Call Us 515-280-1207 ☰ ˟
Logo
Call Us Today 515-280-1207
Español
  • Home
  • Coverage
    • Auto
    • SR-22
    • License Reinstatement
    • Motorcycle
    • Renters
    • Homeowners
    • Business
    • Trucking
  • Quote
    • Automobile
    • SR-22
    • Motorcycle
    • Renters
    • Homeowners
    • Business
  • Customer Service
  • Payments
  • Resources
    • Customer Testimonials
    • Refer a Friend
    • Important Links
    • Calculators
    • Insurance Glossary
  • Blog
  • About Us
    • About The Insurance Specialists
    • Employee Directory
    • Location Map
    • In Our Community
    • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
Home > Blog > 3 tips for mountain motorcycle rides
MONDAY, MAY 9, 2022

3 tips for mountain motorcycle rides

As enthusiastic motorcycle riders, we are always seeking new, exciting roads to explore. Our search often leads us into the hills and mountains in pursuit of curvy asphalt and thrilling changes in elevation. Often the best roads trace the path of a canyon or the crest of a mountain ridge. These roads offer thrilling rides and the majestic beauty of nature and occasionally reveal the underlying strata of rock where the mountain was carved to build the road. On a motorcycle, the rider is immersed in the magnificent scenery more than is possible in any other vehicle. Experienced riders know, however, that we can’t get lost in that experience. It’s critical that we always scan for hazards.

 1 - Take Warning Signs Seriously

Some of the diamond-shaped yellow warning signs that advise motorists of the potential for hazards along the road ahead, warn of seasonal hazards. Often we see these signs and the hazard does not appear. Be wary of developing a tendency to dismiss them like the boy who cried wolf, lest you get bitten. This is especially true of the “Fallen Rock” signs, particularly if you ride through the cold season.


 2 - A Seasonally Increased Hazard

Rocks often fall onto roads when rain finds its way into cracks in exposed rocks. In late fall, as temperatures between day and night fluctuate from above to below freezing, the process is increased by the rapid freeze-thaw cycles. This natural process is as powerful as the manmade tools used to carve the mountains when building roads. It just happens.

 3 - Effective Countermeasures

Fallen rocks are one of the surface hazards that can be avoided by continuously scanning the road ahead. This is a basic skill taught in the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Rider Education Courses. When you see a “Fallen Rock” sign, that’s your cue to pay even more attention to the road surface. It’s helpful to increase your following distance from traffic in front of you. Cars and trucks can often harmlessly pass over or around rocks that present a major hazard to a motorcycle. A reduction in speed will also increase the time you have to see and react to hazards. If you encounter rocks on the road, don’t fixate on the rocks. Focus instead on the clear path around them. Be aware that if you can’t see completely through a curve, a rock could be in the road around the bend. So allow yourself a safe margin to change your cornering line.

 Enjoy the extended riding season and ride safe!
 
Mountain motorcycle rides

Posted 12:43 PM

Share |


No Comments


Post a Comment
Required
Required (Not Displayed)
Required


All comments are moderated and stripped of HTML.

NOTICE: This blog and website are made available by the publisher for educational and informational purposes only. It is not be used as a substitute for competent insurance, legal, or tax advice from a licensed professional in your state. By using this blog site you understand that there is no broker client relationship between you and the blog and website publisher.
Blog Archive
  • 2022
  • 2021
  • 2020
  • 2016
  • 2013
  • 2012

  • auto insurance(6)
  • car insurance(5)
  • sr-22 insurance(3)
  • sr22 insurance(3)
  • motorcycle safety(2)
  • office hours(1)
  • owi(1)
  • motorcycle insurance(1)
  • holiday hours(1)
  • teen driver(1)

View Mobile Version
Logo

514 E Euclid Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50313
Ph: 515-280-1207
Toll-Free: 800-832-4934
info@insspecinc.com



TrustedChoice Iowa Logo



The Insurance Specialists Inc, Insurance Agency, Des Moines, IA
Facebook Icon Twitter Icon Google Icon LinkedIn Icon
© Copyright 2021. All rights reserved | Powered by Insurance Website Builder