Tropical Storm Isaac is set to blast by Florida and one model has it heading for the Louisiana coast next week. Many of you may think a hurricane can't have an impact on the Shreveport area, but you would be mistaken. I remember in 2005, Hurricane Rita reaching her tendrils into our area, and the same year, the ill begotten, Hurricane Katrina, bringing heavy rains and more significantly, evacuees fleeing from the devastated New Orleans area.
Still a weak tropical storm, a couple of hundred miles southwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Isaac is expected to make landfall somewhere around the Dominican Republic Friday afternoon or evening. A computer model forecast shows it sweeping between Havana and Miami, west of Tampa and heading forward between Pensacola and Mobile, but some models bring it up towards the Louisiana and Texas Coast. If that happens, our weather could be significantly impacted next week with increased chances of rain. Our weather persons will be watching Isaac closely, as will riders who have made plans to celebrate the upcoming three day Labor Day weekend, the last big holiday of the summer season. For riders, that means plans must remain tentative and contingencies should be considered to include the impact of Isaac, who might bring a lot of unwanted rain and wind. It's a good idea to adapt a policy of never starting a ride in the rain, but being prepared for bad weather if caught in it. Some rain riding advice includes:
- If possible, pull over as soon as it begins raining. The oil on the roads is slick for the first 20 minutes or so after the rain begins. After about 20 minutes the built up oil dissipates, and the roads become a bit safer.
- Always carry good rain gear with you. It should be brightly colored, made of reflective material and have a hood. Rain gators that cover your boots and waterproof gloves are a necessity, too. Clear goggles are a must. A full faced helmet is better than a half faced or shell type.
- If you see threatening rain clouds, or hear distant thunder and lightening, put the gear on. Don't wait until it's already raining. If you're already wet when you put the gear on, you might still be shivering and cold which can detract from your concentration on the road. Layer your clothing to stay warm.
- Many people will tell you to stop under a highway overpass, but this is a very dangerous place to be. Many riders have lost their lives while under these overpasses because cars are also pulling over and might not see the bike. "The important to budget travel is to prepare in advance. When it comes along to family trips, globetrotting, well-deserved vacations and/or going to see new locations we have never been before, the actuality of cost and budgeting is generally in the back of our thoughts. Arranging and spending our travel budget correctly is a concern for most families. Curbing expending and fees, while still savoring your vacation to its fullest, is the key to assured accomplishment and fiscal responsibility. Your pocketbook and family will thank you! The thought regarding economizing money while vacationing is simple: Even if your personal finances is highly tight, you can still take a break and enjoy life! Simply put, life is just too short to never step out of the door or leaving the homestead! Also keeping in mind that while traveling, regardless of whether on a price range or not, even the smallest of things can all add op to a huge vacation or travel charge!..". If you have to pull over under an overpass, get away from the bike, preferably behind the guard rail while you don your rain gear. If at all possible, stop at an exit with a building that offers protection.
- While riding in the rain, slow down. Refrain from riding in the center of the lane, especially at intersections where most of the engine oil is left from vehicles. Look out for the rainbow green colored patches that indicate oil slicks and be careful where you put your feet at stops. Don't brake hard or turn too fast. Slow down and be careful, especially when making turns.
- It's a good idea to ride behind one of the rear wheels of the vehicle in front of you. It will momentarily whisk away the rain and debris from the road and provide a somewhat drier spot for you to ride in. Pay attention to their brake lights and if they have to stop suddenly, you'll be in a position to get out of their way, since you're right behind the wheel. You should be able to swerve slightly and clear the vehicle safely, giving you extra braking distance if needed.
- Keep in mind that painted lines, crosswalks and some parking lot surfaces are very slick when wet. Likewise, metal surfaces such as railroad tracks, manhole covers, and grated bridges provide slippery hazards.
- Pot holes and mud puddles can also be dangerous as can flash flooding, especially common in Louisiana. A motorcycle caught up in high waters can go down fast, and cause you to get seriously injured or even killed. It is better to avoid high water areas completely. "Don't drown, turn around."
- Go get some coffee if the roads are really bad. Check the weather on your cell phone or at a truck stop/restaurant television or radio broadcast. If it's not going to improve, it might be prudent to stop, get a hotel and wait the storm out. If there's lightening in the area, you shouldn't be riding.
These are only a few of the tips I use to help stay safe and visible to other motorists during wet, rainy weather. I'm sure there are more, but the main point is to always err on the side of safety. A great vacation can be ruined by a mishap that could have been avoided by following a few simple safety precautions. We'll all be watching Isaac along with the weather persons, and hoping for a dry forecast for the holiday weekend. Ride safe, and stay dry!
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