Increased Risk Riding A Motorcycle in the Fall

Aside from you riders who live, or migrate to the Sunbelt (you lucky dogs!), the rest of us have to contend with the fact that our riding season is quickly drawing to a close.   The one true positive that this time of year brings is the breathtaking fall colors that Mother Nature paints our northern landscape with.  For those of us who are fortunate enough to live around the great lakes, the “north coast”, upstate New York, or the North East, this time of year is our favorite.  The kaleidoscope of fall colors, along with our senses is even more amplified when we are on our bikes.  Just don’t’ fall into the habit of “gawking” instead of “looking”.

Use the S.E.E strategy.  The Motorcycle Safety Foundation uses many acronyms in their safety courses.  Using “S.E.E.”, or Search, Evaluate and Execute is the first and foremost rule of riding.   While riding we must be constantly and aggressively searching, or scanning.  Searching for; roadway conditions, traffic signals, signs, markings and other highway users.  Evaluate means to constantly analyze what’s going on around you – kind of playing the “what if” game.  “What if that car pulls out in front of me” or, “What if they change lanes”, etc.  And lastly, Execute, or following through on whatever action you’ve decided to perform in order to maintain, or increase the “time and space” around you, or your “safety bubble”.

At this time of year, wet leaves can be a real problem if you’re not prepared for them, or if you don’t see them in time.  As they accumulate on the road they begin to hold moisture beneath them.  The road may seem bone dry, but it can still be very damp and slick under the leaves.  This can create the “banana peel” effect.  They become extremely slippery if you need to make a sudden stop or need to lean a little more into a turn on top of them. 

So stay out of the leaves - you might find an elephant in the pile that can put a dent in your day and on your bike!  Don’t put yourself in a situation where you need to stop suddenly.  In curves, remember to slow to a suitable entry speed and try to choose a path of travel away from the leaves.  Remember to always use the S.E.E. strategy and don’t get in over your head.