Riding in the cold and ice/frost.

Cyclotron · 11-27-2012, 11:02 AM

I do not own a car.
I ride a motorcycle or bicycle exclusively to work every day.
I do have an option to ride the germ express (i.e. TriMet) when needed.

With that said...as I set out for work on my Ninja this morning in 30 degree temperature I wondered what to look for when determining to ride or not when there is a chance of ice, freezing fog, frost etc.

What do all you sage motorcyclists feel abouit this?

Many Thanks.

-Cy

NinjaBoy70 · 11-27-2012, 11:10 AM

I was debating to... chickened out took the truck... Slick spots no good for bikes. Cold is no issue... Ice and other slick stuff... Member what my instructer said shiny in the road bike won't like it... Keep the shiney side up... Peace Wave!

Chris.

Anastasia · 11-27-2012, 11:15 AM

When its at all sketchy out, I ride my scooter. Its way lighter and easier to pull out of the bushes than the 650r if gravity decides to play dirty.

I lived on Skyline for over 4 years. Last year, It snowed over 20 times. Melts off by 9 or 10AM usually, but that doesn't mean I didn't have to ride in it. Maybe some day I will get a car... Maybe.

And watch out for the De-icer. Sounds stupid, but that stuff is slipperier than the ice.

Cyclotron · 11-27-2012, 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by anastasia

when its at all sketchy out, i ride my scooter. Its way lighter and easier to pull out of the bushes than the 650r if gravity decides to play dirty.

I lived on skyline for over 4 years. Last year, it snowed over 20 times. Melts off by 9 or 10am usually, but that doesn't mean i didn't have to ride in it. Maybe some day i will get a car... Maybe.

And watch out for the de-icer. Sounds stupid, but that stuff is slipperier than the ice.

Cyclotron · 11-27-2012, 11:19 AM

Ok...I just that video of you chasing the Litre boys.

WHERE was that amazing road?!!

Transported · 11-27-2012, 11:41 AM

I ride either my bicycle or motorcycle to work every day. There are only a handful of days a year when it is too ferocious for a two-wheeler.

Snow, obviously, will put me on the bus. Cold doesn't matter to me. If the roads look mostly dry and frost-free, I'll go for it.

Living in the hills in SW Portland usually means that if it's rideable in my neighborhood, it will have better conditions downtown and the east side of town.

If I am ever caught at work when a snowstorm rolls in, I'll just leave my motorcycle in the garage and take the bus home.

Anastasia · 11-27-2012, 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by Cyclotron

Ok...I just that video of you chasing the Litre boys.

WHERE was that amazing road?!!

Carson WA to the ranger station.

Cyclotron · 11-27-2012, 12:16 PM

@ Transported: Good to meet another all around 2 wheeled brother!

@ Anatasia: Got a map on that ride?!!

curveaddict · 11-27-2012, 01:35 PM

I don't own a car, and haven't for many years. Last winter I rode my bike to work for all but three days.

Dry cold can be physically uncomfortable, and colder tire temperatures necessitate a gentler approach to riding.

Wet cold can be even less comfortable, and visibility for both yourself and auto drivers can become a challenge in addition to the above.

Fresh snow is doable, with reasonably aggressive tires and very careful control inputs, but it becomes very difficult to avoid out-of-control cars. Old snow can hide ice.

Frost should be treated like fresh snow.

Ice......is..........bad.

.

Mrmat25 · 11-27-2012, 05:31 PM

Originally Posted by Cyclotron

@ Transported: Good to meet another all around 2 wheeled brother!

@ Anatasia: Got a map on that ride?!!

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sour...4&ie=UTF8&z=10

Take a look under ride reports, tons of good routes. Catch a 50+ degree day and I will ride up there with you. Annastasia can lead us

.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13sP_vfT6q0&feature=plcp

Stuckhead · 11-27-2012, 11:24 PM

Usually if its anywhere below 35 and wet I leave the bike at home and take my tacoma.

