The roads are clear, temperatures are rising and some of the best roads in the country are calling your name. It’s spring, which means it’s time to get back on your hog after months of sitting in storage. March through May can be a busy season for motorcyclists itching for adventure. You won’t encounter as many motorists on the road, and the moderate weather makes for more comfortable rides. Learn how to gear up for spring motorcycle riding season to get your best rides in before the summer peak.
Get Ready For Spring Riding
It’s time to break out your bike and motorcycle safety gear and give everything a once-over before the season heats up. Inspect the exterior and exposed parts for rust, dents and dirt formations that reduce efficiency and functionality. Test all electrical components and the battery life to see how much power it produces. Batteries lose power with age and when exposed to extreme temperatures. Check the tire tread for damage and adjust the PSI levels. Sit on the bike and adjust the ergonomics to keep your back straight, legs back and feet securely on the pedals. Replenish your fluids and check the quality of your oil, fuel and coolant to see if the system is clogged or needs repairs.
Extend the same courtesy to your gear, including your full- or half-face helmet, goggles, gloves, pants, jacket and boots. Try on the gear to see if it fits, and replace items with holes, rips and tears that can leave you vulnerable to the wind and debris. Your helmet should fit securely on your head and not move out of position when turning or bending over.
Riding a motorcycle works your entire body, including the core, back, arms and legs. Expect to burn up to 400 calories per hour, depending on your size, weight and riding intensity. Get in riding shape by regularly stretching your legs, back, arms and core in the lead-up to your first ride. Do yoga to break up tight muscles, practice light weightlifting to build strength and try cardio to gain endurance.
Spring Motorcycling Tips
Monitor road conditions closely and steer clear of potholes, cracks and loose debris that can catch you by surprise. Extreme temperature swings, melting snow and increased wear and tear can damage the local infrastructure, causing problems for motorcyclists. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, drivers in the U.S. spend $130 billion each year on vehicle repairs caused by poor road conditions. Learn about the states with the best and worst roads to better plan your trip. Bring removable layers that lock in warmth to stay warm in the spring. You can take it off as the temperature rises and you work more of a sweat.
Pair up with other riders to increase visibility on the road. You will fill up more of the lane and make yourself known to other drivers in narrow sections that can be hazardous for solo motorcyclists. Use motorcycle headsets to communicate wirelessly on the road. The devices use Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC) to create a direct link between each unit so you won’t get disconnected as the formation changes.
Where To Motorcycle In The Spring
Route 666, Pennsylvania
They don’t call it the Devil’s Highway for nothing. This meandering state highway weaves through dense forests, cascading cliffs and sharp turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Drop down below the 45 MPH speed limit when approaching turns. Stop at one of the many independently owned farms for fresh produce, baked goods and a strong cup of cider. It packs a week’s worth of excitement into a tight 33 miles.
The Gauntlet, Georgiaa
Gear up for 133 miles of thrills. The Gauntlet combines several roads as it circumscribes the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. The traffic and heat cool down in the spring to give you more peace and privacy. You’ll want to stop and snap a picture at one of the road’s many scenic overlooks with rolling views of the Appalachian Mountains. Use a motorcycle intercom to safely pull over to the roadside without obstructing traffic.
Sd 34/Wy 24, South Dakota
The Badlands National Park comes alive on South Dakota’s Route 34. It features world-famous rock formations that look like they’re from an alien planet. The two-lane passageway is notoriously tight, leaving little room for error. The state has long planned an expansion to ease the burden on motorists. Come in August to participate in the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which attracts hundreds of thousands of riders annually. Head to “Raptor Alley” between Sturgis and Pierre to see birds of prey, including hawks, eagles and raptors, thrive in their natural environment.
Spring Riding At Its Finest
The best time to ride a motorcycle is fast approaching. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Get your gear, body and bike ready for action to hit the road as soon as the pavement clears. Use the proper equipment to communicate in a group, monitor road conditions and limit your riding time depending on your stamina. Hopping back on your bike after months of not riding can take some getting used to, but with some prep, you’ll be driving like a pro in no time.
