Originally Posted by F6BPDX
Mike, good questions, and most folks on this forum do not know that you are very new to riding. I know this, so I can answer from a standpoint of giving some advice.
As we know, the vast majority of vehicle accidents occur within 25 miles of our own homes. If the very first 3/10ths or 4/10ths of a mile from your home is slippery....that may be enough to make the decision to leave the bike at home. You have been to my house, and you know I live up on a hill, out in the country. For me to make that first 7/10ths of a mile, to get down the hill to a state highway that is well enough traveled that the ice is melted away by other vehicle travel...is still a slippery 7/10ths of a mile, and I would not be willing to risk dropping my bike on that steep downhill, just to ride 25 0r 50 miles that day.
(short digression) In the Old Days, I used to host a ride up at South Lake Tahoe that guaranteed the rders at least 50 miles in the falling snow. But falling snow allows for some traction.
Back to the modern world....Mike, if the ground and roads around your house are slippery, and you test them by sliding around on your feet, then in my opinion, leave the bike home. There will be MANY days ahead where and when you can ride your butt off, and feel good about it. I know this riding thing is fairly new to you, with only the Suzy C50 before this F6B, but...don't be in a rush to drop or wreck your bike. It is a hard explanation to the insurance company as to WHY you were out riding that day.
If there is a place close by that you can store your bike, close to the major roads, and then walk that 3.5/10ths of a mile home, then think about that.
But that ONE time you do drop the bike on a slippery road...you will be SO mad at yourself.
There are many, many days of riding ahead. Don't rush it when our weather is like it has been the past few days.
Personally, I have ridden far too many miles in snow, ice, hail, etc, and I am now willing to pull over, find a warm cafe', and dream of warmer days.
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