This ominous message was sent out by the Fairbanks Police Department this evening. I was out running an errand on the sidecar rig and was wondering what the temperature was. I think that answered my question. Occasionally when going down the road, I can feel the steering lighten up. Since I haven't done any steering mods to reduce trail, it takes a fair amount of effort to change direction. So the reduced effort is pretty noticeable.
No problem getting around and most other drivers were slowing down due to the slick conditions. The studded tires really help and the GripStuds that I'm using this year show minimal wear even with our lack of snow.
Richard, its when your front wheel starts pushing its way into a turn rather than leading the way into a turn that things get interesting. It's good that the local PD sends those warnings out....do they go into "accident alert" mode there too? Here, when they do, it means if you're in a minor accident, no injuries, just get to your destination and file a report later because the police is too busy due to weather related accidents.
ReplyDeleteI don't know about the accident alert mode but I have heard that folks have been told that by the 911 operator. No injuries, file a report.
DeleteNice to get a warning in advance of getting out there and finding the black ice for yourself.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear that the studded tires are working out for you so far!
The PD offers this as an opt-in service. Give them your mobile number and they'll add it to the alert notifications.
DeleteRichard:
ReplyDeleteI even noticed reduced effort in the car, like this morning. But I have better traction now that I switched over to snow tires.
Police here don't bother with accidents even in good weather, unless there are injuries or you are blocking a major route during rush hours.
I suppose riding a Hack with studded tires are like when I had my YJ jeep. I always looked forward to snow so I could put it into 4x4 mode and I would always go out when they issued snow warnings.
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
I don't know about really looking forward to snow. It is just something that comes with the territory when living in paradise... (Or at least I think that's how it goes.)
DeleteYikes. Black ice sucks. Glad you have the studs in the tires and they are working.
ReplyDeleteWe have snow on McKenzie Pass and it will be closing soon. Winter has arrived in the cascades.
The studs are working surprisingly well. I was a little unsure as they don't stick out as much as the screw studs I used last year though they are lasting much, much longer. I'm debating whether or not I need to add a row in the center of the front tire. They only contact the road in turns which is why the steering feels lighter while going straight.
Deleteif it was me, I'd try putting some in the center rows.
DeleteI may put some but not the same density as the others which help when turning.
DeleteThe Fairbanks webcam I view shows 27 degrees and frosty car tops, rooftops and frosty wet streets!
ReplyDeleteLots of black ice this morning on the ride in. And some difficulty walking across the parking lots where gravel wasn't scattered. No accidents or cars in ditches. That'll come once we get fresh snow on top of the ice...
DeleteLucky us, all we had was near freezing temperatures and wet roads....no ice though.
DeleteBlack ice? My least favorite road condition… it is said that we get that in our area as well… great. NOT!
ReplyDeleteFortunately, these conditions only occur in the Fall. Once it gets cold, conditions improve dramatically.
DeleteGive me snow any day over ice (black ice is the worst, you're already sliding before you realize it's slippery.) Glad your studs are working.
ReplyDeleteFresh snow on top of ice is the worst of all. But hopefully that season is behind us. It's supposed to be in the teens by the weekend.
DeleteOnly on the Last Frontier does life threatening weather bring the advantage of easier riding. Fairbanks PD sounds under irked. I can just picture myself telling yet one more Key West drunk at two in the morning about weather warnings. Very funny. Around here when hurricanes threaten people stock up with liquor and invite their friends over.
ReplyDeleteFrom my perspective, you live in a pretty strange place. Hurricane warnings mean have a party? Odd, really odd.
DeleteAmen.
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