Easy day to slip-slide away

The rain is gone and so is the accumulation of oil, gas, grease and gunk that normally slicks down the petroleum-based road base we call asphalt.

Unfortunately, as dawn's early light reveals a pretty darn nice day to ride, it also reveals autumn's latest downfall: Leaves.

Wet streets, slick leaves blown from the trees during last night's windy session are making an otherwise beautiful day a little treacherous.

Add to that wet paint traffic markings and you have some ingredients for an intriguing ride to work.

Until every thing dries out a little and the wind rakes up the roads, it's best to gear up for the fall. Wear padded jackets and, if you have them, overpants or some of those off-road knee protectors just in case.

Bring your best Troy Aiken anti-concussion helmet along for the ride and finally -- for some of us this is difficult -- keep off the throttle as much as possible.

Sudden throttle inputs to the rear tire on leaves cause the tire to slide sideways. If  you're already moving, this can result in an interesting fishtail exercise that, given enough time and space, you can pull out of. Without the time and space, well, don't ask.

And don't ask how I know that.

Go slower into the corners as your tires are on the edge anyway and any slick surface like discarded oak leaves will make that tire want to kick out.

You don't have to stay home, just keep that right hand under control, the bike upright as much as possible and slow down.

You can rock and roll this afternoon