Riding in the Mountains - Motorcycle Safety Tips

1. Preparation and Gear:

• Wear Proper Gear: Always wear a DOT-approved helmet, goggles or sunglasses, gloves, jacket, riding pants, and boots with good ankle support, with sunscreen.
• Inspect Your Motorcycle: Check your brakes, tires, lights, fluids, and suspension before setting off. Ensure your bike is in top shape for the demanding conditions of mountain riding.
• Bring Emergency Supplies: Pack basic tools, a first aid kit, a tire repair kit, extra water, snacks, a bungee cord or netting, and a charged mobile phone or a GPS tracker.
• Avoid Heavy Weight: The heavier the bike, the harder it is to maneuver on the mountain roads, especially on the steep declines and curves. Leave heavy items at home or with a friend travelling separately by car to the same destination to keep your bike as light as possible.

2. Ride Defensively:

• Stay Visible: In addition to headlights, hopefully you have additional accessory or spot lights on even during the day. Also wear bright or reflective gear.
• Be Aware of Blind Corners: Mountain roads have blind curves. Pay attention to the road signs warning you of sharp turns ahead. Reduce your speed and stay in your lane, especially when approaching these areas. On turns, avoid the center of the lane as another vehicle approaching may suddenly and unexpectedly cross the center line into your lane.
• Watch for Hazards: Look out for grass clippings, gravel, leaves, sand, tar snakes, rocks, or wildlife on the road. These can be extremely dangerous on a motorcycle. Sand and gravel in turns is common especially on days after the area experienced heavy rain. Wildlife is more common in the early morning hours or the sunset hours.

3. Adjust Riding Technique:

• Brake Before the Turn: Slow down before entering a curve, then gently accelerate as you exit. Avoid braking mid-turn, which can destabilize your bike.
• Positioning: Position your body and lean into turns smoothly, keeping your eyes on the exit of the curve – looking ahead at the road’s horizon. Keep your outside elbow relaxed and your inside arm close to the tank.
• Throttle Control: Use smooth throttle control, especially when climbing or descending steep hills, to maintain traction.
• Go At Your Own Pace: Remember to go at "your" own pace within your skillset, riding at speeds where you feel comfortable. If another rider comes up fast from behind, when safe to do so, allow the faster rider pass you on your left. If riding in a group, suggest the less experienced riders ride in the back of the column, with an experienced rider at the rear to serve as the sweep.

4. Weather Awareness:

• Check the Forecast: Mountain weather can change rapidly, and you may encounter rain, fog, or sudden temperature drops. Check the weather before you go and be prepared for all conditions.
• Elevations Changes: Rides can change in elevation throughout the day. Changes may create situations where you can be hot at lower elevations and much cooler at higher elevations, sometimes requiring extra layers.
• Ride with Caution in Wet or Cold Conditions: Rain and cold can reduce traction. Adjust your speed and riding style accordingly.

5. Know the Roads:

• Familiarize Yourself with the Route: Study the map and know the route's challenges, such as tight switchbacks, steep grades, or areas prone to landslides. Many roads (including turns) have gravel or soft shoulders you must also avoid.
• Use Engine Braking on Descents: When going downhill, engine braking gives you more control of the machine. A less experienced rider on a decent, may find themselves using their rear brake constantly, which can overheat the brakes. A more experienced rider instead may choose to stay in second or third gear for additional engine braking, obtaining most control of the machine, without overheating the brakes.

6. Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks:

• Hydration: High altitudes can dehydrate you faster. Drink water regularly. Water, Gatorades and other hydration drinks are key to keeping you cool, focused and energized.
• Take Breaks: Riding in the mountains can be exhausting. Take regular breaks to rest and enjoy the scenery.

7. Group Riding Safety:

• Ride in a Staggered Formation: This allows better visibility and more space for each rider.
• Communicate Clearly: Use hand signals or helmet communication systems to keep the group informed of hazards or planned stops.
• Be On Guard: Other bikes in front of you or next to you may have unexpected mechanical issues. Keep a proper distance from other riders, giving yourselves space for mutual safety.

8. Emergency Preparedness:

• Know How to Get Help: Mountain areas can have poor cell coverage. Know where the nearest towns or emergency services are located.
• Have a Plan for Emergencies: Let someone know your route and expected return time.

9. Beautiful Scenery - Watch Yourself & Do Not Get Over Confident:

• This tri-state area (North GA, NC & TN), you have twisties and steep grades with many other roads called: The Blue Ridge Parkway, Blood Mountain, Cherohala Skyway, Fall Creek Falls Loop, Foothills Parkway, Great Smoky Mts Gatlinburg Loop, Cades Cove Loop, Ocoee River, Richard Russell Scenic Highway, Suches Loop, The Best of the Snake, The Devils Triangle, The Foothills Parkway, The Gauntlet, The Newfound Gap Road, The Moonshiner, Tail of the Dragon and many others.
• When riding motorcross, my dad told me at an early age: "If you get over confident on the bike - it will teach you a lesson!" (or similar words). These are true words of wisdom. Best to leave ego(s) at home and do not get over-confident. The mountain roads are not the place to show off skills to others. Riding above your skills on this type of terrain is extremely dangerous.

10. Stay Focused and Avoid Distractions:

• Keep Your Focus on the Road: Enjoy the views at designated stops rather than while riding. Stay alert and maintain full concentration on the road in front of you.

11. Experience & Practice Counts:

• Knowing the above guidelines is simply the start. Having real experience and practice is truly needed to do this properly, for your safety and the safety of others.

By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce risks and enhance the joy of riding in the mountains. Ride safely and enjoy the journey!

Brad Souders, a lifetime biker, an award-winning attorney with more than 30 years’ experience – A Biker Representing Bikers!

Attorney Brad Souders has a main office in Tampa, representing injured bikers and their families throughout the state of Florida.

Free Initial Consultations, also offering home, hospital & evening or weekend appointments. Simply call Brad's cell phone at 813-220-7767.

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