Conditions change on every road. The road surface is part of your riding environment, just like the weather or the traffic, and you need to give it attention.
Riding in different conditions
Set your speed according to your surroundings. Damp sections can pose particular problems for motorcyclists, as do loose surfaces like gravel and dirt. Often there is a build up of loose stones on winding or steep roads, or moss in the centre of the road, so extra caution needs to be applied in these conditions.
The simple reality is that you will inevitably encounter difficult road surfaces, and you need to be ready for them. The discipline of good observation helps you to see, assess and then deal with these kinds of risks.
Difficult surfaces
City streets throw up all sorts of challenges for riders. Any surface that affects your grip will also affect your control.
Watch out for:
- Wet bitumen, particularly just after it starts to rain.
- Gravel roads or places where gravel, sand or mud have gathered on a sealed road.
- Painted lane markings and steel surfaces such as manhole covers, which can be slippery when wet.
In these conditions slow down, reduce the amount of lean you use on curves and use progressive braking.