Zito · 11-28-2012, 05:20 AM

The last few years accumulated snow and ice is what it took for me to park it for the day. Freezing rain/fog, light snow, black ice, didnt stop me it just changed how i rode that day. I own four motorcycles and no 4 wheeled vehicles, year round 2 wheel commuter here. Thos winter i have a plated dirt bike, bring on the ice and snow.

james1300 · 11-28-2012, 06:01 AM

Ice and Frost? Really? Why waste yourself and bike? FOG can = ice, or black ice.

Don't have a cage? Bus pass. Car pool.

If you think you can't afford a car, wait until you get ran over and your bike totaled.

Nothing like 9 months unemployment and $250,000 in medical expensises.
Don't count on 'the other guy' to have insurance or a license.

Bing44 · 11-28-2012, 11:01 AM

Originally Posted by stuckhead

usually if its anywhere below 35 and wet i leave the bike at home and take my tacoma.

and 35 may be optimistic. I've hit ice on a bridge at higher temps than 35.

jim

Transported · 11-28-2012, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by Bing44

and 35 may be optimistic. I've hit ice on a bridge at higher temps than 35.

jim

Hasn't stopped you from riding at those temps though, has it?

307T · 11-28-2012, 01:24 PM

Originally Posted by Transported

Hasn't stopped you from riding at those temps though, has it?

Touche'. We have photographic proof of Bing44's "sleigh rides." On the other hand he has never fallen off and blamed cold tires!

Sirena · 11-29-2012, 10:33 PM

Originally Posted by curveaddict

Fresh snow is doable, with reasonably aggressive tires and very careful control inputs, but it becomes very difficult to avoid out-of-control cars.

that is one of the most surreal moments I have had on two wheels - I was going uphill in the little snow, and realized the car in front of me was sliding backwards and broadsiding down towards me

UglyDuckling · 12-03-2012, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by Mrmat25

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sour...4&ie=UTF8&z=10

Take a look under ride reports, tons of good routes. Catch a 50+ degree day and I will ride up there with you. Annastasia can lead us

.

Please invite all on that ride!

Whiplash97 · 12-03-2012, 08:41 PM

Originally Posted by Stuckhead

Usually if its anywhere below 35 and wet I leave the bike at home and take my tacoma.

I'm with you but my limit is 40F, I been puttin some miles on the Tacoma

I use to think I was a pretty dedicated until joining here, holy crap! These cats are certifiably nuts! No snow for me No sir!

Posted using Outdoor Hub Campfire

GRN · 12-03-2012, 10:14 PM

Originally Posted by cyclotron

ok...i just that video of you chasing the litre boys.

Where was that amazing road?!!

!


