Riding Tips – Page 2

Motorcycle Wind Chill Chart

When the cold weather starts to roll around, many motorcyclists begin to talk about the infamous “wind chill”. In fact, as temperatures begin to drop below freezing, the temperature for motorcyclists is actually much, much colder. In fact, in this community, many motorcyclists can probably agree that, wind chill is slightly more important than temperature itself. Whether you are new or not, wind chill is an incredibly important aspect to take into consideration. While it may be 10 degrees outside, when you factor the wind chill, it can be around -15 degrees outside, which can cause frostbite or numbing, leading to a motorcycle accident!

There is nothing that can magnify the cold than riding your motorcycle during winter’s gusts.

Below, we are going to share with you our Motorcycle Wind Chill Chart and how to stay warm during the winter monthsl. As you will note, our chart stays between the standard ranges that motorcyclists are driving, and the average temperatures in the winter. If you live in an area that is naturally colder, as you might conclude from our chart, the colder the weather and the faster you drive, the most intense the wind chill will be.

Temperature in ° Fahrenheit

Speed	15 °	20 °	25 °	30 °	35 °	40 °	45 °	50 °
25	-4 °	3 °	9 °	16 °	23 °	29 °	36 °	43 °
30	-5 °	1 °	8 °	15 °	22 °	28 °	35 °	42 °
35	-7 °	0 °	7 °	14 °	21 °	28 °	35 °	41 °
40	-8 °	-1 °	6 °	13 °	20 °	27 °	34 °	41 °
45	-9 °	-2 °	5 °	12 °	19 °	26 °	33 °	40 °
50	-10 °	-3 °	4 °	12 °	19 °	26 °	33 °	40 °
55	-11 °	-3 °	4 °	11 °	18 °	25 °	32 °	40 °

Wind Chill in ° Fahrenheit

Tips to Stay Warm This Winter

In light of these wicked cold temperatures, it still may be tempting for some motorcyclists to drive. If so, it’s vital to take proper measures to ensure your body is protected from the frigid cold weather. Here are a few tips that we have to help stay warm this winter when driving your bike.

Heated Inserts

One of the quickest and easiest ways to keep your body warm when driving a motorcycle is purchasing heated inserts. You can buy these at any common store, and they are relatively cheap. You can purchase multiple packages and utilize them to keep your feet, hands, and even jacket warm, especially on a colder day. However, it’s important to keep in mind, if you do not have appropriate external layers to fend off the cold weather heated inserts will be ineffective. This brings us to our next tip!

External Layers

If you want to stay warm this winter, you need to purchase winter gear and external layers to help defend and protect your warmth. There are numerous stores that offer combination packages for winter bikers. These typically include jackets, pants, hat, and even gloves, if you are lucky. It’s highly advised to purchase as many appropriate external layers as possible. Do you really think plain blue jeans are going to help in -7-degree weather?

Heated Seats

If you want to stay warm when driving your motorcycle, invest in a heated seat. Not only is this a great technology innovation that you might become obsessed with, but a heated seat can help keep the main part of the human body warm. Having a heated seat will keep the blood flowing through your body and keeping you as warm as possible, avoiding frost bite and the painful numbing in your limbs.

Heated Grips

Aside from heated seats, did you know that you can also purchase and install heated grips? This is probably one of the best features that any motorcyclist can invest in this winter, aside from proper clothing and gear. It’s important to know that not every manufacturer is currently producing heated grips as this is a relatively new innovation. Heated grips can help keep your hands warm, keeping you driving longer, and safer.

Staying Dry

It may seem like common sense; however, staying dry is a great way to stay warm this winter when driving your motorcycle. Purchase the right protective layers, which should be waterproof and heavily insulated and make sure that no part of the skin is exposed to the frigid air, snow, or rain.

Know the Windchill Factor

Understanding what the wind chill factor is plays an incredibly important role when driving a motorcycle. The truth is, if you are not careful, wind chill can lead to numb hands and feet while driving a bike, making it difficult to navigate. Moving forward, always take the time to use our handy motorcycle wind chill chart to figure out what the temperature is truly like when cruising along. Also, do yourself a favor and start implementing some of the tips we provided to keep yourself warm, comfortable, and safe. While driving a motorcycle is one of the most exciting experiences, safety is most important.

