Oil & Chip Can F#ck Your Ride—Here’s How to Survive It
Oh, oil & chip. How I hate thee.
I live in the city, but most of my miles happen far outside it—out in the hills and mountains where the good roads live. And without fail—especially in fall, more sporadically in spring, and occasionally in summer—I’ll roll up on a road that’s been freshly oiled and chipped. And every time, it pisses me off.
If you’re not familiar with this mess, here’s the deal:
What the Hell is Oil & Chip Anyway?
“Oil & chip” is a road maintenance technique that’s cheaper than real repaving. Road crews spray liquid asphalt (the “oil”) across the road, then dump tons of tiny gravel (“chip”) over top.
That loose stone sits on the road while traffic is expected to roll over it and press it into place. It’s like paving with a bag of Doritos and a dream.
Sometimes the gravel is a dusting. Other times, it’s two inches deep and feels like riding on marbles in motor oil. Not exactly a rider’s dream.
In Pennsylvania, it’s common. Real common. And personally? I think it’s lazy roadwork that does more harm than good. Once it “settles,” the road looks basically the same as it did before—just rougher and more dangerous.
Should You Ride on It?
Short answer: Hell no.
Longer answer: Only if you’re completely screwed and have no other option.
Here’s why:
Traction goes out the window. You’re on gravel over oil. That’s a two-wheel nightmare.
Rocks fly everywhere. They’ll blast your paint, chip your helmet, and crack lights.
Mechanical risk. Ever had chip from this go into your belt drive or chain? I have. Five hours from home, shredded my belt and wrecked my rear pulley. Bike was dead. Trailer home. Wallet punched in the mouth.
So yeah—fuck oil & chip.
But Sometimes… You’re Stuck With It
The worst part is, it’s often unavoidable. Back roads can be chip-sealed for miles. You’ll turn down one, and suddenly you’re stuck—surrounded, deep in it, no detour in sight. That’s what happened the day my belt ate a rock.
So here’s the playbook if you’ve got no choice but to ride it out:
How to Ride Oil & Chip Without Wrecking Your Day (or Bike)
Slow the hell down.
Your traction is trash, and the road surface is unpredictable. This is survival mode, not track day.
Ride steady.
No hard throttle. No panic brakes. No sudden moves. Stay smooth, even, and alert.
Minimize lean.
Keep your bike as upright as possible. You want the full contact patch of your tire—don’t cut it in half by dropping into a turn like you’re on clean asphalt.
Both hands on the bars.
Full control. Grip a little firmer. Ruts and gravel shifts can yank your bars—don’t get caught one-handed and off-guard.
Watch for tire ruts.
Cars carve channels through loose gravel. Those ruts can trap your front wheel and throw your balance in a heartbeat. Stay ready.
Forget about chilling.
No daydreaming, no texting, no “what upgrade am I ordering next?” This is DEFCON 1 for attention. Focus on getting the hell out.
Final Word
Can you ride oil & chip?
Yes.
Should you?
Absolutely not—unless you’re boxed in.
This surface is a budget fix for municipalities, not something designed for motorcycles. It’s dangerous, unpredictable, and straight-up hostile to two wheels.
If you have to ride it, treat it like a battlefield. Not a place to rip—just something to survive.
Oil & chip is a menace. And it sucks ass.
Ride smart, stay upright, and don’t let this shit catch you sleeping.
— Bagger Shawn
Founder, Steel Rippers