Sand, just assume it IS there.

[SteveM]

I was out riding all weekend, and while the roads around my way are generally OK, it is "sand season."

So here's my little non-judgmental reminder to TAKE IT EASY as the season begins. I had one episode where the rear lost traction because I put a little too much throttle into the exit of a tight right hand turn. I grabbed no brake, eased off the throttle and still got a pretty good jolt when it hooked up. Fortunately, it (not me, the bike) recovered and my "I'm going to high-side on the street" millisecond didn't happen.

But it got me thinking. There just no sane reason to risk budget, bike or body in March (ever actually) on the street.

On the track, the winners take home trophies.

On the street, the winners take everything home in the same condition it was when they left.

Let's be careful out there:

Assume sand is around every corner. If it isn't, you can always turn around and ride it harder on a second pass.

Know that the clueless cager is even more surprised to see you on two wheels this early and the sand gives you less room to evade them safely.

[Wanderer]

+1. Its a sandpit out there - wadding it up this early on isnt worth the jollies, plenty of year left

[Half Squid]

Be very carefull especially around blind corners that you may not be able to react & correct your line in to avoid anything, not just sand.

I have seen a lot of tree limbs as well..

Keep the speed less than spirited to be safe! I know for sure it will be hard to control the throttle under "Spirited" I have been off the street scene for over a year. I am over excited to get out there.... It will be like seeing for the first time when I was a kid!

[nt650hawk]

I was thinking about it today. But instead I tore the bike open yesterday to give me reason not to ride this week. I'm still awaiting the late March rain storm and sweepers.

I not so worried about the corners. I'm more worried about the Cage turning into the lane from a side street. If I need to maneuver I will be trying to recover in the gutter where all the sand is sitting waiting to take the tires out from under me.

[BLACK SQUIRREL]

I lost traction Yesterday,




Good thing my foot was on the ground



Motards Rock

[butcher bergs]

I simply assume there's sand out there year round.

[Sheppo]

I simply assume there's sand out there year round.

[Pittenger5]

Squirrel aims for the sand. Thats why we do motomarket runs.

[BLACK SQUIRREL]

Squirrel aims for the sand. Thats why we do motomarket runs.

And Curbs and the sidewalk...................

[RandyO]

sand would be nice, the roads I was on this weekend were slick mud on frozen dirt

[Paul_E_D]

I was out doing some stoppies today and I locked up the front with the rear already lifting. Musta been a little sandy...

[csmutty]

I simply assume there's sand out there year round.

Fuckin Bergs.

[KB]

Just wanted to add that watch for sand and pay attention to the cagers that don't think bikes should be out yet, or don't know that bikes even exsist.

KB

[toocrazy2yoo]

Ya know, 128 North of Exit 18 Essex is sand-free. If you ride it North past the roundabouts, look for cops in the median going North, turn around at Gloucester, the sweeps going South, ridden at a high-speed pace, are like a twistie at 60 or 70! Ya have to chill at the roundabouts, but once you're outta those, it's right back up to speed again! Best part is, no tourists headed for Rockport yet! Big fun! The 128S GP! Once you've made the run back South, you can do it going back North again!

Worked for me this weekend.