5 Tips for Awesome Autumn Riding
Anyone who has lived in the Northeast during the three months of Fall knows that Mother Nature puts on one hell of a show! Predictions for 2022: the experts are expecting the colors to be bright and early in areas up along the Canadian border, all across the northern tier of the country, from Minnesota to Michigan to the Adirondacks (where the drought is a lot less severe - but still here). Especially if we get some cold snaps coming down in September.
Northern New York is home to some of the most stunning motorcycle routes in North America. Those roads are made all the more beautiful with splashes of red, orange, and yellow blanketing the roadsides. Cutting through the crisp evening air, surrounded by innumerable shades of autumn, you can begin to feel as though you’ve ridden straight in to a painting.
It’s easy to see why so many Bikers that live here continue the riding season well in to the fall. From the stunning St. Lawrence Seaway, to Watkins Glen and the Finger Lakes Region, to the Adirondack Mountains.
But before heading out to fall in love with all the Fall colors, here's a few tips to take with you down the road:
1) Check the Weather
The weather in the valley can differ greatly from what they're getting up on the mountain, so check all the points you plan on riding to know before you go. Plus it never hurts to take your Rain Gear.
2) Do your T-CLOCS Inspection
Pay particular attention to your tire pressure (cooler temps can cause the pressure in your tires to go significantly lower!) and your lights (all the better to see and be seen with!).
3) Look cool, but stay warm
It might be warm when you start out, but things can quickly change so you'll want to layer up. A good base layer (Harley-Davidson's FXRG line is good to start), wind proof jacket (in a pinch you can use your rain gear b/c waterproof = wind proof), chaps and a good Leather Riding Jacket with a removable liner is just what I've been recommending for years.
Neck gators, 3/4 or full face helmets, and insulated gauntlet gloves will complete your look -plus help fight against the cold. And a 'Hi-Vis' top layer will help you be more visible to the cagers.
4) Be aware of the Road Conditions
Leaves gathering on the asphalt and in turns, wet pavement, slick 'tar snakes', frost & fog, etc., etc. -watch for these potential hazards and plan ahead for how you'll ride through or around them as necessary.
Let's not forget increased traffic -thousands of tourists come from all around the world to enjoy Autumn in the Adirondacks. Leave yourself enough of a 'cushion' so that they'll have more time to see you -not that they will... When you see someone waiting to turn left and they're going to cross your path, take that as an immediate threat to you! Slow down, cover your brakes and prepare to take evasive action.
5) Please Deer, not tonight
If you’re going to ride in deer country — which basically means, if you’re going to ride anywhere that’s actually fun — you should learn to think like a hunter. You know who is rarely surprised by deer on the roads? Hunters, because they know where deer can be expected, and watch for them.
Deer populations peak in the spring, but the risk of hitting them on the road peaks in October, November, and December, during the annual rut. Deer are on the move at this time of year.
Although you can encounter deer at any time of the day or night, they are most active between dusk and midnight, then again at first light. Best advice is to ride during the day only..... but that's not always doable so when you have to ride at night, go at the speed limit or slower (within reason) and stick to the main roads (as opposed to the back country roads for obvious reasons).
Are you riding through prime habitat? Are you crossing a small gully (especially one channeled into a culvert)? Are you passing between a food supply and cover at dawn or dusk? Slow down and pay extra attention.
