It's starting to get warm enough around here for some riding, but I haven't yet since I'm a bit concerned about the residual sand on the roads that had been spread during all our lovely ice storms this year. Most major roads and interstates are clear, but there are still some spots with sand and/or salt. I've been trying to wait for a good downpour or two to wash this crap away, but I'd really like to ride even if I need to stick to highways.

I already rode to the dealer and back once a few weeks ago, and it was fine. What do you other folks from colder-weather climes think?

 

I like to wait for the salt and sand to wash away as well. I already witnessed a guy almost wiping out when he went to make a turn at an intersection. His back tire fish-tailed when he hit a patch of sand. Although right now, if we have a nice day here, I think I'll risk it.

 

OK, now... Don't be givin' me a bad name out here with your nickname... The correct response should have been closer to "Just ride the bike and quit yer whinin'." Yeah. Something like that.

 

I have been riding whenever possible, but I assume every turn/intersection is going to have sand/gravel on it and ride through it accordingly.

The salt however would keep me off the road, regardless.

 

I never consider the roads safe. Too many moron drivers. Except for the couple of weeks we had where the roads near my house were completely covered with snow pack and ice, I haven't quit riding for the winter yet.

 

Safe? Someone is forgetting the first lesson of the MSF course. Safe means "without risk."

 

.... "without risk" does not exist, regardless of the road condition.

 

"Safe" is subjective. If you're not comfortable riding, don't.

 

Well, that's sort of my point. You're never safe. Life is a deadly business. Last week, a family was "safe" inside their home when a plane fell on it.

 

I really hate when that happens.