The roads are never safe. That's how you stay alive. I don't want to ride in the salt. The sand is not such a bad deal. There is always sand somewhere. I once ran over a big round rock in a corner. That will get you attention. I had a friend that wiped out on a corner because it was covered with bugs. Just use your best judgement are be as careful as you can. The rest is up to God. Im always careful in corners.

 

We use common sense.

 

safe, never. ride-worthy, probably after the first couple good rain storms. I'm up in maine. the sand never completely goes away, you just get used to where it is likely to be.

 

I'm from New Hampshire = real bad winters. I don't ride until around mid April when all the snow is gone and the street sweepers start doing their thing. (Or the rain clears the sand as mentioned above) As you know the fine sand they put on the roads is as slippery as ICE when riding a motorcycle. As a few have said the roads are never really safe BUTTTTT I have no desire to kill myself, smash my bike or miss a whole riding season because of a patch of sand. (Obviously i disagree with the guy who said the sand isn't bad ... it is where i live) It sucks to wait a few extra weeks in the spring for sand removal (By sweeper or rain) ... but sucks more if I go down, get hurt or smash my bike because of sand. ............. THEN all we need to worry about are cars, Mom's in mini-vans on cell phones and pot holes!

 

I ride all year...although not much this year but I always take it extra easy because the roads are crap and the cagers are not used to seeing you yet. Either can spoil your day. I keep it slow in the corners as debris is everywhere. As for the salt.....warm wash in the garage with light car soap is the drill always. The bike has been out riding 3 winters...no corrosion yet.

 

There is no safe road, just more awareness on the bikers part.