Worth the risk?

[91brows]

I feel like I've avoided jumping on the bike for too long already this week and I'm considering riding to work.
The current temperature's hovering around zero but the roads seem dry.
I've seen a couple of riders out today, (I was on the bus to uni)
So what do you guys reckon is it worth risking a ride or am I being too overly cautious?
In other words, should I stop pussyfooting around riding my bike?

 

[Friz]

If you dont feel safe then don't do it, but the roads seem fine.
Something about there being no ice because theres no moisture and its really dry air.

I've seen more than a few riders out today.

 

[91brows]

I reckon I'll give it a go!
I'll strap the camera on as well so if anything does happen I can look back on it/ ask people what went wrong!

 

[LeedsRider93]

If you feel confident enough, go for it. I ride everyday, no matter what the weather with no problems. Having said that, if you don't feel confident in doing so, don't put yourself or your bike at risk. It just isn't worth it!

 

[91brows]

Cheers guys, I'm gonna go for it today and just ride at my own pace, I can't stand being packed like a sardine on public transport any more!!

 

[JollyRoger]

You said it yourself, it's a risk! Don't make the mistake I did last winter and ride on auto pilot, because only main roads are salted

 

[CurlyBlakey]

Roads are dry as a bone (or as much as i could see from my cage told me so) i'd give it a go if i were you just be careful!!

 

[91brows]

Right, thanks again, I've got the camera on so you'll know if something goes wrong! (obviously fingers crossed it won't!)

 

[BritishMotovlogger]

I know you have already made up your mind. But the original post doesn't make it clear if you are new to riding or have just not ridden this week If you are new I would advise not riding. I went out today, there were a few other bikes around, but using the back lanes as I do there are quite a few shaded places where ice hasn't thawed out. I hit one patch of ice but luckily it was on a straight road and I didn't touch the brakes, the other was on a corner and I avoided it, but was on the wrong side of the road on a blind corner, so there are a few patches out there that can be dangerous or cause you to take dangerous manoeuvres. If you do go out, look out for wet patches and avoid if possible, and good luck!

Wrap up warm too, it is literally freezing out there!

Alex

 

[91brows]

Cheers for the tips Alex, I see what you mean about my original post, I've been riding for nearly 4 years, but never really in these conditions.
It was ridiculously cold, mainly on my hands, my Spada Storm winter gloves were disappointing.
Oh I got back safe by the way haha.

 

[BritishMotovlogger]

Cheers for the tips Alex, I see what you mean about my original post, I've been riding for nearly 4 years, but never really in these conditions.
It was ridiculously cold, mainly on my hands, my Spada Storm winter gloves were disappointing.
Oh I got back safe by the way haha.

Ah fair enough. Sorry, new to the site and don't know how long people have been riding etc.
Glad your back safely. I find that the thermal gloves (or as I like to call them - undergloves) work well. They don't keep your hands 100% warm, but a nice cheap alternative to heated grips

 

[AZZ3R]

alternative to heated grips

Heated Gloves are alot better than heated grips, Either heated under gloves or just heated gloves. < but thats another thread to be discussed

The way I see riding is if you don't experiance it & then get cought out init your doomed.

If you ride in the wet & are 100miles away from home & it rains, your able to adjust your riding so you compensate for the conditions.
Same with all weather.

What I would say is, if your road is a main road & that's ICY then it's probably best not to go out on the bike due it the other roads can be in the same state if not worse.

 

[senthx]

it's not a risk if you are sensible

keep an eye on the weather reports, stick to main gritted roads, be aware of the areas that damp and frost are likely, have an "escape plan" i.e be prepared to lock a bike someplace and return back by alternative means if the weather worsens.