Warmer weather is here…well for the most part. Chilly mornings, warm afternoons, and cool nights. Rain, sunshine, clouds, and maybe even a little snow. Who knows with the crazy weather spring brings Kentucky. Most people who ride are starting to get back on the road and crush bugs. Riding in the spring time is great, but you’ll need to be prepared and you’ll need to take some extra steps to get your Harley ready after sitting most of the winter.
Make sure your bike is in good working order, check your fluids, battery, tires, spokes (if you have them), lights, and controls. A good reminder I’m sure you’re all familiar with is the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s T-CLOCK: tires, controls, lights, oil, chassis, kickstand.
If you haven’t heard of T-Clock, It’s a safety checklist designed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation that should be done prior to every ride. Most riders forgo the T-CLOCK checklist during the season, but you should absolutely make sure that you go through it now. Diagnosing a problem now can save you a lot of frustration on that first day of spring.
Now on to the fun part….Riding!
Riding in the spring is fun, but has it’s own set of dangers. When you’re gearing up to ride, be sure to look for these springtime road hazards.
Sand/Gravel/Salt
We shouldn’t have too much of a problem with this now, but there still could be some out there, and we all know what the consequences of hitting this stuff in a corner or while braking is, so keep an eye out for it.
Potholes
Every year there are more and more potholes around town and on the back roads. Hitting a pot hole can cause all types of damage. Be on the lookout and if you see one and can remember, report it.
Report A Pothole in Louisville Metro
Ky Dept. of Transportation Pot Hole Reporting
Erosion
With heavy rains and snowmelt, erosion can occur, undermining the footing of roads, especially in the mountains and out in the twisty back country roads where there’s little road maintenance. Pay special attention to the edges of the asphalt , where previously firm ground can crumble away.
Animals
Spring means babies and animals migrating in search of food. Pay particular attention near bodies of water during dawn and dusk hours. Hitting an animal in a car most likely repair bills, hitting one on a motorcycle can be devastating to your bike and your body.
Cold Temperatures
Like we said up above, with Kentucky weather being unpredictable, it’s important to be prepared. Remember you can always take layers of gear off, but if you don’t bring it, you can’t put it on. With temperatures fluctuating sometimes 30 degrees between morning and afternoon, be sure to have the gear you need to say comfortable and safe! Harley makes some great 3-1 Jackets for all sorts of riding.
Yourself & Other Riders
If you haven’t been on your bike all winter, you may be a little rusty. Be sure to brush up on your skills before hitting the road on those long ride. Of course, It’s not just you who’s skills might be rusty. Other riders have always been a major hazard on even the best of days, but on their first ride back in the spring? Watch out, particularly on popular riding roads.
Remember, be safe, have fun, and screw it…let’s ride!
Bluegrass Harley-Davidson 