Riding on snow tips?

**Steam** · 12th March 2008, 23:13

Snow! Are you planning on going to Elefantentreffen?
Coldest rally ever?
These hard men don't put their bikes away for the winter. Brings new meaning to HTFU.

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2179...Jd?vhost=rides

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2666...nJ?vhost=rides

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2261...Xu?vhost=rides

**swbarnett** · 13th March 2008, 00:00

Originally Posted by Mikkel

And yes, black ice is a killer. You won't see it. You're likely to ride over it without even noticing, but touch your brakes and next stop after that tree at the roadside is likely to be the morgue.

I can attest to this! Thankfully I was on a bicycle, not a motorcycle and going fairly slow. Travelling along nicely at about 20kph on what I thought was a dry dirt road with good grip and thought I heard someone behind me. The slight imbalance of turning my head was enough to have me on my butt. It happened so fast I didn't even have time unclip my feet from the pedals. Landed square on my hip and it was about ten minutes before I could walk again let alone pedal.

**Lil_Byte** · 13th March 2008, 02:02

Have only ridden in snow twice.
Once - the first time was when it was very fresh snow and hadn't settled - visibility was crap and I was a nervous as shit - would not recommend it at all.
The second time was in a hail storm, was slowing down without touching the brakes, got down to about 5 kph and then fell over - no warning what so ever.

My recommendation after my limited experience is - don't. It cost me $1200 for the drop.

**westie** · 13th March 2008, 06:15

Get a crashable bike. Something like a tard.
Go real slow but with lots of throttle!

Fun fun fun.

**James Deuce** · 13th March 2008, 06:19

Ride in the gravel on the side of the road.

Or you could just do what I do and ignore the snow. It's worked for me so far. That, and riding in the deepest part of the grit.

**deanohit** · 13th March 2008, 08:25

Interesting topic choice EJ, where you riding next bro?

**vifferman** · 13th March 2008, 08:33

Originally Posted by EJKDDORAI

OK, we talked about braking in wet etc etc etc

but how about on snow?

Any tips on safe riding in snow?

Depends. If it's fresh, wettish snow, then just treat it like wet weather riding. If it's old, compressed snow, or frozen overnight, then you're better off walking unless you have studded tyres, as it's SO unpredictable. Just a wee bt of ice under yout tyres, and you're on the deck. I used to live in Chch, and rode the bike nearly every day, including a couple of times when it was snowing. The one time I deliberately didn't take the bike was when there'd been a heavy frost overnight, resulting in a black frost. Even then, I set out till I discovered the "clear-looking road" was nice, shiny ice. Even the 4WD was slippin' and a-slidin'.
One of the tricky things about riding when it's snowing is the snow build-up on your visor. If your ride with it closed, it fogs up and snow soon obscures it, but if you have it open, it gets in your eyes. Either way it's a pain.

**EJK** · 13th March 2008, 09:15

Hmmm thanks for the advices guys... lol

**scumdog** · 13th March 2008, 09:21

Originally Posted by vifferman

One of the tricky things about riding when it's snowing is the snow build-up on your visor. If your ride with it closed, it fogs up and snow soon obscures it, but if you have it open, it gets in your eyes. Either way it's a pain.

OR You can ride fast enought that when you turn your head to one side the wind whips the snow away - tadah! clear vision.

Sometimes you have to turn to both sides to clear your visor completely.

Now I am older and more sensible I just keep clear of the snow.

**Freakshow** · 13th March 2008, 10:05

I remember finding this a while ago Busa on Ice!

**MIXONE** · 13th March 2008, 10:26

I did 3 winters riding to work in Dunedin so snow isn't a novelty.I found riding down the Andy Bay hills was easier if sticking close to the curb as the gutter can help keep your wheels pointed in the right direction.

Back wheel often still beat the front to the bottom of the hill.

Black ice?Avoid it at all costs as it is the worst thing I've even ridden in.

**EJK** · 13th March 2008, 10:28

Just tell me... what IS black ice?

Originally Posted by Freakshow

I remember finding this a while ago Busa on Ice!

HAHA! Those tyres are lethal!

**MSTRS:Me** · 13th March 2008, 10:37

Black ice is either melted snow that refreezes or a hefty dew that freezes. Either way, what you have is smooth, clear ice on top of tarmac, which appears black (colour of tarmac) and is next to impossible to see. Nothing but spikes will grip on it, and it is too hard to crush under tyres. Very dangerous.