Black Ice

I got a sharp reminder about environmental observation this morn. There was no ice or frost on the cars or pavements, and the air temperature didn't feel very low, there was no frost on the drive. Guess the road must still have been a bit chilly but it just looked wet.

I wasn't even 5yds out, turning off the drive down the slope of the road before the front folded and we slid ungracefully into a pile. Bruised pride only but I served to give me a serious reminder that sometimes conditions are not what they seem. Ride safe and take care out there folks.

Roll on summer!

Yep, twas very greasy out today!
Sounds like you had a lucky escape

glad only bruised pride only - bet you will feel it in the morning though

Yep, was v lucky. Vodka is taking the aches away!

Originally Posted by fatneck

Roll on summer!

Roll on Spring, it's nearer

I was driving in France last week, I was doing about 50 mph in the truck when I came across an accident. I put my hazards on and stopped without any problem, a Gendarme walked across to me and promptly fell on his ****. The road was like glass yet the temperature wasnt that cold

It's a very useful point that you raise re black ice being a hazard even when it isn't that cold/frosty.

Wikipedia explains why:

Black ice may form even when the ambient temperature is several degrees above the NTP freezing point of water (0°C).

This occurs typically (and treacherously) when terrain contours and/or prevailing winds cause a local steep differential of atmospheric pressure and/or temperature, or when the atmosphere has warmed up after a prolonged cold spell that leaves the temperature of the ground and roadway well below the freezing point.

Bridges and overpasses can be especially dangerous. Black ice forms first on bridges and overpasses because air can circulate both above and below the surface of the elevated roadway, causing the temperature to drop more rapidly than on regular pavement.

Nice one fizzy fish, I love a good fact!

[northwind]

I nearly fell down my back steps last night And then, I actually did fall down the garage steps. Then I nearly fell up the back steps. Probably just as well I didn't try to ride the bike all things considered.