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Motorcycles
on Ice
"The definitive description of motorcycle
ice riding"
Written By; Our very own Tammy (BlndeBmbr)
As summer comes to a screeching halt, faces
that once held vibrant smiles now wear frowns. Forlorn sighs
echo through the neighborhood as bikes are lovingly cleaned
and placed into winter storage. A touch of depression sets
in as the battery tenders are attached and fuel tanks stabilized.
A heavy “see ya later sweetheart” can be heard as the covers
are pulled over until spring. A long, torturous five months
away.
Not more than a block away, screeches can be
heard through the garage door of another motorcyclist. Rather
than the lurking sadness of facing a long cold winter, a celebration
can be heard. The harmonious sounds of thumping four strokes
blended with the scream of two resonate through the air. Excitement
can be felt while these people are busy preparing for the
season ahead. Have these people lost their minds? Have they
taken too many headers onto the pavement? Why in the world
would any motorcycle enthusiast be thrilled about winter?
Two words: Ice Riding.
Until you speak to an ice rider, you have no
idea what ‘motorcycle enthusiast’ really means. Ask about
the season ahead and grown men, giddier than lovesick school
girls, nearly fall over themselves explaining the joy of ice.
Their eyes light up brighter than Central Park on New Year’s
Eve as they talk about pushing to ‘the limit’; only to discover
the limit is further than they realized. A smile far wider
than that of a child after a visit from Santa is apparent
as the details of sliding into a turn, throttle cranked open,
settling through the apex only to feel the rear step out while
gaining enough traction to float the front out of the exit
gush forward. I swear you can hear a little “tee-hee-hee”
in their voices as they describe being leaned over and dragging
peg at 50 MPH through a sweeper turn. The heartfelt phrase
“You should come and try it!” is usually stated more than
once. The enthusiasm alone is point blank…..addicting.
Ice riding appeals to all disciplines and all
talent levels. Lake Koshkonong plays host to the annual Steel
Shoe Endurance Race. (www.steelshoefund.org) Riders of Doug
Henry and Benny Carlson caliber have been seen participating
in events years past. Out on Silver Lake, Delavan Lake and
Lake Winnebago, homemade TT courses are plowed into the snow.
AMA Professional Motocross, Supermoto and Road racers will
be found on ice-shod dirt bikes whooping around in childish
fashion next to little nine year old kids that are only learning
how to ride. Moms and Dads, Brothers and Sisters, best friends
of all ages are riding together. Every rider has a place on
the ice.
The first requirement for ice riding is the
desire to have fun. Egos are not necessary nor are they tolerated.
The objective is to get everyone home in one piece after a
great day of fun. Ice riding is an event to be enjoyed by
all people of all ages. A simple reminder that everyone is
astride two chainsaws brings most people into line. Any ego-maniac
wishing to attend should think twice as he/she may be asked
to leave.
Now, how about a dirt bike? Big or small. Two
stroke or four. All are welcome. There is no need to buy the
latest and greatest. On any given day, a variety of bikes
will show up. Anything from the 125 air cooled four stroke
all the way up to the big 450 thumpers. Little 65cc two strokes
will run along side the big 250’s. The idea is to ride what
you have. The vintage dirt trackers are out there next to
the latest technology released by the big four manufacturers.
As any avid ice rider will tell you, it’s not really about
the bike. It’s all about the tires.
Many first time riders, in fact I am sure it
is safe to say ALL first time riders, gasp at the cost of
professionally built tires. Most will prefer to take on the
tedious task of screwing sheet metal screws into a stock knobby
tire. As a victim of this same ‘penny pinchers’ disease, I
can safely attest to the fact home made tires are the way
to go if you would like to spend the day picking your bike
up off the ice instead of riding it. The creation of ice tires
truly is an art form. I don’t know what these guys do to make
the tires work. What I do know is that the pro tires are pure
magic. Diesel Jo says it best: “people break down and buy
pro-built tires after riding another bike that has had pro-tires
installed. Why? Because the pro-tires stick to the ice like
a SuperMoto bike running fresh scuffed in slicks on a hot
summers day.” (www.dieseljo.com/ice_motorcycle_ice_riding_home.htm)
Safety is a key point for all ice riders. As
mentioned earlier, each bike is mounted on the equivalent
of two chainsaws. Even though mishaps are extremely rare,
they do happen. All participants are asked to use ice fenders
on their respective machines. These fenders provide an extra
layer of protection in the event a person should come into
contact with the exposed area of the studded tires. Ice fenders
are made from a variety of materials; plastic, fiberglass
and aluminum, to name a few. They are then attached to the
forks in the front and the swing arm on the rear. Many people
shy away from the added expense. But again, it is for the
safety of all participants. Everyone wants to go home safe
and sound with their skin in tact. The cost of an ice fender
is insignificant when compared to the potential alternatives.
“But I don’t like the cold.” Yes ice is cold.
The wind crossing a frozen lake does not bring with it the
refreshment once offered during the summer months. However,
as the saying goes; “if you are cold you are not riding enough.”
Most riders are tearing down the layers that were packed on
in the morning. Steam rises off bodies as zippers are ripped
open to expose shoulders to the cold air. As a past snowmobile
rider, I can confirm that a sled is much colder to ride than
a dirt bike. Even though the layering is the same, the ice
rider moves around lot more and heats up. After a couple of
laps, extra layers are quickly removed. I have found that
wearing a simple “wickable” layer of long underwear underneath
my snow pants and textile motorcycle jacket is perfect. The
only area that requires caution is one’s finger tips. The
fun factor is so high that frost bite nips without the rider
realizing it. I have walked off the ice a few times shaking
the cold out of my tender fingers.
What makes ice riding so unique is the people
participating in the sport. No one is out for financial gain
or bragging rights. There is no money to be won, not even
trophies to be awarded. Everyone is out there for the sheer
joy of riding. The smiles and laugher are shared by people
who love to share the experience. Never before have I witnessed
such an eager group to share their time, advice and equipment
with others. So when those winter blues really kick in, look
for those crazy ice riders in Wisconsin. You will be glad
you did, for you will have finally met true enthusiasm.
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