manhole covers

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uley · #1 Unread post by **uley** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 1:50 pm

On a curve I have taken a few times at around 30-35 - dont know how to describe the severity of the curve other than moderate - there is a row of manhole covers - I have gone over them wet and dry with no issues - but each time I am on the curve I will make it a point to not hit them even though they are on the exact line I want to take - are they something to avoid? At this speed like I said I have gone over them with no probs so either I answered my own ? or was lucky - how bout higher speeds or in general how do you handle manhole covers in your path on a curve - thanks!

Flesher · #2 Unread post by **Flesher** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 2:22 pm

You've been lucky! Man-hole covers, especially wet ones are to be avoided. Wet metal can be as slippery as ice.

olebiker · #3 Unread post by **olebiker** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 8:08 am

Flesher wrote:You've been lucky! Man-hole covers, especially wet ones are to be avoided. Wet metal can be as slippery as ice.

Yep!

#4 Unread post by **dr_bar** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 9:04 am

Yes avoid them completely if possible.

On a side note: Why are manhole covers round???

Dystopian · #5 Unread post by **Dystopian** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 9:19 am

Manhole covers are round because if they were any other shape, the cover would fall into the hole.

#6 Unread post by **sv-wolf** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 12:26 pm

#7 Unread post by **dr_bar** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 1:47 pm

Dystopian wrote:Manhole covers are round because if they were any other shape, the cover would fall into the hole.

Three stars for you. That is exactly right...

RhadamYgg · #8 Unread post by **RhadamYgg** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 4:43 pm

Some of us play avoidance maneuvers with the manhole covers. I do it sometimes, but I am concerned that people will think I'm a freak zigging and zagging on the road.

In NYC in the Bronx, there are a crapload of metal object embedded in to the streets. I have ridden there once in heavy rain, and it wasn't too bad, but instead of just playing with avoiding all that crap, I was definitely riding slower and doing my best to avoid everything.

RhadamYgg

RhadamYgg · #9 Unread post by **RhadamYgg** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 4:44 pm

In my local town area - some manhole covers actually have pavement on them - not completely covered, just a ring of metal not covered, but it at least offers the potential of better traction.

You might be able to convince you local town to do something similar.

RhadamYgg

BusaEater · Fri Jun 20, 2008 5:19 pm

Some manhole covers around my way acutally stick upwards farther than the pavement lays. I'd treat them like gravel on the road...do everything you can to avoid them safely, but if you have to cross over them do it with caution.