11-27-2012, 11:02 AM	#1
Cyclotron Endorsed Joined: Oct 2012 From: Rock Creek/North Hillsboro I Ride: 2008 VERY green Ninja 250	Riding in the cold and ice/frost. I do not own a car. I ride a motorcycle or bicycle exclusively to work every day. I do have an option to ride the germ express (i.e. TriMet) when needed. With that said...as I set out for work on my Ninja this morning in 30 degree temperature I wondered what to look for when determining to ride or not when there is a chance of ice, freezing fog, frost etc. What do all you sage motorcyclists feel abouit this? Many Thanks. -Cy __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-27-2012, 11:10 AM	#2
NinjaBoy70 Endorsed Joined: Sep 2012 From: Hillsboro, Oregon Blog Entries: 5 I Ride: Street: 650R, ZX10R, and EX250. Race: Katana 600, and ZX6R 636.	Ride Safe... I was debating to... chickened out took the truck... Slick spots no good for bikes. Cold is no issue... Ice and other slick stuff... Member what my instructer said shiny in the road bike won't like it... Keep the shiney side up... Peace Wave! Chris. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-27-2012, 11:15 AM	#3
Anastasia Licensed Joined: Feb 2012 From: Portland Oregon I Ride: Cinder... the other lady between my legs.	When its at all sketchy out, I ride my scooter. Its way lighter and easier to pull out of the bushes than the 650r if gravity decides to play dirty. I lived on Skyline for over 4 years. Last year, It snowed over 20 times. Melts off by 9 or 10AM usually, but that doesn't mean I didn't have to ride in it. Maybe some day I will get a car... Maybe. And watch out for the De-icer. Sounds stupid, but that stuff is slipperier than the ice. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-27-2012, 11:19 AM	#5
Cyclotron Endorsed Joined: Oct 2012 From: Rock Creek/North Hillsboro I Ride: 2008 VERY green Ninja 250	Ok...I just that video of you chasing the Litre boys. WHERE was that amazing road?!! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-27-2012, 11:41 AM	#6
Transported Moto2 Contender Joined: Dec 2006 From: Portland, Oregon Blog Entries: 1 I Ride: '06 FZ1, '99 R1, '80 Suz GS450S	I ride either my bicycle or motorcycle to work every day. There are only a handful of days a year when it is too ferocious for a two-wheeler. Snow, obviously, will put me on the bus. Cold doesn't matter to me. If the roads look mostly dry and frost-free, I'll go for it. Living in the hills in SW Portland usually means that if it's rideable in my neighborhood, it will have better conditions downtown and the east side of town. If I am ever caught at work when a snowstorm rolls in, I'll just leave my motorcycle in the garage and take the bus home. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-27-2012, 12:16 PM	#8
Cyclotron Endorsed Joined: Oct 2012 From: Rock Creek/North Hillsboro I Ride: 2008 VERY green Ninja 250	@ Transported: Good to meet another all around 2 wheeled brother! @ Anatasia: Got a map on that ride?!! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-27-2012, 01:35 PM	#9
curveaddict Peg Dragger Joined: Sep 2008 From: Vancouver, WA I Ride: ... , '81 Yamaha XS400, ...	I don't own a car, and haven't for many years. Last winter I rode my bike to work for all but three days. Dry cold can be physically uncomfortable, and colder tire temperatures necessitate a gentler approach to riding. Wet cold can be even less comfortable, and visibility for both yourself and auto drivers can become a challenge in addition to the above. Fresh snow is doable, with reasonably aggressive tires and very careful control inputs, but it becomes very difficult to avoid out-of-control cars. Old snow can hide ice. Frost should be treated like fresh snow. Ice......is..........bad. . __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by curveaddict; 11-27-2012 at 01:42 PM.. Reason: Added the "frost" category.


11-27-2012, 11:24 PM	#11
Stuckhead Endorsed Joined: Mar 2011 From: Vancouver, WA I Ride: Triumph Speed Triple 1050	Usually if its anywhere below 35 and wet I leave the bike at home and take my tacoma. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-28-2012, 05:20 AM	#12
Zito Licensed Joined: May 2009 From: Gresham Oregon I Ride: 89' katana 1100, 2002 VFR800, 98 yz400f, 94 KLX650R	The last few years accumulated snow and ice is what it took for me to park it for the day. Freezing rain/fog, light snow, black ice, didnt stop me it just changed how i rode that day. I own four motorcycles and no 4 wheeled vehicles, year round 2 wheel commuter here. Thos winter i have a plated dirt bike, bring on the ice and snow. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-28-2012, 06:01 AM	#13
james1300 Track School Dazed Joined: Oct 2005 From: CENTRAL I Ride: When I can	Ice and Frost? Really? Why waste yourself and bike? FOG can = ice, or black ice. Don't have a cage? Bus pass. Car pool. If you think you can't afford a car, wait until you get ran over and your bike totaled. Nothing like 9 months unemployment and $250,000 in medical expensises. Don't count on 'the other guy' to have insurance or a license. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by james1300; 11-28-2012 at 06:03 AM..

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