Gearing up for spring

Spring is in the air and it’s time to dust the remnants of winter off your motorbike.

Every rider looks forward to enjoying the drier roads and warmer weather, particularly if your
bike has been parked up all winter.

However, changeable spring conditions can also catch out the most experienced of riders. And
when you first jump back on that bike it can seem like the skills you built up over last summer
have deserted you and you’re back to square one.

Forty-one riders died on New Zealand roads during the last financial year and more than 4,000
were injured. The highest number of injuries was in Auckland City where there were 655 new
ACC injury claims, followed by Christchurch (434), Wellington (154) and Tauranga (134).

“Riding a motorbike requires not just your attention but total commitment,” said ACC General
Manager of Injury Prevention Keith McLea.

“Motorbike riders are much more vulnerable to serious injuries on our roads than car drivers and
have far less margin for error. We therefore urge all motorbike riders to ease back into it this
spring and be aware of the hazards that changeable weather can bring.”

Here are some tips to help you ride like a pro this spring:

1. Ease your bike back into it
Whether your bike has been laid up or ridden through winter, now’s the time for a thorough
check-over. Better still, a full service. Clean, check and grease every moving part, especially
cables, linkages, forks, shocks and the final drive chain and sprockets. If anything doesn’t
respond to a bit of TLC, replace it. A brake overhaul is a great idea, as winter takes its toll on
pads and fluid.

2. And ease yourself back into it
A winter layoff can mean you’re a bit rusty. Or you might have been riding in ‘winter mode’,
mostly coping with wet, slippery and cold conditions. If you haven’t ridden much, think of it like
a layoff from the gym. Start gently, well within your abilities. Concentrate on correct technique
and don’t be tempted to rush.

3. Be prepared for spring conditions
Warmer, drier roads? Not all the time. The sun’s lower than in summer and rain showers are
slower to dry. Watch out for sun strike (ease speed gently and rely on your peripheral vision)
and damp patches under trees or in other shadows. Changeable weather that means you’ll
want to layer up your riding gear.

4. Ride out with mates
Group riding has its own challenges. Don’t forget to stagger your formation, fall back to get on
line for corners and make sure no one is tempted to
ride beyond their comfort zone. Appoint an experienced lead rider and tail-ender – even
someone in the middle of the pack in really big groups - and
look after your charges.

5. Take a break
Longer trips can be especially tiring when you’re out of practice. Don’t plan a really long tour
anytime soon. See how you feel after one or two
rides and schedule more breaks than normal to adjust.

6. Be prepared for stock on the roads
It’s not just riders making the most of the change of season. So are farmers. Extra stock and
vehicle movements mean you need to be alert for that tractor round the corner or droppings on
the road.

7. Watch out for heavier traffic
Better weather means more folk heading away for weekends or holidays – often loaded up with
a chattering family on board. Treat cars with caution and watch for other drivers affected by sun
strike or changeable conditions.

For more riding techniques and tips visit www.rideforever.co.nz and stay shiny side up this
spring.