This installment of Tom’s Travel Tip is a safety tip. Mary and I were recently going over the Events Calendar for the next issue of RIDE TEXAS ® Magazine. We couldn’t help but notice that we are approaching that time of year when Toy Runs and Christmas Lights Festivals start in earnest.
We’re lucky that our mild winters extend our riding season. But there are definite notes of caution we need to remember when we participate in these fun events.
Toy Runs have been going on for a long, long time. These popular rides are representative of what is great about motorcycling—our care and concern for our fellow man. The primary hazard is that you will suddenly find yourself riding in the middle of a lot of strangers. Some may be new riders. Some may have never participated in this type of event. It’s usually slow going, and there’s a lot of braking and clutching. If an individual loses concentration and clips or rear-ends another bike, there’s a good risk that a domino effect may occur. The best way to protect yourself is to always “ride your ride.” Be alert at all times, constantly scanning and predicting as you travel down the highway. Always look for an “out,” an escape path in the event of a hazardous development. Be even more vigilant of cars. And, especially, don’t be “sucked in” to continuing a ride you deem too dangerous. If the ride is going too fast or performing in a dangerous manner, bale out the first opportunity you can safely find. It’s not worth a wreck to deliver a $10 toy.
Many towns celebrate the holiday season with Christmas Lights Festivals. With our usually mild winters, it is fun to join some friends for an evening ride to one of these communities, stuff down a chicken fried steak, then “Ooooo” and “Aaaaa” at shimmering streams of lights stapled to a Victorian courthouse or historic square. Just remember that you are sharing the roads with about a bazillion white-tail deer, too. Wintertime has them on the move at night, especially during the rut and once hunting season starts. Moon factors and vegetation availability also play into the formula. Watch your speed. Don’t outrun your headlight. Continually scan the roadside. Don’t let up your vigil even for a second. Hopefully these tips will remind you that not only are both of these events fun, but they also carry some additional responsibility. After all, we want you back after the New Year to RIDE TEXAS!
Tom Wiley
