Safe Riding Practices

---

So you got your motorcycle endorsement and are ready to hit the streets. Guess what? Now your real training begins. The MSF and Harley Riding Academy courses are designed to get you onto a bike ASAP with the most basic of skills. Once you get that endorsement, you are ready to take your riding to the next level. That's what safe - and skilled - riders are all about.

We all know folks who have been riding since they were kids and are happy with going from Point A to Point B. There's folks on bikes less than 2 years competing in police rodeos. Experience is not skill; time riding is not equivalent to time practicing. U-turns, obstacle avoidance, slow speeds, threshold braking...these are skills we practice weekly, skills that save lives.

And folks...don't think, "I can't do it." Yes, you can. Brand new rider? It doesn't matter what level you're riding at or where you want to reach...our goal is provide you with the guidance to help you become more comfortable, and ultimately safer, on your bike so you can enjoy your rides...and come home every time. That's what safe riding is all about.

The ultimate goal is for you to become a better rider by becoming more intimate with your bike so that you are more confident and comfortable. That requires not only seat time, but working with others who have been in your shoes and have worked to become safe riders themselves. Your Road Captains have all gone through intensive training to ensure your safety, and much of that is how to ride safe...and smart.

What we will NOT do is push you away. We know that not everyone wants to work up to "competition" level of riding. Most folks just want to learn how to handle their machines better and under controlled situations. And that's what we ARE about; working with you on what YOU want to learn and what you think your weaknesses are. And don't worry...it ALL takes time. Put the time in and you WILL become a safer rider.

We have "practices" every week. A small group - growing larger - of riders who enjoy learning and laughing, because yes, it IS fun. If you're interested or want more information, contact me - James - your Safety Officer and I will provide you with more information (locations and times) and answer any other questions you may have. As I told my students as a teacher...you never stop learning...G.I. Joe!!

• Check the forecast. Sounds silly, but knowing what’s ahead as far as weather is concerned will help you dress appropriately.
• Dress in layers, especially when the mornings are cool (or downright COLD) and the afternoons warm up. We’ve seen 40 degree temperature variations over a normal ride!
• Pack your rain gear. While rain gear is designed to protect you from rain, it can also act as another layer of protection and warmth.
• Keep your hands and feet warm and dry! 

• Every 10 degrees in temperature change results in about a 1 pound change in your tire’s pressure. When it cools down, you will lose pressure; when it heats up, you will actually gain pressure. Even checking your pressure one afternoon and coming out the next morning can result in a 3-5 lb loss.
• Also, your tires lose pressure over time. Every 30 days, you can expect to see, in average temperatures, a loss of about 1-2 lbs in your tires.
• Underinflated tires result in poor handling as well as excessive damage to the tires themselves.
• Overinflated tires result in hard rides and decreases the tire’s ability to withstand road impacts.

• The ideal temperature for your batteries operation is 80 degrees F.
• Cold weather affects the chemical reactions in your battery causing a “sluggish” performance. That’s why we look for batteries with a high Cold Cranking Amp (CCA) output. 
• You also lose about 0.5-1.0% of the batteries overall charge every day they sit “idle” (not being used). If you have advanced electronics like alarms or accessories, they will drain even faster. If you have a trickle charger, put it on and keep it on if you ride your bike less than once per week.

Heat cramps are painful, involuntary muscle spasms that usually occur during heavy exercise in hot environments. The spasms may be more intense and more prolonged than are typical nighttime leg cramps. Fluid and electrolyte loss often contribute to heat cramps. Muscles most often affected include those of your calves, arms, abdominal wall and back, although heat cramps may involve any muscle group involved in exercise.

If you suspect heat cramps:

• Rest briefly and cool down
• Drink clear juice or an electrolyte-containing sports drink
• Practice gentle, range-of-motion stretching and gentle massage of the affected muscle group
• Don't resume strenuous activity for several hours or longer after heat cramps go away
• Call your doctor if your cramps don't go away within one hour or so

 Heat exhaustion is a condition whose symptoms may include heavy sweating and a rapid pulse, a result of your body overheating. Causes of heat exhaustion include exposure to high temperatures, particularly when combined with high humidity, and strenuous physical activity. Without prompt treatment, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition. 

Symptoms of  heat exhaustion include: 

• Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat
• Heavy sweating
• Faintness
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Weak, rapid pulse
• Low blood pressure upon standing
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea
• Headache

If you suspect heat exhaustion:

• Stop all activity and rest
• Move to a cooler place
• Drink cool water or sports drinks

 If you are with someone showing signs of heat exhaustion, seek immediate medical attention if he or she becomes confused or agitated, loses consciousness, or is unable to drink. You will need immediate cooling and urgent medical attention if your core body temperature or higher. 

 Heatstroke is a condition caused by your body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. This  can occur if your body temperature rises to 104 F (40 C) or higher. 

Heatstroke requires emergency treatment. Untreated heatstroke can quickly damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles.

Symptoms of heatstroke include: 

• High body temperature. 
• Altered mental state or behavior. Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures and coma can all result from heatstroke.
• Alteration in sweating. In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, your skin will feel hot and dry to the touch. However, in heatstroke brought on by strenuous exercise, your skin may feel dry or slightly moist.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Flushed skin. 
• Rapid breathing. 
• Racing heart rate. 
• Headache. 

 If you suspect heat exhaustion:

• Get the person into shade or indoors.
• Remove excess clothing.
• Cool the person with whatever means available — put in a cool tub of water or a cool shower, spray with a garden hose, sponge with cool water, fan while misting with cool water, or place ice packs or cold, wet towels on the person's head, neck, armpits and groin.