June 2026 Updates

June usually signifies the time of year that motorcycle season is in full swing. Everything is in full bloom, the smells of the first grass cuts are in the air, and everyone is out enjoying their two wheeled time. And then, there is this June…

I know we needed the rain after a very bizarre April and May, but as a biker, I am confidently saying we have had enough for the next while. It is time to see that mythical ball of fire in the sky (you know, that weird elusive thing people talk about called the Sun) and be able to enjoy a nice long day in the warmth, soaking in the two wheeled therapy, and letting all of life’s problems roll of the shoulders as we roll on the throttle.

However, everyone who rides a motorcycle will inevitably end up being caught in the rain at some point in their journey. If that happens, here are a few tips on keeping it safe on two wheels:

1.      The first 5 minutes of a rain fall, the most dangerous spot to be is in the middle of a lane, where a four wheeled vehicle’s engine would be. Everyone knows and has seen those vehicles on the road that have you thinking “how is this thing still driveable?” Any of the oils or chemicals leaking from those vehicles will float on top of the water in the first few minutes of a rainfall and make the center of a lane VERY slippery.

2.      Tar snakes. Good old Alberta roads, with our bipolar winters, tend to crack under the extreme cold. In the spring and early summer, road crews work very hard to get out and seal those cracks with tar. In the hot summer days, those tar snakes can feel a little greasy, but they are even more greasy when wet from rain. It is a good habit in all weather conditions to just avoid them all together.

3.      Freshly painted road markings. As soon as these are wet, they also become very slippery very quickly. Just think of a freshly mopped floor in your home and then slipping on the wet floor with rubber soled shoes but now add the weight of a motorcycle on that slippery surface.

4.      Manhole covers or steel plates on the road. These too can be extremely slippery when wet!

All the dangers on a wet road can be turned into muscle memory to avoid if you get used to not riding over them during any ride. I have had the habit for YEARS of just avoiding all four of the items listed above, to now not having to think about it during any type of road condition. On the brightest and sunniest days, I still avoid all of them and it has become second nature to do so with that muscle memory.

And finally, thank you to everyone who sent in well wishes for Little Pup! The bike has been discharged from the motorcycle hospital with some carb work completed and is running much better now.

In the meantime, ride smart, stay safe, and I will see you down the road.