Riding in the Rain and Dark

The worst riding conditions make the best riders.

Recently I got caught in the rain at the end of a long day.  I rode from California to Spearfish, South Dakota, and arrived as the shadows were growing long.

I could see thunderstorms ahead, and sweated out my gas situation until I finally had a chance to fill up.  At the gas station, I heard that not only was there heavy rain, but hail as well.

Newly confident with a full tank, I headed into the storms.  First the bugs were washed from the bike, then I got soaked, then that clammy feeling of wet, cold leather.

Soon I was concentrating on making time on the windy roads of Spearfish Canyon, with some mud thrown in where the road was being worked on.  I don't like riding when it is dark, and the rain made it worse. However, I have to admit that I felt really good about the ride almost the second I finished that part of the trip.  While I would never choose to ride in these conditions, it was the kind of thing that can't help but make you a better rider.

From now on, when you find yourself weather challenged, go for it with gusto.  Wet conditions force you to be smooth.  
Michael Padway ? San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Blog for Michael Padway ? San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

I rode a 71 chopper down texas way so proud of my new bike once. wife on back smilin. til the oil pump went. then the cam bearings etc.my vacation was spent hold up in a motel next to the local harley shop. allmost all my money gone; wife says just get me home. last few hundred miles it pourd rain so hard an hail. do you wanna stop an wait it out i ask? just get me home. brake lights went; didnt notice. then no headlights; rode on brights some afore they went out. ran behind an 18 wheeler so i coule see to stay on the road all the way to oklahoma. still remember the look on the womans face inside that tollbooth when i handed her my soggy dollar. rolled in the front yard an wife says something like sell that thing etc. etc. man i miss that bike!  

Road stores are the best! just think, you wouldn't have these great memories if you had been in a cage!

Ride safe, and have fun

Unclepsycho  

Had the worst ride of my life last year during bike week FL. Rode from Daytona to West Palm Beach in good weather. Got to WPB at 7ish just as a big storm is brewing. Still had 90 miles to go to get to Lake Placid FL and all hell broke loose. Hail, lightening, heavy rain and wind. Stopped in Yehaw Junction just as dark came. Filled the bikes and started off again. Worst 60 miles I ever rode. Couldn't see anything except when the lightening struck. Down right dangerous. Should have stayed in WPB.Live and learn