Post by vintner on Sept 11, 2012 6:54:01 GMT -6
Driving home in the wind yesterday got me thinking about driving conditions we face in our open environment machines.
Wind-affects the machine, rider must change riding angle to lean into the wind, strong gusts are hard to predict and compensate for. It has been known to blow riders into a different lane.
Rain-affects tires and rider. One thing I am always concerned about it loosing contact with the road. Braking and turns require good grip of tires to the road, but rain (sand, gravel, snow, etc) affects that grip. I slow down which helps with turns and braking. Of course, I the rider doesn't have rain gear, it makes driving in the rain uncomfortable. Driving without a helmet and face shield would be even worse.
Temperature-Hot or Cold. Layers can go on to a point and layers can come off to a point. Beyond that point, you are uncomfortable. Cold may be worse than hot because you can become numb making controlling the bike more difficult. Concentration also decreases when you are uncomfortable. Living in Minnesota, there are many days where I drive in cold weather. That makes it hard on exposed skin (like un-gloved hands).
For me, wind can be worse than rain, cold is worse than hot and sitting on a couch is worse than scooting on a nice day.
Wind-affects the machine, rider must change riding angle to lean into the wind, strong gusts are hard to predict and compensate for. It has been known to blow riders into a different lane.
Rain-affects tires and rider. One thing I am always concerned about it loosing contact with the road. Braking and turns require good grip of tires to the road, but rain (sand, gravel, snow, etc) affects that grip. I slow down which helps with turns and braking. Of course, I the rider doesn't have rain gear, it makes driving in the rain uncomfortable. Driving without a helmet and face shield would be even worse.
Temperature-Hot or Cold. Layers can go on to a point and layers can come off to a point. Beyond that point, you are uncomfortable. Cold may be worse than hot because you can become numb making controlling the bike more difficult. Concentration also decreases when you are uncomfortable. Living in Minnesota, there are many days where I drive in cold weather. That makes it hard on exposed skin (like un-gloved hands).
For me, wind can be worse than rain, cold is worse than hot and sitting on a couch is worse than scooting on a nice day.
Ya, wind is mastered.. Rain causes one to adjust speed, worry about hydroplaning, a down pour is not fun to ride through, ect.. Wind is breezy but not the biggest trucker can blow a scooter over. People might think they are going too, but they can't. I would rather brace myself for wind, as too riding through a down pour..