******* ICE!

Off-topic
1

So last Wednesday I had to take the bike in because all the public service workers in south-west Germany went on strike, which means no tram, and no bus. Luckily it wasn’t as bitter cold as before and the roads where mostly clear…

…until I pass through a village called Freudental, and suddenly I have the most unnerving sensation of my rear spinning up a little and my front wheel stepping out from where it’s supposed to be. :w00t: Managed to keep it upright though!

I slow right down to about walking pace, and put my left foot down… and sure enough, it gets no purchase and just slides along the ground like on an ice skating rink :w00t: :w00t:

I proceed with extreme caution and wave at the cars behind me to pass. They won’t. They’ve seen how screwed the road surface is and are being careful themselves.

A few miles on as the elevation drops and the ice disappears… and I’m one experience richer. And in need of a new pair of underpants, just about!

You been caught out by ice this winter?

2

i was off the bike for a weak coz snow n ice

did get caught a few times ,thought i was goning to call the wife to pick me up at one time,

the blackbird must be the hardest bike to ride nin the snow,

so im goga look out for a cheap 650 750cc befor the next winter

3

Yeah, but I find the combined weight of the 'Bird plus rider makes for good contact with the road… just make sure you are in a high gear and use only the SLIGHTEST amount of throttle…

Other than that I’m really liking my big fat screen, fairings and heated grips right now on my 'Bird! :slight_smile:

4

I’ve ridden in these conditions on my Hornet - but riding something big, heavy and powerful like a Bird would be a lot scarier! :wink:

5

Sod that!!! think i’ll stick to me scoot less damage to me and me pocket if i come off on ice like last winter:w00t:

6

her indoors launched the car thru a hedge in ice :w00t: so much for 4 wheels :slight_smile:

or could just be “women drivers” :smiley:

had a couple of “moments” on both bikes, but found the 600 less stressful to ride in bad conditions

7

Dont matter what you ride/drive, it’s always going to be a bit of a gamble on packed snow/ice unless you have studded tyres.

The easy advice is keep it smooth, keep it gentle, keep it moving. (Lower tyre pressures help too.) But that supposes no other traffic.

Not been a good winter for the feint hearted.