Wet Weather Riding–Part III
on May 8, 2011 at 8:05 pmHiya. Bobcat here.
This is the third and last installment for the year on wet weather riding. I talked last about checking your equipment/cycle, and being prepared. I wrote about not being alert and not being fatigued. Another point I would like to make is mental preparation!
For a long or extended ride it is very important to review the route and directions. I like to know not only the directions and the roads/highways but also the road types and conditions. For example when riding south on the highway I was comfortable riding 70 MPH for hundreds of miles on I-5. I also knew that at the Grapevine the road becomes winding and climbs in elevation thousands of feet…. I made myself aware of the current conditions and temperatures and made a judgment call I would not run into any SNOW. Ha Ha. Personally I do not like riding two wheels in the snow and just because the weather had forecasted rain there were high enough temps so that my confidence was good. I did prepare a secondary route through Mohave just in case the going got tough. (Save yourself some trouble and have a back-up plan).
I have a GPS mounted on the left side of my bars which I covered with a zip-lock sandwich bag to keep the rain out. I also would remind you to bring a map with you and if you do not have a GPS write or print the directions put into a large zip-lock bag and scotch tape to your gas tank. Or if you have a tank bag or map holder use that.
My riding habits change in wet weather. I don’t ride as fast; I try not to ride behind or next to semi tractor/trailers. I try not to get behind or next to vehicles with multi wheels throwing up large amounts of spray. I more or less go with the flow due to conditions and reduced visibility and stopping. I concentrate on keeping the riding separation distance that I know I can safely stop within. I do not make last minute decisions and lane changes (it is fare easier to take the next off ramp and turn around rather than to get scraped off the pavement). I usually have to keep my visor cracked open to prevent fogging. You can also carry anti-fog. I recommend reading the article by Kevin G. and Rick K. on webBikeWorld.com
I keep an eye on my fuel gage/mileage and do not push the limit of capacity. I always am scanning the traffic in front and behind me for vehicles operating in a manner that might cause an accident. Knowledge and forethought can save your life. I have programmed my self with habits that keep my head on a swivel; I am always getting a visual to make me aware of what is happening in the area around me. I still see drivers that are distracted that are talking on cell phones, texting, eating etc….
Braking is a very important part of riding in general and I would hope all of you have good braking techniques. Using the front and back brakes appropriately. At higher speeds the front brakes provide much of your stopping power but at low speeds (less than 5 MPG) they can hurt you. Depending on conditions I have braking habits that help my control my motorcycle better. There are too many braking techniques to talk about. I will leave that for another series.
Acceleration is also a factor; smooth gradual acceleration is the key. I do not accelerate so quickly that I loose traction or close separation distance to fast. When merging I match the speed and try to keep some separation behind vehicles in front.
Cornering speed is also decreased so in general it is a very good idea to slow down. Another factor is the weight of your motorcycle. One of the Motorcycles I ride is over 800 lbs. heavier motorcycles do not stop as fast as the lighter ones. Also the rider to motorcycle weight ratio makes a big difference. You know how we men are…..MORE POWER! Which means some of us ride bikes that are too heavy and over powered for our riding skills. Just another reason to slow down a bit. 
I think I will end with this. The better prepared you are, the better condition your equipment is in, the safer you will be. Slow down in adverse conditions. Stay aware of what is going on around you. And most of all be careful. Drivers do not see motorcycles like they do other cars.
You can contact me at caroadstar@gmail
My next series will be on popular motorcycle rides and routes in the extended San Francisco bay area. Be Safe!
Bobcat, have scanned all three of your wet weather riding comments. I’m not a rider but a mother of two riders. I love the intelligence you show both in care of the rider and your writing! Thanks for looking our for the rider in wet weather. Moms appreciate it!