Sand on the road

[Randy]

Hi all, I have a question, I have been riding for two years now. I recently moved from Sacramento, CA to Albuquerque New Mexico. My question is, how do I handle the sand that has drifted into what the locals call "triangles" in roads.

I have been very cautious when getting anywhere near these. Somtimes the sand covers the road pretty extensively. Does anyone have any advice on what to do? Am I being way to cautious? I haven't slipped yet, but I have to admit it makes me very nervous.

[ronboskz650sr]

I think it's wise to err on the slow side. I encounter sand here on the back roads. The probelm isn't getting around the curve in the sand, it's the sudden regaining of traction when you come out of the sand. I did this once, not erring to the slow enough, and the result really got my attention. I didn't realize I was sliding the rear wheel until it caught on the pavement.. The road was covered all the way across as I rounded a 90 degree bend on a newly repaved country road. I'm not sure what the sand was there for...maybe just a mistake by a passing truck, this curve is very tight. I was already going about 25 mph, so I just slowed to about 20 and stood the bike up a little for the exit side of the right hander. As I passed out of the sand, my rear tire chirped and skipped as the bike stood up...pronto! THE SAND WAS SO SMOOTH, I JUST DIDN'T REALIZE I WAS SLIDING SLIGHTLY! Just be careful, you'll figure it out.