When we are planning a trip, we always must pay attention to safety in its most varied aspects. There is countless advice in texts and publications that address this subject in a very coherent and detailed way. However, the meteorological issue is sometimes neglected.
If climate change is felt by everyone, the direct exposure to the environment inherent to motorcyclists can increase its effects and create risky situations. In my opinion, it is the details that can make the difference.
This is one of the reasons why, whenever I plan a trip, I am cautious to carefully check the weather forecast for the defined route. Increasingly, there are major changes in short periods of time that may affect the conditions initially predicted. That’s why, during the trip, on the eve of each journey, I always confirm the conditions for the following day and, if necessary, adjust the route, the departure time, or the times and places to rest. Sometimes it can lead to the cancellation of an initially planned section.
Safety above all!
For this, I recommend a website that I have used for many years (Weather Underground) on whose App you can check the forecasts for any part of the world in detail.
In 2022, as it was summer, we did not value the weather forecast. While crossing the mountains in Germany we were caught in a storm with such a magnetic discharge that even the GPS stopped working and got all messed up. The water rose on the sides of the front wheel taller than me, and every time we crossed with a car, the wave we were greeted with, was gigantic. It was an experience we don’t want to repeat.
This year, 2023, on a trip to Copenhagen in the middle of May, we managed to protect ourselves from a storm in France, which was fast, violent and localized, making it even more dangerous. As we knew more or less the time and area in which bad weather was expected, we identified the approach of the huge black front in the sky and at the first drops of rain we immediately stopped under an overpass. For 15 minutes the hail was such that the highway was paralyzed. When it stopped, after 10 minutes the sun came back, the ice melted and we continued the journey, safe and dry.
Planning made the difference!
I emphasize the importance of the weather conditions, as it is a planning detail that is not often mentioned and can make the difference between a peaceful trip or a real nightmare.
In these experiences that I shared, it is clear that no matter how meticulous we are, we cannot avoid anything, but we can greatly minimize the risks.
Ride safely and enjoy.
