in conjunction with 

Central Otago District Council

Central Otago Riding Tips and Safety

Compared to urban areas, many motorcyclists find that country roads are both more fun and more challenging. These conditions make Central Otago popular with both motorcyclists and motorcycle rallies so here are a few tips to help get both a fun and safe ride on our roads:

1.Cambers

Some country roads, especially narrow ones, can be heavily cambered for drainage. As you corner the camber can change from negative to positive and back.

The tyre contact patch also changes on the bike, which can affect steering geometry and the feel through the handlebars.

Riders should anticipate both reduced grip and ground clearance on negative cambers and adjust their speed and lean angle to suit.

2. Cornering

When cornering, always remember that you need lower entry speeds for steep curves. This is because shutting off power midway or even worse, braking, will have an adverse effect on the line you take.

Start your corner entry wide so you have good vision and a nice smooth line. Plan to exit the corner tight, which keeps you away from the head-on zone and gives you some room for error.

Adjust your speed to suit how far you can see. If your vision to the vanishing point reduces then reduce your speed.

3. Animals

Each year in New Zealand crashes occur between vehicles and animals, mostly on country roads. These can range from pet animals to stray stock or wildlife.

Be prepared for stray animals when riding rural roads and be proactive by wearing safety gear that will protect you.

4. Centre lines

When approaching a curve (especially at the crest of a hill), stay away from the center line.

Your bike and all your body need to be fully inside your lane.

If the motorcyclist hogs the centre line and a vehicle rounds the curve in the opposite direction, the cyclist may be hit--even though both vehicles are in their proper lanes.

Needless to say, it would be worse if a motor vehicle approaching the curve from the opposite direction were to hug the middle of the roadway.

5. Hill crests

All riders know that hill crests can be an issue. Adventure riders often stand up, giving a greater view over the top of the hill. On a road bike lift your head as much as possible to peak over the hill as the earlier you can spot a hazard the better.

Your bike can go light, especially in the front. It’s better to slow down on the approach to the crest and accelerate once you can see the road is clear.

6. Road surface

Country or rural roads in New Zealand can be either sealed or gravel.

The sealed roads have fewer marker pegs, no sealed shoulders and because they intersect with unsealed roads there can be gravel moving out into the seal. Be alert when coming up to intersections so you can avoid any loose gravel.

The gravel roads may have potholes and corrugations and can carry some heavy traffic such as stock trucks and dairy tankers.

The state of the road surface will affect your line through a corner. Always scan between the vanishing point and road surface so you can adjust your speed and road position as required.

7. Group riding

The biggest challenge with riding in a group is the range of abilities and riders not wanting to be left behind.

Group riders also need to realise that group riding is a skill. While most riders are aware of how to ride defensively, those new to group riding may not realise how distracting it can be to be constantly scanning their group to be aware of other riders’ actions and reactions.

Smart riders stay in their comfort zone and ride within their own limits.

If there is a problem and you need to stop, consider that if you are travelling at 100 kph you will travel over 30 meters in one second. Your total stopping distance will also include perception and reaction times of typically 1-2 seconds. In real terms, that means that you could travel 60 meters before you even apply the brakes. Each rider in your group ride needs to understand these stopping distances and the impact that a sudden stop may make on the group.

8. Wooden bridges

Much the same as cattle stops, wooden bridges can be treacherous when on a motorcycle, especially when wet. Ride across single lane bridges in the vehicle track rather than the middle and look out for slippery metal bolts and rivet heads.

Get all the braking done nice and early and square the bike up well before you approach the bridge. Ride across with a steady throttle so the bike is nicely balanced with little chance of wheel spin.

9. Cattle stops

Motorcyclists should always approach cattle stops with extreme caution as they can be challenge, especially when wet. Make sure you brake nice and early and square the bike up well before you approach the grid. Ride across with a steady throttle so the bike is nicely balanced with little chance of wheel spin.

10. Training

Central Otago Community Road Safety helps fund various training courses for motorcycle riders. Costs to riders are minimal and instruction is by a qualified instructor who is passionate about motorcycles. For more information email [email protected]