The autumn foliage in Minnesota is a great excuse to get out and see the multi-colored display of natural beauty, and one of the best ways to do it is on a motorcycle. The cooler fall weather is also a reprieve from the hot summer days characteristic of July and August, making it that much more appealing. With all the reasons to jump on your bike, it’s important to keep in mind the dangers that are present in fall riding.
Wet Leaves
A typical sight of the fall season is the falling of leaves, which often cover pavement. Dry leaves whipping around your bike is one thing. Wet leaves clinging to the pavement is another. These wet leaves can be very slick and pose a sudden hazard on your ride.
Like grass clippings from a mown lawn, wet leaves that end up in the street after raking can be like driving through oil. This is why it is important to keep on top of this whether on the highway or in town. If you see this, be cautious and take your time. It is better than finding out the hard way.
Shorter Days
It is important to be cognizant of the shorter days, particularly with the ending of Daylight Saving Time, as the mornings gradually stay dark longer and the day fades earlier. Like with any kind of driving, night driving is more hazardous. It is harder to see potholes, and drivers are less likely to notice you. Plus, the prospect of hitting a wild animal becomes more of a reality.
Wild Animals
Wild animals tend to be more active between dusk and twilight. One noticeably larger and common animal in Minnesota is deer. They run across roads into the paths of autos and motorcycles, even into the sides, with some commonality. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, 17 of 20 deaths and 105 of 121 serious injuries related to accidents with deer between 2015-2019 involved motorcyclists.
Turkeys are another. They are large, low-flying birds, which can quickly knock off bikers. The males can weigh as much as 24 pounds. That is essentially three gallons of milk making contact with you riding a bike at 60 mph.
Fog
According to the National Weather Service, fog is most prevalent in autumn. This involves the most obvious issue of lower visibility for you. Sudden turns in the road can be misjudged. Moisture from the fog can accumulate on your visor. The lowered visibility for other drivers can cause them to rear-end you or cross the center line into your path.
Frost
Cold weather comes sooner in Minnesota than it does for most of the country. The danger is obvious, but where it is lying is not always so. Shaded and low-lying areas will preserve frost after it has disappeared elsewhere. Keeping a long gaze will allow you to slow down for areas that may be concealing frost on the road.
In Conclusion
Fall riding in Minnesota can offer a lot of rewards. It is a chance to soak in the beauty of our state in the crisp fall temperatures before putting the bike away for the winter. By being aware of these seasonal dangers, you can finish the year safely with some great rides. If you do find yourself injured due to the negligence of others, call or text us at (612) 465-8733.
