I was discussing some things I've noticed while out doing some riding during the crisis. For the most part I'm abiding by the stay at home order, but I need some exercise and just walking around the block isn't enough, and it also doesn't help my mental health. Going to the parks for walks and hikes is a regular thing for me, so without other normal parts of my life (office work with a group of 25+ people, church, gym, etc) I'm alone and tired of being at home by myself. Just being out of the house, seeing other people maybe having a casual chat etc. helps my mental wellness. Toss in some time in the saddle and I can go from bad to great quite easily.
The first couple of rides were just in the local park systems here in Northeast Ohio, I can ride from my home in Akron to Cleveland area, then east or west all in park areas, with lighter traffic, lots of green space and plenty of places to take a break, maybe even a nice walk or hike. This is a real treat and something I've usually done in spring as I start the riding season and shake off the rust. Even in the parks though, some roads and areas are closed. Large picnic shelters are closed, so people don't congregate and have a big party. Some trash cans and other benches/tables have also been removed, and some bathrooms were closed. That part changed after a bit, some park systems brought in portable bathrooms which are serviced by the company they contract with. In many cases these are placed right where other bathrooms had been closed, so people are familiar with the location.
Yesterday was the first day I went out for a more normal ride, but even that was one where I planned not to go far, my usual point of "where the good roads start" was actually my turn around point. I was gone about 6 hours, rode 125 miles, had a nice lunch, a hike and some time just sitting and taking in the large park I was in. I didn't need gas, as I left home with a full tank, and generally that will be my goal but gassing up at a station just means making sure I wash/sanitize my hands after. I carry something with me in case I need it.
I packed a lunch for all these rides, but many fast food places are open, and most gas station convenience stores are also open, so you don't have to pack your own food. I even saw a nice restaurant was open, they have a bakery next door and I almost stopped in for some desert, but was still too full.
Now regarding the pros/cons picture, that is something I did discuss with a few fellow riders, and I was considering meeting one of them for a short ride. So to those points
Pros - definitely agree with all of those, even on my park rides which are mostly 30-40MPH with some decent curves, just being on the bike putting along made me feel great, lifting days of stress.
cons - I disagree with several of them, some based on my own experience
- no group riding - it can be done, the fewer the better, 2-3 riders total (many in MSTA ride in groups this small normally), when stopped keep your distance, communicate through hand signals or talk with helmets on and visors down. If stop for a meal break, opposite ends of a picnic table.
- can't stop for food or coffee - many places are still open, you just need to eat/drink outside, I even did that recently in my car when I got some carryout and it would be cold by the time I got home, so I ate in the lot
Others I fully agree with, especially that an accident (like it or not more risk on a bike, a fender bender is a bone breaker) can put a strain on the health care system, as well as maybe putting you at risk as you come in contact with all these health care --professionals. Even a minor tip over could cause injury, or require some sort of assistance from others. To combat that I tried to be more careful riding, and also carry all my stuff to help myself if I have an issue (air compressor, tire repair kits, tools, battery jumper, etc.)
The part about less traffic and people driving faster, yes both others and potentially yourself as a rider. I was in one area of a park, didn't see any traffic around, opened up the bike, exhaust note howling, then I noticed I'm crossing a spot where bridal trail crosses the road, I look to my right as I go by and this poor rider is struggling to control the horse, I felt like a jerk and usually know better to watch for these areas. I also had a couple of near incidents with traffic, some I contributed too.
I know that one early stay at home order for the San Francisco area specifically prohibited motorcycle rides, I presume they meant for pleasure, since they are legal forms of transportation I don't think they could outlaw them for that purpose. In Ohio I don't believe they've specifically prohibited that kind of activity, though the spirit of the stay at home order would include no trips outside your home that are not essential. That would include pleasure drives in your car, or on a motorcycle. But I know people are doing it, and I see the crowds at some parks on nice days, I doubt that is the closest park for everybody there.
If you made it to the end, thanks for listening to my ramblings, I'm doing a lot of that now. Just ask anybody that calls me for any reason, or people I see in the neighborhood, I'm starved for human contact and will talk your ear off.
Missing all my riding buddies, hope to see some of you this year at an event.
