Ride Safe

Cinders and Salt

After the winter storm, come roads covered in cinders and salt. While not as much of an issue for our four wheeled counterparts, we on two wheels have to be ever vigilant of the road conditions.

First of all, we must be aware of the ambient air temperature. With cold temperatures, any moisture on the roads can freeze. Daytime temperatures and seemingly abundant sunshine may make the day attractive for riding, but thawing and refreezing of snow, ice, and slush on the roads may make the ride much more dangerous.

A few days after a winter storm has passed and the streets have cleared and dried, we must be aware of the residual cinders and salt left on the road surface. Hills, curves, shady areas, bridges, and overpasses are going to be the most dangerous areas for motorcyclists. While the temperatures may have risen to our “perfect” winter weather riding threshold, we must be watchful. And as hard as it is to do, sometimes the best thing to do is to wait until after a heavy rain washes the cinders and salt off the roads.