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Posted: Sun May 21, 2006 7:01 pm
by dr_bar
When I think of windy roads while riding two come to mind right away;
Highway 1 between Chilliwack and Abbottsford in BC. That area is called the Sumas Prairie and it can really surprise you there sometimes.
The other highway is one I seldom get to ride but I don't think I've ever been on it without a stiff breeze blowing. That would be highway 3 from Fort Macleod in Alberta to Fernie in BC. I guess they put those wind gernerators in that valley for a reason.
Two summers ago, I was returning from visiting my girls in Calgary. On some parts of that road I felt like I was turning one big corner I had the bike leaned over so much. I know what you mean by it feeling like those tires are going to be blown out from under you. I think thats about the worst wind I've ridden in for years.
There might be a few on this site that can confirm how windy it gets down in that part of the province...
Posted: Sun May 21, 2006 7:26 pm
by High_Side
dr_bar wrote:
There might be a few on this site that can confirm how windy it gets down in that part of the province...
Yep, thats no exageration.
Posted: Sun May 21, 2006 7:39 pm
by BuzZz
dr_bar wrote: There might be a few on this site that can confirm how windy it gets down in that part of the province...
I'll definately confirm that. Riding at a 30* angle while riding in a straight line is S.O.P. around these parts.
Posted: Sun May 21, 2006 7:41 pm
by BubbaGump
High_Side wrote:dr_bar wrote:
There might be a few on this site that can confirm how windy it gets down in that part of the province...
Yep, thats no exageration.
The highest wind ever recorded in southern alberta was 171km/h in 1962 (isn't that just a tornado?
). The wind in that area is known to gust to over 120km/h+.
Posted: Sun May 21, 2006 8:04 pm
by Kal
jmillheiser wrote:suprisingly my CX500 doesn't get pushed around by the wind that bad. guess there is a good point to owning a 500lb bike
Add a third wheel and it gets a lot heavier which is great for stability...
...but sucks when you end up pulling it a for a couple of miles! 
Posted: Mon May 22, 2006 1:56 am
by jstark47
The techniques described at this site:
http://www.flamesonmytank.co.za/ride.htm#wind have been helpful to me. Basically, grip the tank firmly with your inner thighs, and keep your body relaxed and fluid from the waist up. It really helps reduce that scary "omigod the bike's outta control" feeling.
(Thanks to forum member Sapaul for steering me towards that website.)
Posted: Mon May 22, 2006 2:04 am
by Bugg
I got to feel that exact same sensation riding over a bridge on a really windy day, it was weird, felt like the bike was pivoting around a point just under the headlight, my knees had a death grip on the tank
Posted: Mon May 22, 2006 3:44 am
by camthepyro
Ok, yeah, I pretty much just leaned into the wind. I was just scared I guess, because it felt like the tires were going to slide out or something, but as long as that's not actually going to happen, then I'm fine.
Posted: Mon May 22, 2006 3:50 am
by Locopez
the wind can create an uneasy feeling. but like anything else...you can learn to adapt and roll on.
Posted: Mon May 22, 2006 9:49 am
by flynrider
It's the gusts that are bothersome. Riding along with steady crosswind isn't bad. You just lean into it a little and you're good.
One of the worst rides I ever had, should have been one of the coolest. I was riding down the Columbia River Gorge towards the coast and there were 50 mph gusts in the crosswind. It didn't help that I had 100 lbs. of camping gear piled on the back seat either. That day, it took everything I had just to keep it in one lane (in fairly heavy traffic). After about 75 miles of that, I was exhausted (mentally and physically).
Most of the time, wind is just an annoyance, but they can reach a point where you're better off just parking it for awhile.