Got caught in a snowstorm today.

No Worries · 03-17-2008, 12:49 AM

It was 51 degrees when I left my house this afternoon. Went to the top of Lookout Mountain. Had a cup of hot chocolate in the cafe, and when I came outside the snow was blowing horizontally. Visibility was like 100 feet. I was wearing long johns under my leather pants and had two shirts under my leather jacket. Also had the Hippo Hands over the hand controls.

I headed down slower than usual and came up to a car. Under dry conditions, I would have passed him in a second. I could have stayed behind, but I didn't like the spray off his tires, nor did I like dividing my concentration between the car and the road ahead. So I passed on a straight. Except there is a hairpin turn at the end of the straight. I leaned off like a SOB. Luckily, the snow didn't stick to the road because it was too warm, but the road was very wet. This is when you have to have confidence in your tires and ability.

The snow was sticking to my face shield, but I didn't wipe it. Firstly, I didn't want to smear it as I could look through the clear spots, and secondly, I didn't want to get my gloves wet. I hate cold, wet hands, plus it's dangerous.
I did have to crack the shield a few times to keep it from fogging, even though I had put some Cat Crap on yesterday. I made it off the mountain ok and after I rode past the Coors brewery it stopped snowing. That's Colorado weather for you.

Mr Lefty · 03-17-2008, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by No Worries

It was 51 degrees when I left my house this afternoon. Went to the top of Lookout Mountain. Had a cup of hot chocolate in the cafe, and when I came outside the snow was blowing horizontally. Visibility was like 100 feet. I was wearing long johns under my leather pants and had two shirts under my leather jacket. Also had the Hippo Hands over the hand controls.

I headed down slower than usual and came up to a car. Under dry conditions, I would have passed him in a second. I could have stayed behind, but I didn't like the spray off his tires, nor did I like dividing my concentration between the car and the road ahead. So I passed on a straight. Except there is a hairpin turn at the end of the straight. I leaned off like a SOB. Luckily, the snow didn't stick to the road because it was too warm, but the road was very wet. This is when you have to have confidence in your tires and ability.

The snow was sticking to my face shield, but I didn't wipe it. Firstly, I didn't want to smear it as I could look through the clear spots, and secondly, I didn't want to get my gloves wet. I hate cold, wet hands, plus it's dangerous.
I did have to crack the shield a few times to keep it from fogging, even though I had put some Cat Crap on yesterday. I made it off the mountain ok and after I rode past the Coors brewery it stopped snowing. That's Colorado weather for you.

but at least you were riding... and that's why I'm looking forward to it!

glad you made it down! that's some intense shit!

Phenix_Rider · 03-17-2008, 01:22 PM

Always with the stories. I can do rain, but snow- I don't think so. You're definitely a braver rider than me

If you haven't tried Zooke's you should. I picked up some at the Cycle World show and it works really well. Only get the blue wax if you can though, the spray stuff isn't nearly as good.

the chi · 03-17-2008, 01:29 PM

Wow, thats pretty crazy...considering I have only seen snow a few times in my life, i cant even imagine what its like to ride in it! Glad ya made it home safe!

marko138 · 03-17-2008, 02:22 PM

Snow not good.

Cutty72 · 03-17-2008, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marko138

Snow not good.

Ice even worse... good thing the asphalt was warm yet.

LaFemmes · 03-17-2008, 08:05 PM

One pricey hot chocolate ha?

Mudpuppy · 03-17-2008, 11:53 PM

yeah mountains are a unique weathersphere all in themselves.. here in michigan closest thing we have is trash heaps we turn into ski hills.. our weather is the same all the time partly to mostly shitty.. good story.. glad to hear you made it back alright..

freezing rain and snow tomorrow.. thank god i only work 3 miles from the house..

sfarson · 03-17-2008, 11:58 PM

NW... It was a day of snow showers. At least the forecasted dump didn't happen! 4" here in Park County and the roads are now clear.

vabarber2 · 03-18-2008, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rae

Wow, thats pretty crazy...considering I have only seen snow a few times in my life, i cant even imagine what its like to ride in it! Glad ya made it home safe!

03-17-2008, 12:49 AM	#1
No Worries Keyboard Racer Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mile High City Moto: Old Superbikes Posts: 1,016	Got caught in a snowstorm today. It was 51 degrees when I left my house this afternoon. Went to the top of Lookout Mountain. Had a cup of hot chocolate in the cafe, and when I came outside the snow was blowing horizontally. Visibility was like 100 feet. I was wearing long johns under my leather pants and had two shirts under my leather jacket. Also had the Hippo Hands over the hand controls. I headed down slower than usual and came up to a car. Under dry conditions, I would have passed him in a second. I could have stayed behind, but I didn't like the spray off his tires, nor did I like dividing my concentration between the car and the road ahead. So I passed on a straight. Except there is a hairpin turn at the end of the straight. I leaned off like a SOB. Luckily, the snow didn't stick to the road because it was too warm, but the road was very wet. This is when you have to have confidence in your tires and ability. The snow was sticking to my face shield, but I didn't wipe it. Firstly, I didn't want to smear it as I could look through the clear spots, and secondly, I didn't want to get my gloves wet. I hate cold, wet hands, plus it's dangerous. I did have to crack the shield a few times to keep it from fogging, even though I had put some Cat Crap on yesterday. I made it off the mountain ok and after I rode past the Coors brewery it stopped snowing. That's Colorado weather for you.

03-17-2008, 08:05 PM	#7
LaFemmes Queen Bee Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: PA Moto: 2003 R6 Posts: 418	One pricey hot chocolate ha? __________________ www.myspace.com/lafemmes If you cannot win, make the one ahead of you break the record!

03-17-2008, 11:53 PM	#8
Mudpuppy South of Heaven Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Michigan Moto: 2006 Yamaha R1 50th Anniversary Edition Posts: 1,491	yeah mountains are a unique weathersphere all in themselves.. here in michigan closest thing we have is trash heaps we turn into ski hills.. our weather is the same all the time partly to mostly shitty.. good story.. glad to hear you made it back alright.. freezing rain and snow tomorrow.. thank god i only work 3 miles from the house.. __________________ Mudpuppy Redline Superbike http://www.redlinesuperbike.com/ Learn about photography: ATP Members

03-17-2008, 01:29 PM	#4
the chi Forum Coach Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: GA Moto: 2006 GSXR 600 Posts: 7,419	Wow, thats pretty crazy...considering I have only seen snow a few times in my life, i cant even imagine what its like to ride in it! Glad ya made it home safe!

03-17-2008, 11:58 PM	#9
sfarson On a Ride Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: The Rockies Moto: Two Wheels Posts: 104	NW... It was a day of snow showers. At least the forecasted dump didn't happen! 4" here in Park County and the roads are now clear.