QuestionThe leaves are changing and beginning to fall. Any tips for riding the country roads that seem to hold the leaves like treasure rather than cast them off like the big roads?
AnswerI have never had a problem with leaves, but I do avoid them if at all possible.
Leaf-covered roads are generally going to offer less traction than clean ones, we assume this. Wet leaves offer less traction than dry leaves, we assume this. So for one, your strategy toward leaves will be different when you know they're wet. When they're dry, they may actually be wet underneath, as well. Visual cues (such as leaves blowing around on the road) might help you evaluate whether or not they're dry.
So: see leaves, assume they're wet if you aren't 100% certain they're dry. Reduce lean angle if possible, minimize hard braking or acceleration when you're forced to ride through them. I don't think dry leaves will cause much in the way of traction problems, especially if they're not "piles" covering entire section of roadway.
Now, other concerns. In the spring and fall, anything in the "shade" (roadside tree shade, even the "shade" created by leaves themselves) is going to be colder and more likely wetter--or even icy, even when the rest of the road surface may be dry and warm (in the sunny spots, or spots that were in the sun at some time that day.) Use great care when approching shadows of trees or clusters of leaves in the shade of a tree. In early mornings during fall and especially spring, ice is OFTEN prevalent in shady areas.
So: spring and fall, early morning, you should be actively paranoid when it comes to shady areas...leaves or not.
Hope that helps and it answers all your questions. One thing I'll add: when traveling with another bike, watching the bike stir up a cloud of leaves in front of you as it whizzes by is breathtaking. It's one of the images I like most about fall riding.
Enjoy, ride safe, and get out there and see those colors!
Pat
