Riding on Snow & Black Ice

[DK Custom Products]

So, about 10 days ago I rode home from the shop in snow and slush. I was very impressed with how well the TG handled it, and would not hesitate to ride where ever I needed to go in that stuff.

See pics and vid here-

http://www.triketalk.com/forum/threads/25850-Pics-of-the-ride-in-the-snow-today!


A few days ago we had some freezing rain, followed by snow.

The roads had a couple inches of snow on top of a layer of ice. (no salt or chemicals on the roads)

I was not even tempted to ride to the shop...lol

But I did want to get out on the roads in our "neighborhood" to see what it was like.

I rode around for a bit. The snow provided a relatively stable amount of traction....UNTIL any significant acceleration or braking...at which point it burned thru the snow to the "ice skating rink" the road had become. It was interesting, and fun, but nothing I would be interested in doing any traveling on.

Here's a video-

​

Kevin

 

[Bikerbozo]

One hint. Don't use front brake on snow. If you do, counter steer. Didn't mean for this to all be in bold. Can't seem to change it.

 

[roadrunner1800]

Kevin try driving interstate speed on black ice and snow....and to make it an extreme experience throw in some mtn roads with downhills and curves....and then do it all with 18 wheels / tires under you and pulling loads of gasoline weighing up to 102,000 lbs. in a big rig tanker all around New England and Vermont. I did that for 30 years and 3,000,000 accident free miles until retiring in May, 2014. I did find I did not miss it one single bit this winter of 2015.

 

[DK Custom Products]

Re: Riding on Snow & Black Ice

One hint. Don't use front brake on snow. If you do, counter steer. Didn't mean for this to all be in bold. Can't seem to change it.

Ah, one of the downfalls of the linked brakes on the new models...no way to use just the rear brakes...that would have been a lot more fun!

Kevin

- - - Updated - - -

Kevin try driving interstate speed on black ice and snow....and to make it an extreme experience throw in some mtn roads with downhills and curves....and then do it all with 18 wheels / tires under you and pulling loads of gasoline weighing up to 102,000 lbs. in a big rig tanker all around New England and Vermont. I did that for 30 years and 3,000,000 accident free miles until retiring in May, 2014. I did find I did not miss it one single bit this winter of 2015.

No thanks! We're not used to that stuff down our way. Last time we had black ice of any significance around here was in the late 90's.

I know there are plenty of people that are thankful that you got gas to their stations! Congrats on making retirement accident free!

Kevin

 

[roadrunner1800]

Re: Riding on Snow & Black Ice

No thanks! We're not used to that stuff down our way. Last time we had black ice of any significance around here was in the late 90's.

I know there are plenty of people that are thankful that you got gas to their stations! Congrats on making retirement accident free!

Kevin

I actually was very proud of doing it that long and that many miles safely....some of us truck drivers do care what we are doing and are very aware how quickly all $hit can turn a good day very tragic and I find I still worry about my former co-workers and friends who are still out there truck driving for America....sounds corny I know but the truth....thank you for noticing and your comment

I was actually watching your video with a lot of apprehension, even though I knew that you made it safely otherwise you wouldn't have been posting your comments. So quickly can it happen when on ice and snow...especially the ice because your tires are hot and forming a liquid between the tire and ice....on very cold temperatures zero and below the ice is actually almost as good as pavement for traction until you have to suddenly stop and then the pucker factor kicks in tenfold....be careful next time out there "playing" in the snow and ice

 

[DK Custom Products]

Re: Riding on Snow & Black Ice

I actually was very proud of doing it that long and that many miles safely....some of us truck drivers do care what we are doing and are very aware how quickly all $hit can turn a good day very tragic and I find I still worry about my former co-workers and friends who are still out there truck driving for America....sounds corny I know but the truth....thank you for noticing and your comment

I was actually watching your video with a lot of apprehension, even though I knew that you made it safely otherwise you wouldn't have been posting your comments. So quickly can it happen when on ice and snow...especially the ice because your tires are hot and forming a liquid between the tire and ice....on very cold temperatures zero and below the ice is actually almost as good as pavement for traction until you have to suddenly stop and then the pucker factor kicks in tenfold....be careful next time out there "playing" in the snow and ice

Thank you, and not corny at all!

I've always felt a special respect for truckers. Back in the day almost all (and still today, many) truckers have always been respectful of bikes on the road...being on the open road, just seems there is common denominator. I have a few friends that are still driving, they say it is much different these days...but I still get a good sense when passing most trucks.

I've seen more than a few block traffic from getting close to an accident scene ahead of them, protecting those in the accident from passing traffic.

Respect, and I hope you enjoy your retirement!

Kevin

 

[bikerbillone]

Roadrunner, let me add my thumbs up to your safety record. That is quite a feat considering your occupation. Wish you well in your retirement.