Page 37 - December Edition.cdr

“You might be attempting to keep up with or race your mates”
6. Look out for hazards
Following on from that, make sure
you stay alert for any potential
hazards on the road. These include
potholes, oil spills, black ice,
debris, animals, and more. The
more focused and alert you are, the
sooner you spot hazards, and the
more time you have to react. It will
result in a safer and ultimately less
7. Plan for the weather
Always check the weather forecast
before you leave and plan for the
conditions. Riding in wet or windy
weather presents a whole set of
new challenges, while riding in
e x t r e m e h e a t i s e q u a l l y
challenging. If it is cold and wet,
wear suitable gear and take your
time navigating the conditions. On
the flipside, if it is hot, wear
breathable and lightweight gear,
and take plenty of fluids with you.
But never resort to wearing
'Queensland leathers' (singlet,
shorts, thongs) – it's not worth
losing skin for.stressful ride.
Editorial sponsored by Collect a Bike Service
8. Slow down
It sounds obvious, but it is very
easy to go too fast on a motorcycle.
Some bigger bikes also give you a
difference sense of speed,
meaning you will feel like you are
going slower than you actually are.
Motorcycles are designed to go
fast, but save the lap records for the
track and stick to the speed limit. It
will help keep you out of danger, but
also allow you to enjoy the journey
and take in your surrounds. If you
want to test the ability of you and
your machine, there are legal ways
to do that
9. Relax
And that brings us to the last point –
just relax and have fun. It can be
easy for less experienced riders to
let stress and panic overcome
them, but keeping calm and
collected will prevent you from
making incorrect or irrational
decisions on the road. If you follow
all the above points, then
motorcycle riding can actually be
very safe. So don't fret – just smile
a n d e n j o y t h e r i d e !
. LHR
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