Black Ice
"You'll know you're on it," says James. "When you look at the front wheel, and it's going sideways." Black ice -- really just an ominous name for hard-to-see frozen water on the road -- can occur any time the temperature has been near the freezing point, or where frost can form. "You really can't see black ice," Cook says, "but you can anticipate where it's likely to be." Bridges are very susceptible because they are disconnected from the warmth of the Earth, which is why we see signs warning that bridges may ice first. Be on the lookout for roads that are shaded from the sun or follow a river or stream. Our experts also say that a road that looks really smooth should be suspect. With black ice, it's best to just avoid it. "Stay on well-traveled roads and ride in the car tracks," Cook says. "A road with lots of activity tends to keep black ice from forming." If you feel like you're on it, don't make any sudden moves, and don't touch the brakes. Our experts say to pull in the clutch and let the bike coast down until you're clear. next-->
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