| Road
Conditions |
| |
Accident prevention in Colorado
requires diligence from riders in a number of areas:
Curves: Riders must have "low entry speed" in
curves--riders can always throttle up after entering the curve. Entering a
curve too hot can find a rider "over the edge" in Colorado. The bike goes where
the eyes go. Make frequent camera stops and leave your sight-seeing for moments
when the kickstand is down. There is often gravel in curves.
Gravel: Gravel is on Colorado roads all the time. Gravel
can be deposited by 1) gully washer rains in summer 2) errant automobile
motorists slipping off onto the shoulder and spinning gravel up 3) intersecting
dirt roads 4) gravel trucks following snow/hail. Watch for gravel at
intersections and curves--it is too late to slow down AFTER entering a curve.
Weather: Hail, snow, rain can occur any month of the year in
Colorado, especially up high. It is important to have good tread depth on tires
in Colorado. What do you have for your head and eyes with marble size hail
falling? Is it in your saddle bag? How can you keep yourself and your
passenger warm/dry? Many Colorado cyclists carry an extra-large/extra-strong
leaf bag to use as an emergency rain parka or bike cover.
Paving conditions: With daytime/nighttime temp swings of 30+
degrees, it is hard to keep asphalt down on the mountain states roads. Look for
1) uneven pavement in lanes 2) large slab gaps/tire traps 3) tar snakes 4) rain
grooves 5) rotomill. Colorado IS a construction project. |
| High Elevation
|
| |
High elevation is a special
environment that affects both human and motorcycle performance. There is less
air (atmospheric pressure) and it is *very* dry.
Health is enhanced by 1) good hydration of 10 glasses
water/day 2) rest 3) limiting alcohol and caffeine intake. Sunscreen, lip balm,
a humidifier in the room at night, and sunglasses are very helpful. Avoid heavy
meals prior to riding. Keep water readily available and insure rider/passenger
remain hydrated.
Bike performance is affected by LEAN air condition. On FI
(fuel injected) bikes, be certain to allow the fuel pump/indicator light to
FULLY CYCLE prior to starting. This measures elevation, air, and other
parameters that allow your bike to run well. On carburated bikes, you need to
be aware that you will start at 5,200 ft elevation at the lowest (Denver) and go
up from there to a possible 14,000+ ft elevation at Mt. Evans parking lot
summit. Read your manual or call your dealer for high elevation ops
info. |
| Weather
|
| |
Colorado Department of Transportation
has COTrip.org available for up-to-the-hour road conditions and weather. The site is
downloadable to PDA or Cellphone browser format for live travel info on your
motorcycle. | |
|