’re not freaking out.
I wrote an article a while back about the proper gear for winter motorcycle riding. Of course, I mention insurance in that article, too, but it also includes great tips for keeping your hands, torso and feet warm and protected. There’s also a link to a fun video about how to turn milk cartons into hand guards when you’re on the road and suddenly find yourself in a storm. A quick trip to 7-11 could save your hands!
If you have any questions about this article, don’t hesitate to call me: (303) 388-5304. Stay safe out there and have fun this winter!