Motorcyle weather/roads in NH?

[9thmoon]

I live in Seattle now; for casual motorcyclists, our motorcycle season is effectively three-four months a year.

How many months out of the year could a casual motorcyclist ride in southern NH?  I'm trying to decide whether it's worth shipping or towing my bike over or if I should just sell it here and maybe pick one up again later if I miss it too badly, since my bike is nothing special. 

Are there good roads for cycling?  Twisties?  Any social/casual motorcycle associations that aren't biker gangs?  This is one of the few areas where I'll allow gender to creep into my vocabulary... I wouldn't mind finding a group of women motorcyclists to ride with. 

[Dreepa]

Laconia bike week is coming up...
I see tons of bikes.  NH seems like it is made for riding.  Lots of country lanes.

I am guessing but I would say  March/April - October you could ride.

[9thmoon]

Laconia bike week is coming up...
I see tons of bikes.  NH seems like it is made for riding.  Lots of country lanes.

I am guessing but I would say  March/April - October you could ride.

Woooo!

[KBCraig]

NH has the highest per capita ownership rate for motorcycles.

As for riding weather... well, that depends. How big a wuss are you?

I know people who won't ride unless it's over 70, or if there's a cloud in the sky capable of producing three raindrops. I know others who don't draw the line unless there's ice or snow on the roads.

When I was a kid, fresh snowfall was my favorite time to ride. I could pretend I was King Kenny Roberts on a flat track oval.  

[Pat McCotter]

One February in Norfolk, VA, I put my saddle bags and my ski equipment on my motorcycle, rode to Alexandria, VA, and put everything in my sister's car for our trip to Michigan.

The looks I got between Norfolk and Alexandria were priceless.

[mvpel]

Riding in Seattle, you're all ready for New Hampshire riding weather.

Ever hear of the Wet Leather e-mail list for Seattle bikers?  I knew a few folks on it a number of years ago.  I was on the ba-rides list in the SF Bay Area, too.

I used to ride everywhere when we lived in San Jose, and when it got down into the 40's I'd just bundle up.  A heated vest can significantly extend the riding season, of course.  Aside from snow, you need to watch out for sand on the roads, which lingers until around July.

There was some riding weather in February this year, in fact, but the real season starts in late March or so, and I rode last year into late November.

[9thmoon]

NH has the highest per capita ownership rate for motorcycles.

Very cool!  I did not know that!  So I should be able to find one that suits me, if I decide my "starter bike" isn't worth moving.

As for riding weather... well, that depends. How big a wuss are you?

A pretty big wuss.  I have barely moved from "novice" to "casual rider" and I haven't yet ridden in inclement weather more serious than a hard-core sprinkle. 

Riding in Seattle, you're all ready for New Hampshire riding weather.

Ever hear of the Wet Leather e-mail list for Seattle bikers? 

No, I haven't.  But then, I haven't done any riding in the rain, yet, either.    Part of the problem is that most of the time I'm operating a motor vehicle (any motor vehicle) it's to get to work and back when my carpool buddy is off for the day... and I work in a fairly professional environment and have had a few people remark unfavorably on helmet-hair, wrinkled clothes, etc.  I'd really like to be able to ride for pleasure but while I'm living in this money pit, I just haven't afforded myself the time.  I hope to experience a significant positive change in my quality of life [strike]if[/strike]when I move to NH. 

[Russell Kanning]

It can rain anytime of year here in NH. We get the same amount as Seattle ... just some each month.
All the roads are twisty.
In spring the birds show up and the bikers come out.
There are not even laws about helmets here ..... if that frees you up any.

[aries]

The roads are good for biking, and if you have a dirtbike, we've got a giant network of snowmobile trails that double as dirtbike trails in the summer.

[9thmoon]

I would never ride without a helmet... but then... I'd never presume I get to make that decision for anyone else.

I have only been a passenger on a dirt bike but it was a blast.  That was before I took my MCSE and learned to ride.  I'll bet I would have fun with that.

[Pat McCotter]

I would never ride without a helmet... but then... I'd never presume I get to make that decision for anyone else.

I have only been a passenger on a dirt bike but it was a blast.  That was before I took my MCSE and learned to ride.  I'll bet I would have fun with that.

Microsoft teaches motorcycle riding?

[Dreepa]

That was my first thought...

[9thmoon]

Hee hee.  Yes, didn't you hear?  They went out last weekend and bought Harley, Honda, Aprilla, Moto Guzzi, Triumph... Next week they're going to file a lawsuit against Yamaha for patent infringement. 

[Pat McCotter]

Hee hee.  Yes, didn't you hear?  They went out last weekend and bought Harley, Honda, Aprilla, Moto Guzzi, Triumph... Next week they're going to file a lawsuit against Yamaha for patent infringement. 

I guess Vespa is too small for Bill, eh?

[Tunga]

Aprilla,

Please don't speak Italian. It only inflames Tungas "condition".

http://www.aprilia.com/modelli/adventure/modello.asp?id=83