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All Roads Are Not Alike
Tourers take note

By: James R. Davis



Those of us that tour with our motorcycles have learned something about the roads across the country that might not be obvious - they are all different.

I mean that they are made of different materials, the quality of their surfaces varies considerably, they might be pristine and immaculate in one place only to become pot-holed war zones a few miles farther along.

The curves in one section of a road can be well lighted, perfectly banked, and of consistent radius while only a mile away a similar curve can be dark, decreasing radius, covered with 'tar snakes', and have roadside weeds higher than your head.

Why?

It seems to me that what we are seeing is simply a manifestation of the very real differences in County and State wealth and quality of their various maintenance personnel.

The Interstates are consistent in quality and design. The various State and County roads are not.

So, the message here should be obvious: As you cross a County line be sure to be ready for changes in road surface and quality. Slow down and experience the workmanship and care of the roads in a new County for a few miles before believing that you can take that next blind curve as fast as you are used to driving.

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(James R. Davis is a recognized expert witness in the fields of Motorcycle Safety/Dynamics.)

     
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