‘Biking Season’ Just Around the Corner
Exciting times, the 'motor-biking season' is just around the corner. Whether you have commuted through the winter or hibernated into your 'cage' the spring like weather brings brilliant dry rides, adventure and cups of tea in remote transport cafes. Biking during the summer is going to be fantastic, but some words of caution before launching yourself into the new season.
If you have commuted through the winter the improved conditions bring extra confidence which can turn into over confidence. Equally if you have hibernated, being back on the bike is a thrill, but your skills will be rusty. Coming back from work late one afternoon last week the roads were dry, the sun was out and the bike was running brilliantly. I took a favourite detour down some twisties. I always enjoy my ride home, but this was different, spring was in the air and the biking season just around the corner. I pushed a little harder than normal, looking for extra overtakes and cornering faster. Enjoying the bike is fine, but the roads were packed with commuter traffic and there was fresh horse muck at the side of the road. I backed off the pace, still enjoying the bike, but taking things easier. Sure enough a couple of corners later the traffic was at a snail’s pace stuck behind two horses. If I hadn't backed off I would probably have stopped fine, but it would at the very least have been scrappy and rushed. So the message is simple, enjoy the coming season and your bike, but don’t get carried away.
The IAM website has some helpful tips to get ready for the new season. I particularly like their point about giving time to get used to a new bike. Many of us get our new machine at this time of year or put away the winter hack and get out the summer toy. The heady combination of new toy, spring weather and unfamiliar bike needs to be checked. Enough gloom from me, the new season is going to be great, we have long summer rides and Moto GP just around the corner.
Why not start your season by chatting to fellow bikers at the next West Sussex Advanced Motorcyclists Sunday meeting 10am to Noon, Sunday March 13th at MCA Aviation, Shoreham Airport (more details on the WSAM website at www.wsam.info
WSAM Bike Fanatic
