Stay Upright - The unpredictable surface
Be it loose dirt, gravel, rocks, water, mud, potholes, steel plate covers, tar-joining compound, wet painted road markings, or anything else "unstable", rough surfaces can test our riding skills. Surface features like these are real traps because the rider can't often see them until it's too late. These changes in the surface are sometimes only small areas on the road, but enough to lose traction. The result is that many INCIDENTS that do occur are not investigated enough to determine the real cause and are often put down to rider error: going too fast; not observing, etc. Many incidents occur in corners where the rider has not had enough time or space to avoid the hazards. Losing traction because of a sudden change in the road surface can be all it takes to cause a front wheel to 'wash out' or a rear wheel to slide. This is more probable if it occurs in a corner or whilst braking.
We all know that "where you look is where you go". First, it should involve not just your eyes, but the actual turning of your head, so as to face the exit and your intended path after the turn. In gradual turns, it may involve a slight turn; and for U-turns, it may mean turning the head as far as it will turn (age will determine that one!). The reason behind this is that it helps to scan the surface and gives us better directional control. A most important aspect of this BIG LOOK is that your eyes should be kept level with the horizon. Some riders can become disoriented and lose their balance if the head is tilted whilst going through a turn. A rider should choose a line in a turn that will avoid leaning over the centre line into the path of oncoming traffic or hitting poles or posts on the side of the road. Similarly, when you're travelling through the bush at even a moderate speed, be aware of overhanging branches, loose rocks, etc., that may affect your ability to corner along the best possible line, or the line you wish to use. For a rider to achieve maximum line of sight through a corner, they must position themselves to the outside of the lane to achieve the maximum line of vision. All gear changing and speed reduction should be completed before the turn, as it is potentially more dangerous and difficult to achieve once committed to the turn. All this is particularly relevant for off-road riding too, as the rider needs to be constantly 'reading' the road surface ahead, and adjusting line, speed, gear, etc., in order to tackle the dirt - sand, gravel, etc. - and still stay upright while doing it. If our road surfaces were more predictable, it would make motorcycling a lot safer for us to enjoy anywhere we may be. Conversely, the satisfaction that comes from taking on - and beating - a rough bush trail is hard to beat!
Until next time - stay upright on the rough stuff!
Warwick Schuberg
Stay Upright Motorcycle Techniques
