Riding your motorcycle in the cooler winter months can be a pleasurable experience, providing the rider avoids some hazardous pitfalls.
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Most importantly clad yourself in appropriate winter gear to prevent contracting chills and investing in woollen or thermal underclothes doesn't mean your are weak, in fact, very sensible.
Having good road tread tyres on you machine will give you better grip, rather than smooth racing slicks, for quite obvious reasons.
In winter, the dew often stays on sheltered corners and under the tree canopy which can dislodge the rider if unaware.
Many a rider has approached a corner expecting to take it safely only to find his machine sliding away from his usual line of travel and causing heart-stopping moments of panic.
It is not so prevalent here in Australia but frozen surfaces, called black ice, will give no grip to the unwary rider and a consequent spill will most likely occur.
It is difficult to detect, perhaps the reason it is known as black ice, and I have known riders hit the deck over in New Zealand negotiating a corner and being unaware of this road condition.
Another hazard confronting the unwary rider and causing sudden panic is meeting a wash of gravel and debris swept over a sloping corner, often referred to as marbles or ball bearings, leading many riders to fall foul of this situation if travelling faster than tyre grip will allow.
In winter months I would suggest a slower pace, good tyre pressure, extreme caution on corners and I think you will stay upright as winter won't last forever.
Taree and District Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Club calendar of club events
Sunday, July 21: North Brother lookout then to fish co-op, leaving from Taree visitor information centre at 9.30am.
Wednesday, July 24: Moorland, leaving from three venues, 9.30am respectively.
Saturday and Sunday, July 27-28: Nabiac swap meet, all hands on deck.
Wednesday, July 31: Crowdy Head, leaving from Taree visitor information centre at 9.30am.
Sunday, August 4: Green Point, leaving from Taree visitor information centre at 9.30am.
Wednesday, August 7: Riders' choice, three venues, 9.30am respectively.
Sunday, August 11: Nelly's Cafe, Kendall, leaving from Taree visitor information centre at 9.30am.
Wednesday, August 14: The Deck, Tuncurry, near John Wright Park, three venues, 9.30am respectively.
Sunday, August 18: Gloucester via Krambach, also Newcastle Rally, leaving from Taree visitor information centre at 9.30am.
Monday, August 19: Monthly club meeting, 7.30pm at the Airport Tavern, Cundletown.