Northern vs Southern State Riders

[MarineCorpsFlorist]

This is the time of year when I truely envy the Southern riders (aside from when there's snow and salt on the ground)... is it just me or do all us yankees start the season off taking it a little slower in the twisties until we get the rust out of handling abilities?

[Dcocch]

I took it slow in the spring...our spring just happened to be in late February/early March this year!

[adlowe]

First of all, there are no Yankees in New Jersey. Not willingly, anyway. Yankees come from New England despite anything the confused southerners say.

Secondly, northern-state riders should have electric gear. Yes, one can ride without it but bundling like the Michelin man limits flexibility.

Thirdly, check back with those southerners in July and August.

[Earthling789]

We (thankfully) didn't have much of a winter here in KY, so I've been able to ride nearly every day since I bought my bike in January (with the exception of waiting for my stator to arrive, lol).

Even though the weather has been relatively good, those twisties where I live and ride are usually covered in gravel, sand, mud from the tractor's wheels, or water from the mountain run-offs... so I'm sure I've pissed off a cage or two behind me by taking the turns a bit slower

I've got a buddy in Michigan (who also drives a Shadow) that is constantly grumbling about not being able to ride due to weather, and yes, I do rub it in as much as possible I did love telling him about my sunny, Sunday ride back in February... when he was sitting on the couch watching another 6" of snow pile up in his driveway But then again, he use to live in Hawaii and had the pleasure of telling me about his "daily" rides... year-round - so turn-about is fair play!

I also agree with 'adlowe'... while we in the southern US get to ride a few more months out of the year... at least in August, you'll be a bit more comfortable.... down here July and August sees 95+ temps with 85% humidity or higher.... which makes just stepping outside miserable. Nothing like feeling like you need another shower, a nap, and a gallon of ice-water after spending 2-min outside checking the mailbox at 9am

[oblivion_twister]

in July and August I'll be riding in almost the same temps as we have now.

[adlowe]

Originally Posted by Earthling789

I've got a buddy in Michigan (who also drives a Shadow) that is constantly grumbling about not being able to ride due to weather...

Riding year-round in Michigan is not that big a problem. I have ridden every month of the year here -- although not every year.

This last winter was far too mild for riding. The dangerous winter temperatures are between 28° and 36° due to the potential for meltwater re-freezing on the road. Sunny, 10° days are just wonderful for riding -- unless you're wearing chaps.

[7s1amma7]

Originally Posted by adlowe

Riding year-round in Michigan is not that big a problem. I have ridden every month of the year here -- although not every year.

This last winter was far too mild for riding. The dangerous winter temperatures are between 28° and 36° due to the potential for meltwater re-freezing on the road. Sunny, 10° days are just wonderful for riding -- unless you're wearing chaps.

Sunny 10 degree days, I call bull ish

[rieckena]

Originally Posted by adlowe

Riding year-round in Michigan is not that big a problem. I have ridden every month of the year here -- although not every year.

This last winter was far too mild for riding. The dangerous winter temperatures are between 28° and 36° due to the potential for meltwater re-freezing on the road. Sunny, 10° days are just wonderful for riding -- unless you're wearing chaps.

+1 to this, no BS. I rode straight through the past two winters. Just take a day or two off when the blizzards hit, give the plows a chance to clear the roads then it's back to it!
Of course now I have new tires so that may give me a bit more freedom...

[meschenk]

As a northern state rider, there is nothing better than banking that fist turn in weather nice enough to have the light leather on, sneakers in lieu of boots, and no gloves.

I do hear about massive bug problems from riders living in FL and that area.

[adlowe]

Originally Posted by 7s1amma7

Sunny 10 degree days, I call bull ish

No, really, we do get them here. In fact, we are MUCH more likely to have sunny winter days at 10° than at 30°-- when it gets that warm it's usually cloudy with snow or snow/rain mix.