Riding on light road gravel
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 175
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From: Bucks Co PA
Riding on light road gravel
Having not ridden for 30+ years I don't remember whether the small amount of gravel that sometimes accumulates in the center of a lane is something that needs to be avoided in turns. I probably never gave a second thought 30 years ago. I came across some yesterday riding on some less traveled roads but coud tell that it might be something not easy to see all the time.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,140
Likes: 17
From: Wisconsin
Having not ridden for 30+ years I don't remember whether the small amount of gravel that sometimes accumulates in the center of a lane is something that needs to be avoided in turns. I probably never gave a second thought 30 years ago. I came across some yesterday riding on some less traveled roads but coud tell that it might be something not easy to see all the time.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 545
Likes: 2
From: Yukon, Canada
Yep... best to steer clear of the accumulated stuff. Frog's got a great point there; sometimes it goes against your every instinct - but when you're in the loose stuff and you start to slide; twist on some more throttle to spin your way out... Power through it they say.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 501
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From: SW Iowa
I always try and ride in the left of center wheel track on pavement. Never ride in the center of the lane as that is where the oil and other road debrie tends to collect. By riding Left of center, you have a lot more room to maneuver and better visibility to oncoming traffic.
As far as gravel roads, I run then also in the wheel track, usually L. center wheel track which ends up being the center of the road. When I get in the lose marbles, such as to give oncoming traffic room, the main thing is to slow down and let the back wheel wander around a bit while holding the bars steady to slightly right. Once in the right wheel track, steady up straight in the track and speed up back to 40 until traffic is past and you can then slow down and get back in the center of the road lane. Don't fight the rear wheel wandering by making steering corrections-- you will go down. Don't try any sudden braking or turning or leaning. You will go down. Do things much slower and deliberately on gravel roads than on pavement. Usually 40-45 mph is about right on gravel. It sucks, but you will be alright. Just take it easy.
As far as gravel roads, I run then also in the wheel track, usually L. center wheel track which ends up being the center of the road. When I get in the lose marbles, such as to give oncoming traffic room, the main thing is to slow down and let the back wheel wander around a bit while holding the bars steady to slightly right. Once in the right wheel track, steady up straight in the track and speed up back to 40 until traffic is past and you can then slow down and get back in the center of the road lane. Don't fight the rear wheel wandering by making steering corrections-- you will go down. Don't try any sudden braking or turning or leaning. You will go down. Do things much slower and deliberately on gravel roads than on pavement. Usually 40-45 mph is about right on gravel. It sucks, but you will be alright. Just take it easy.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Grand Rapids, MI
I had my first gravel road experience...knowing I was going onto gravel, I researched 'tips' before I left. Well....when I got up to where I was going - not only was it gravel - it was FRESH THICK gravel...ALL OVER the freakin' road!!! The only quote I kept thinking, was hands firm on the grip, and let the bike find it's own path. Not sure what speed to go, I kept it about 35 mph, which may have been a bit slow, but eh, I made it - about 2 miles in and 2 miles out...in the midst of which was a stop at the bottom of a hill. eeeeeeeeeesh!! Say a prayer and trust the gnarly!
If ya like that, youre gonna be just fine.
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