TEAM Arizona Riding Tip June 2013: Jerome, AZ: Down on the Upside

Published: Posted on by admin

Last Updated: April 1st, 2024

Motorcycle Parking Jerome

It is that time of the year again where riders seek respite from the 110 degree temperatures in the friendly hillside escape known as Jerome, Arizona.  For first timers from the flatlands, operating a motorcycle in Jerome can be a tricky proposition.  Hopefully this month’s tips will take the sweat out of parking and starting out on hills.

PARKING

When you arrive in Jerome, luck is with you if you’re able to find a nice flat place to park.  This doesn’t always happen.  The goal will be to successfully position your bike so that it is stable when parked and also permits easy exit when you  are ready to leave.  Here are some elements to consider:

  • Park with the rear tire touching the curb.  This allows you to pull away from the curb while under the bike’s power versus having to walk the bike backwards out of the spot.
  • Park facing uphill.
  • Park in such a way that the weight of the motorcycle is placed onto the side stand; essentially, put the sidestand on the downhill side.  Avoid parking in a manner that tilts the bike away from the side stand for fear of tipping over.
  • Park the bike in first gear to prevent the motorcycle from rolling.
  • Use a side stand puck (Jiffy Stand Coaster for the Harley folk) where necessary.  If the ground is soft (grass), loose gravel is present, or the surface provides less than perfect stability for the sidestand, add a puck into the mix.
  • Park in an area where you’ll be able to see motorists and they’ll be able to see you; avoid hiding around corners, bushes, or other areas that my hide your motorcycle.

STARTING OUT ON A HILL

Motorcycle uphillAt any point during your ride, or after parking, you may find the need to start out on a hill from a dead stop.  First important rule:  DON’ T RUSH!  Nothing in motorcycling requires the rider to rush.  Slow down, take your time, and work through the process patiently.

Now that we’ve got the right mental attitude, here’s how the physical aspects may work:

  • The bike should be in first gear.
  • If possible, use the rear brake to prevent the motorcycle from rolling.  If it is necessary to keep both feet on the ground for stability purposes, using the front brake will work fine too.
  • FRICTION ZONE!  Our friend the friction zone to the rescue.   The friction zone is the area of clutch lever travel that transmits a portion of the engine power to the rear tire; it is an area of partial engagement.  You may find it necessary to add some throttle- maybe more than usual- to accompany the friction zone.
  • As the clutch lever is eased out, take your time releasing the brake you are using.
  • Keep your vision up and out so that you’re able to scan for motorists and road hazards.

Doesn’t seem too difficult, does it?  It is if we don’t practice!

PRACTICE

Image of a hand holding a clutch

Want to avoid feeling stressed out about going to Jerome for the first time (or a second time)?  Want to kick the fear out of parking on a hill or starting out on a hill?  The answer is simple:  practice before you go!

What can you practice?  First, practice on flat ground to get used to a couple techniques:

  • Practice using the friction zone and throttle; become a master at takeoffs.
  • Practice using the friction zone and throttle in conjunction with using the rear brake.
  • Practice using the friction zone and throttle in conjunction with the front brake.

Finally, we know it may be challenging to find an area with some slope, but take the time to find an area relatively free from motorists and hazards and take the last two items from above and get comfortable with those techniques.

By just taking a few hours to practice, you will reduce your stress and fear greatly all while increasing the probability of a smooth takeoff when you get to Jerome.  Have fun practicing and see you in Jerome!