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Riding Tips

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. 

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