Fall and Spring are particularly wet seasons in most
parts of the country, but that's no reason to leave
your motorcycle parked in the garage, especially if
you are equipped with the proper riding gear and knowledge.

Riding in the rain can even be fun if you are wearing
the right kind of water-repellant apparel and know what
to look out for on the road. Roadways are more slippery
during the first 15 minutes after a fainfall begins,
as that is when oil and other debris will rise to the
surface and start to run off. If you can't pull over
and wait out those first few minutes of a rain shower
the following strategies can help you keep upright and
safe on wet surfaces.

The center of the traffic lane generally has the greatest
buildup of oil, anti-freeze and brake fluid that has
driped from passing cars, so try to follow the right
or left tire tracks of cars in front of you. On the
other hand, the left and right tire tracks can become
ruts from heavy trucks, and the ruts can fill wit
several inches of water which can lead to hydroplaning.
If you feel the rear tire slip while traveling in a
straight line then slow down as it may be a sign
that you are hydroplaning. Do not use cruise control,
or one of the many throttle locks that are available,
while riding in wet or icy conditions. That fraction of
a second that it takes to disengage these devices may
be just long enough for your rear tire to begin to
lose traction and lead to an accident.

Since roads are designed to slope to the edges to
facilitate runoff, the area closest to the centerline
is less likely to accumulate puddles and have less
oil, though the downside is that it puts you closer
to oncoming traffic and exposed to more spray from
passing cars. Riding too far to the right has its own
dangers, however, such as dirt turning into mud, or
wet leaves and other roadside debris. Don't ride too
close to the center paint strip, nor to the outside fog
line, as such painted surfaces get especially
slippery when wet!

Be on the lookout for potholes, which when full of water
look the same whether they are an inch deep or deep
enough to swallow your front tire. Scan ahead for
rainbow-colored water, as this indicates a high
concentration of petroleum.

Intersections are dangerous territory since there is
more oil accumulation from cars idling while waiting
for a light to turn, and can have more painted
surfaces such as crosswalks as well. Adding to the
challenge, manhole covers are more likely near
intersections and they also become much more slippery
when they are wet. Remember too that pulling up to a
pump at a gas station is more treacherous in wet
conditions since not only do you have the liquid
dripping from cars as they fuel up, but the surface
is usually smooth concrete and may have gas and
diesel spills from the pumps.

Now that you are aware of the potential traps for
motorcycles during inclement weather, the next step
is to safely maneuver through or around them. Riding
a motorcycle in slick conditions requires the rider
to make every movement s-m-o-o-t-h. Slow down and
concentrate on making each input into the bike gentle
and gradual. Try to avoid turning the bike while you
are passing over obstacles. Reduced traction could
cause you to slide. Don't panic if the rear wheel
slides a little. It may not feel stable, but as
long as the front tire is going where you want it to,
physics will hold the bike up.

Lastly, keep in mind that riding in wet, cold
conditions physically exhausts you more quickly, so
if you start feeling achy or chilled, don't hesitate
to pull over and grab a cup of hot coffee, and take
a breather. Numb fingers and chattering teeth are
distracting, and a distracted rider isn't a safe rider.

With winter coming on, these tips apply to riding in
snow and ice as well as in rain. Though it is best to
avoid riding in any wet, slippery conditions, if you
travel there may be times when you get caught
enexpectedly, but at least you will be prepared and
know what to look for - and look out for.