| Deadly Risks of Riding | Arrive Alive Mindsets |
| Dressing For The Ride | Dress For The Slide |
| Poor Machine Connection | Maintain Razor Sharp Muscle Memory |
| Restricting Evasive Potential | Be Prepared For The Unexpected |
| Improper Fear Management | Ride Like There Is A Hit On You |
| Inattention To The Surroundings | Pay Attention To React Instinctively |
| Riding With An Unfit Mental State | Ride With Mental Clarity |
| Operating Without A Ride Plan | If You Fail To Plan, You Plan To Fail |
Stability Hazards
Handling Stability Hazards
To safely navigate stability hazards, approach them upright with a steady speed and firm grip on the handlebars. Stability hazards can send shock waves through the motorcycle, so keep your arms loose to absorb the shock without losing balance. When you hit a hazard, aim to be as perpendicular as possible, which reduces the risk of the tire slipping or jerking. If the hazard is big enough, you might get bucked off the seat, so lift slightly off the seat to absorb the shock with your legs. In some cases, it’s better to hit the hazard head-on than try to swerve and risk losing control.
Pavement Stability Hazards
Most stability hazards come from pavement issues like cracks, potholes, or uneven surfaces. These can often be spotted from afar as dark marks on the road. Watch for tar lines (Tarsnakes) or rubber marks from vehicles, which are signs of potential hazards. The worst hazards are harder to spot on new, smooth pavement. When you hit a pavement stability hazard, try to keep your lean angle as small as possible. For bigger hazards, keep your bike as upright as you can.
Parallel Stability Hazards
Sometimes hazards run parallel to your path, like tar lines or grooves in the pavement. These can shift your balance, especially if you’re leaning. Stay upright as much as possible to minimize the destabilizing effect. These hazards reduce traction slightly, but the bigger concern is how they affect your stability, especially when leaning. If you can’t avoid them, minimize lean and stay as upright as possible.
Critical Parallel Stability Hazards
Some parallel hazards are more dangerous, like large potholes or severe road construction. These can instantly throw off your balance. If you can’t avoid them, look for a point where the hazard lessens or angle your bike to make crossing easier.
Traverse Points
Look for a “Traverse Point” where the hazard becomes less severe or disappears. This is the best place to cross, but only if you have time to spot it. Good visibility (Line of Sight) helps you make better decisions.
Swerving
Another option is to swerve around the hazard. To do this, create more distance between you and the hazard, steer hard towards it, and bring your bike upright before contact. Lowering your speed will make this maneuver easier.
Objects on the Road
Objects on the road can be unpredictable, so it’s important to hit them at 90° with your bike upright. Most objects can be crossed over safely if approached correctly. However, avoid large objects, construction materials, ropes, and metal with sharp edges, as they can damage your tires or cause serious problems. If you hit something dangerous like metal, pull over and check your tires.
By keeping your ride smooth and upright, you can minimize the effects of stability hazards and maintain better control.
