10 Tips for Riding on Country Roads
Hitting high speeds and taking tight turns on your motorcycle are part of the thrills of riding on country roads. If you’ve found a new or used touring bike for sale or you’re headed out for a session on your cruiser, riders should enjoy the freedom of the open road and keep in mind what may come your way on the route. Here are Cycle Trader’s 10 tips for riding on country roads.
1. Prepare for the Road Surface
Country roads left untreated from severe weather and wear and tear from vehicles can create hazards for bikers. Take extra precautions with potholes, loose gravel, cracks, and terrible edging. Scan ahead as you drive, keep a lookout for hazards, leave space between other vehicles, and slow down.
2. Know How to Ride Up Hills
When riding up a hill, try and get as much visibility as you can on your bike as you approach. You never know what may be hiding on the crest, such as wildlife, loose gravel, potholes, or farm machinery. Lift your head up as you near the hill to improve your sight to see if you can spot a hazard, slow down, and accelerate once you know it’s clear.
3. Look Out for Cattle Grids
Riding out in the country, be sure to look out for cattle grids and approach them with caution, especially if they’re wet. Before you approach the cattle grid, gradually brake and slow down, square up your bike, and ride across with steady throttle, keeping the bike balanced with little chance of wheel spin.
4. Adjust Your Bike for Cambered Roads
Narrow country roads can have heavy cambers, or arches on the surface, for drainage, creating a risk for bikers trying to grip the road. Cambers can mess with your balance, and throw off your wheels and steering. Make adjustments with your bike as you take cambered roads, lowering your speed, especially if you’re cornering on a sportbike, and angling your body according to the camber.
5. Go Group Riding
If you’re checking out the top summer motorcycle rallies and events, group riding can be a fun and safe way to get there when you take country roads. Your biking crew can keep a lookout for potential road hazards and give you a hand in the event of an emergency. Make sure to leave yourself room in the pack as you ride together, giving yourself more stopping distance to prevent collisions.
6. Watch for Animals in the Road
Watch out for wild animals crossing the road while you ride on your bike. Prevent incidents by slowing down, looking ahead on the road, and turning on your headlight. Be vigilant at dusk, dawn, and nighttime, when it’s more difficult to see and more animals may be out.
7. Ride Safely on Wooden Bridges
Wooden bridges with gaps can present hazards for motorcyclists. Ride across single vehicle bridges in the vehicle track rather than in the middle. Keep an eye out for slippery metal bolts and rivet heads sticking out. Brake before the bridge, square up your bike, and go easy on the throttle to minimize the chance of wheel spin.
8. Corner with Control
When you take a corner on a country road, start wide on the bend to give yourself more vision and a smooth line on the pavement. Exit the corner tight, keeping clear of the head-on zone in the road while giving yourself more space. Adjust your speed and slow down if your vision of the road diminishes in the corner.
9. Pull Off and Park in a Safe Space
If you’re taking in the view like those offered on the top motorcycle rides in the Midwest and West Coast, you may pull off to the side of the road. Give your bike some space on the shoulder, and scan the area for passing cars. Watch out for the edge of the road as you put your foot down and park your bike. If you’re on a hill, you may need to use your rear brake and park the bike from rolling backwards; park your bike pointing uphill unless you have a reverse gear.
10. Train and Know the Country Road
Make yourself familiar with the country road, taking test runs on your bike at slower speeds. This will help you become more familiar with the riding conditions, how your bike handles the road, the volume of traffic, and obstacles you may encounter. Be cautious, prepare for emergencies, and check the weather conditions before you ride.
Leave your cares behind and enjoy the thrills of country roads when you go for a ride. Follow these tips to ensure your safety on your motorcycle as you hit straightaways, take corners, and climb hills. If you’re ready to shop for your next new or used bike, be sure to see all the nationwide listings online at CycleTrader.com.
Ryan Miller
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