Snow Ride
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 47
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From: Denver
Snow Ride
On Monday I took the Iron to work, warmish morning about 45* F. Checked the weather that morning and the forecast called for snow starting at 8PM. Went out for lunch around noon, still in the 40's, sunny with a few light clouds in the sky. Checked the weather again at 3PM, this time the forecast called for snow starting at 9PM.
Much to my surprise, I looked out the window around 4PM and found the sky filled with dark clouds dumping huge wet snowflakes on the downtown area
Packed up my gear in about 15 minutes and headed home.
Well, since I deleted my front fender I knew it would be a wet ride home--no problem, I just pulled my goggles on and my bandana up over my nose
There was about 0.5" of snow on the sidewalks but the roads were just wet and since it had been in the 40's all day I wasn't overly concerned with ice. Also giving me comfort against ice on the road was the nasty Magnesium Chloride taste seeping though my bandana from the relentless stream of water hitting me in the face.
I made it about 100 yards before my goggles were covered in snow and slush so I just kept wiping them clear every chance I got and toughed it out. I kept my speed low and my following distance about double what I normally would. I made it home in one piece, drenched and cold, but definitely more confident in my riding ability.
Lessons learned from this experience: a good anti-fog / rain-ex type application on the outside of my goggles would have improved my visibility greatly. Secondly, I won't soon trust the weather forecast any time soon. And, lastly, a little water and snow won't stop me from riding if I need to!
Be safe out there and enjoy the winter riding if you get a chance!
-Wildcat
Much to my surprise, I looked out the window around 4PM and found the sky filled with dark clouds dumping huge wet snowflakes on the downtown area
Packed up my gear in about 15 minutes and headed home.Well, since I deleted my front fender I knew it would be a wet ride home--no problem, I just pulled my goggles on and my bandana up over my nose
There was about 0.5" of snow on the sidewalks but the roads were just wet and since it had been in the 40's all day I wasn't overly concerned with ice. Also giving me comfort against ice on the road was the nasty Magnesium Chloride taste seeping though my bandana from the relentless stream of water hitting me in the face.I made it about 100 yards before my goggles were covered in snow and slush so I just kept wiping them clear every chance I got and toughed it out. I kept my speed low and my following distance about double what I normally would. I made it home in one piece, drenched and cold, but definitely more confident in my riding ability.
Lessons learned from this experience: a good anti-fog / rain-ex type application on the outside of my goggles would have improved my visibility greatly. Secondly, I won't soon trust the weather forecast any time soon. And, lastly, a little water and snow won't stop me from riding if I need to!
Be safe out there and enjoy the winter riding if you get a chance!
-Wildcat
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: Bham, Alabama
Sounds like a wild ride.. I went through a small hail storm coming back from the Panama City Beach rally last spring. It was rough but there was no where to pull off.
Luckily I had the fairing on my bike and I just hid behind it the best I could.
Makes you feel like a badass when it's over but it was scary at the time!
Luckily I had the fairing on my bike and I just hid behind it the best I could.
Makes you feel like a badass when it's over but it was scary at the time!
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 102
From: Waukesha, WI
I got caught in a nasty thunderstorm once, had no idea it was blowing in until it was on top of me. Worst part about it besides not being able to see, was breathing in water through my bandanna. Decided that I'm investing in a modular helmet this year in case I get dumped on again.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 1,208
From: Ohio
We travel on the bike ...translation is you experience all the elements. Sun, heat, rain, hail, wind, and yes, even snow. It's just part of the experience and unavoidable if you travel on your bike. It just let's you know your alive!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,488
Likes: 30
From: Maryland near DC
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 4,904
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From: Streetsboro, Oh
Glad you made it home, but this is just one reason I don't ride in the winter, I never have to worry in my Jeep LOL! I have been in some bad rain storms and one hail storm-that one sucked, had no helmet on, no leather, just jeans and a hoody. My face looked like I got shot with a ton of BB's for the next few hours after I got home.
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: goodyear
A story like that makes feel like a p----,it was 53 degrees on the way to work this morning and I was cold.Ride home was 76 degrees and no clouds in the sky!Typical Arizona January day for us big p-----.
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