Riding Your Motorcycle in the Mountains
Between the bluffs of the Mississippi River and the northern terminus of the Ozark Mountains, much of the Show-Me State is surprisingly hilly terrain. For motorcyclists, this means a lot of elevation changes, curvy roads and dips that can be challenging to navigate safely.
Doc’s Harley-Davidson in Kirkwood is your STL-area motorcycle dealer. We’ve been in business for over 60 years, so we know a thing or two about safe motorcycle riding, especially in the hills and mountains. Here are some tips you can use on your Missouri motorcycle adventures, whether you’re on a long-distance journey south or simply taking a pleasure ride on winding mountain roads.
Inspect Your Bike
While a well-functioning motorcycle is important at any elevation, you really want to make sure everything is in good condition before you head for the hills. Your brakes and tires are two areas of particular concern: make sure that they are not too worn-down and that they both function as they should.
Do a test-ride around the neighborhood to listen for any squealing or grinding from the brakes. Use a tire-pressure gauge to check your tires, airing them up as needed while also looking for bald patches, embedded objects and sidewall cracks. If you find any major issues you can’t address at home, get in touch with the Doc’s Harley-Davidson service department so we can help you out.
Get the Right Gear
Even in the summer, riding in the mountains will be chilly, so you want to make sure you’re warm enough. Wearing layers under your riding jacket is a good strategy. A neck gaiter or neoprene mask is great for keeping your face warm under your helmet. Insulated riding gloves will help prevent chapped hands. Always make sure to have rain gear, too.
Remain Vigilant
Once you get up into the mountains, you’ll need to be mindful of road damage due to falling rocks and weather. Potholes may be more of an issue on mountainous roads since it’s harder for construction crews to get up there. Loose gravel will also be a problem.
Many mountain roads are very curvy, and to take a curve, you’ll want to stay as far to the left in your lane as you can without drifting into oncoming traffic. This allows you to see and react to traffic. Other motorists may not be so careful. Larger vehicles like RVs and semi trucks may not be able to see you as well, so give them a wide berth.
Be wary of areas where there are no guard rails and watchful for roads with high winds that could blow you into traffic or off the side of the mountain. Don’t speed, ride during the day and avoid riding in poor weather if possible. You will also need to be mindful of animals that could enter the road.
We hope these tips will help you stay safe in the hills. If you’re looking for a new bike, visit our dealership in Kirkwood, MO, to check out our inventory of new and used motorcycles for sale. Doc’s Harley-Davidson proudly serves St. Louis and St. Charles, MO.