How to Survive in City Traffic

By Teddy

If you want to avoid becoming road kill, always follow rule number one:

It is up to you to ride as though you were invisible to other drivers.

A bike will always lose in a collision with a car. You may have had the right of way, but do you really want to be dead right?

The best way to be unhittable is to make yourself more visible to other drivers but never assume that they can see you. Remain aware of what is around you at all times and in your line of travel. The British teach their riders to always do the “Lifesaver.” What’s that? Before you change lanes, actually turn your head and look: you’d be surprised how many times you’ll find a car riding along in your blind spots.

Even if you have the best cruiser motorcycle, a bike will always lose in a collision with a car.

Get to know your commute route, including the best times to travel, and the best shortcuts and traffic patterns. I’ve found that the shortest way is not the best way, and the taking the longer route can result in a lot less stress. At the same time, my closest calls have actually been on quiet neighborhood streets and not congested city roadways!

There’s a lot more to learn and practice about safe motorcycle riding, and the techniques and best practices needed in different environments. If you haven’t taken the MSF’s Basic Rider Course, I strongly encourage you to do so. I’ve met riders who, after riding for years, took the course and admitted they discovered some bad habits which required correcting. Safety on a bike is the key to ensuring you’ll be riding for years to come.

Ride Safe. Ride Aware.

(Source:https://www.fix.com/blog/motorcycle-riding-in-city-traffic/)

Bike Routes in South America

By Teddy

South America is a continent surrounded by Atlantic Ocean on the Eastern side and Pacific Ocean on the western side. It is possible to cycle across the continent, though they are not designated bike routes. You use the normal roads together with other road users. Cycling is in South America can be adventurous and fun, depending on the time of the year which determines the prevailing weather conditions. The South America circuit gives a visual outlook and appreciates the environment and all its surroundings. It takes less than 10 months to complete the cycling circuit from the South to the North.

Southern route

You can begin your route from the South at Marica Riohancha, Santa Marte; the coastal city in the Pacific Ocean. You then move to Peninsular, Venezuela to experience the sand beaches and great weather. The road takes you to Tierra-del Fuegro in the Caribbean Sea. It is 1,200 km stretch from the Southern City of Ushuaia. In Argentina, you will enjoy the wild animals from the parks and glaciers mountain of Perito Moreno and Mount Fitz Roy. From Tierra-del Fuego you move North road to Ruta 40 as you pass through Paratoginia; at this point you enjoy the woodlands of Chile and a green landscape of the grasslands.

Argentina route

Take Carrelera- Austria Road that has a gravel surface. Along the route you will encounter snow-capped mountains, rivers and their resultant features for an awesome visual look. This area lacks any facilities, when leaving the coastal city carry enough food and drinks. It is sparsely populated with lots of fishing activities and sight of Salmon and Trout fish species.

The road ends at the city of Puerto Mont, then go through Argentina to the sandy beaches of Andes. Rota 40 road still meets Mendoza to enjoy sea food and recreational facilities. You can ride north to Argentina to Salta town which is 400 km from Bolivia- a border town. The area is characterized by mountains and has a rough terrain making riding a difficult challenge. It has low temperatures of below -25⁰C and high altitudes. The area is remote with no recreational facilities though the people are friendly. At this point there are two routes:

Chile Route

It heads towards Chile in the Pacific coastline along Andes to Peru, Ecuador and Columbia.

Bolivia route

You can cross Bolivia towards the North then to Amazon- Brazil through the adventurous mountains. The area has friendly people with rich diversified culture and social welfare.

Southern Chile

All these routes lead you to Southern Chile and Peru in the North. In Andes the temperatures are average, it allows you to enjoy riding while site seeing the spectacular landscapes and geographical features. Finally, you cycle on Road BR319 with Jaguars and gorillas. They pose a threat but no need to raise alarm.

Conclusion

Before you take a bike trip in South America, be conversant with the current weather conditions at that time, since the roads are not designated for bike rides. They can be muddy and messy though passable. The South American circuit gives a touch of all extreme environments for cognitive challenge and adventurous ride.