Tar Snakes
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 10,363
Likes: 127
From: Yooper North of da lift bridge
Tar snakes are all over the UP of MI since we have a lot of thawing and freezing going on,its a cheap and effective way to fix cracks and expansion joints. But they are hell on two wheels ! When the temps get above 70* they get worse ! We have several tight curves here in town and you get the pucker factor real quick when going thru the curve and your front wheel is slipping every 10 feet. Hate em ! Gonna find tires that may not be as prone to tar snakes when its time for new !
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 5
From: Central Calif
I posted on another forum several years ago about how tar snakes were dangerous and they needed to revamp the way it was applied -- or the compound -- a rider who also worked for the Trans dept argued that the snake snot was not a problem when riding -- I just assumed he was a poser.
We have snake strips all over out here and I just slow down --
We have snake strips all over out here and I just slow down --
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 353
Likes: 7
From: East Tennessee
Worked at a City for 25 years in the Street Department and did the crack sealing thing. Back in the day we used to use a product called Bitch, we would pour it down squeegee it into the crack then sand it. It would become hard. But then the EPA steps in and says the sand was a breathing hazard so the development of what they use now comes into play. It is a live rubber and is made the way it is so as a crack widens the sealer will hold in the crack. You think it's slick where you northern boys ride come to Arizona in the Summertime when it like 115 degrees outside and it's like riding on snot.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 196
From: usa
I think the worst stretch of tar snakes I ever encountered was on that back road (that's well travelled during Sturgis times) that goes into Devils Tower area around Hulett.
Just seems that such a popular bike area the highway dept. would do something different.
When it gets hot I really noticed it.
While other places have these snakes for some reason I recall this place.
While riding thru Pecos Texas in August I stopped at a light and put my foot down which sank into the tar/pavement just like another poster said...pretty strange experience.
Just seems that such a popular bike area the highway dept. would do something different.
When it gets hot I really noticed it.
While other places have these snakes for some reason I recall this place.
While riding thru Pecos Texas in August I stopped at a light and put my foot down which sank into the tar/pavement just like another poster said...pretty strange experience.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 317
Likes: 11
From: Arizona
Yep the AZ snakes are the worst I've ridden on. Pulled off into a rest area somewhere South of Hoover Dam, parking lot was riddled with the gooiest snakes I've seen, first thought I had a flat, went and stepped on one and it was just oozing under a thin top skin. Was extra careful after that, cross snakes aren't so bad but the lengthwise ones are because you're on them longer and should be avoided if possible.
