Tar Snakes!

Post by **AllanCook** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 1:58 pm

Just in from a steamy ride around Austin. My on-board computer says its 93.6 degrees F out there (unfortunately, it does not tell me humidity, but experience says its in the 70-80 percent-plus range). I was rounding through an access to the highway, leaned over pretty well, and felt my rear tire start to give. Whoa! I recovered, but was reminded that TxDOT has been "repairing" the roads with liquid sealant, which, in temperatures like this, pretty much stays liquid.

Be advised, those tar snakes may give you a nasty bite if you're not careful around them.

r12r-don · Post by **r12r-don** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 8:34 pm

I encountered quite a few of them in Morris County, NJ last weekend as well. Even without the high temps and humidity, they are dangerous. I felt my tires slide across them several times until they hit pavement. Not a good feeling.

Post by **deilenberger** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 9:54 pm

It appears some counties in western MD mistake tar-seal for paving. I was riding down to RA in the rain through the area - and wet tar-snakes are much worse than hot ones. What's funny - as soon as I cross into WV - had perfect pavement. WV roads are really heaven sent for motorcyclists.

On my way home now - I've been on the bike for 10 days so far - and it continues to be great. Had a long high-speed run today from Asheville to Winchester VA (about 425 miles..) My butt started getting sore a bit - but other than that - the bike has performed flawlessly.. even passing the trains of tractor-trailers marching up Rt 81 is pretty much a non-issue. The bike is quite stable in the blast from the trucks.. even moreso if I duck down a bit behind the 16" Cee-Bailey shield and goose it.

Post by **celticus** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 4:27 pm

I ran over some tar snakes just today and deffinatly noticed some rear end give. Really caught both mine and my wife's attention. I was surprised. They look so ......Friendly.
Mark