Crosswinds & Big Rigs
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
From: Huntington Beach, CA
Crosswinds & Big Rigs
So, I have been in cross winds, before and have passed big rigs in crosswinds before, however today, I rode in the worst crosswind I've been in and passed dozens of big rigs and RV's in those cross winds.
The issue is that as I would pass the large vehicles, the crosswind would be blocked and my lean into the crosswind wouldtend todraw me into the large vehicle, and just the opposite once I passed the vehicle. However, with this heavy of a crosswind I was getting the double whammy from the wind deflected by the motion of the large vehicle AND the cross wind combined.
So, as I reached the vehicle I would migrate to the left portion of the left lane. Then as I felt the pressure start to build as I passed the vehicle, I would turn hard into it as if I were making a quick lane change, but only went from the left portion of the lane to the right portion. This had my actively pursuing a line and kept me from passively letting the changes in pressure behind, next to and ahead of the large vehicle push me around.
Cheers,
Ride Safe
DJ
The issue is that as I would pass the large vehicles, the crosswind would be blocked and my lean into the crosswind wouldtend todraw me into the large vehicle, and just the opposite once I passed the vehicle. However, with this heavy of a crosswind I was getting the double whammy from the wind deflected by the motion of the large vehicle AND the cross wind combined.
So, as I reached the vehicle I would migrate to the left portion of the left lane. Then as I felt the pressure start to build as I passed the vehicle, I would turn hard into it as if I were making a quick lane change, but only went from the left portion of the lane to the right portion. This had my actively pursuing a line and kept me from passively letting the changes in pressure behind, next to and ahead of the large vehicle push me around.
Cheers,
Ride Safe
DJ
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Savage, MN
RE: Crosswinds & Big Rigs
I grew up in North Dakota. A calm day there is a 15-20mph wind. Learned how to ride in the wind. Try riding a fully faired touring bike in a heavy crosswind if you really want to get blown around.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 17,265
Likes: 21
From: Los Angeles, CA
RE: Crosswinds & Big Rigs
I remeber being stuck in very high winds out by Simi, and on the way to Indio as well. I actually pulled off the road on the way to Indio, and sat for a long time. Back then I was on a light as a feather crotch rocket as well. Lemme tell you, I was getting blown from lane to lane quite easily. Oh yeah, out on the way to riverside I also used to get hit by strong winds. I try to stay away if I can help it. I like peace of mind while riding my bike...
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 0
From: Sparks, NV
RE: Crosswinds & Big Rigs
I hate wind. The worst I've been in was coming back from Vegas right around Area 51. The exhaust off of those flying saucers is wicked.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 33
From: Acworth
RE: Crosswinds & Big Rigs
My most memorable is hwy 14 that run beside a river thats between Washinton and Oregon. I was going straight but was leaning like I was in a hard turn. Then it gusted and blew all my luggage off (Sleeping bag and tent,bungied on)and I had to stop.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,203
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh, PA
RE: Crosswinds & Big Rigs
At Sturgis we were heading for a ride through the Badlands. The crosswind on the highway was so badthat I swear we were riding at a 45 degree angle.
I had a death grip on the bars and was nervous as hell. Lean at 45 degrees, then when a hilly stretch blocked the wind you were forced to immediately correct your lean, then again the same routine. Finally just broke out into a hearty laugh the rest of theride as the entire event was so surreal.
I had a death grip on the bars and was nervous as hell. Lean at 45 degrees, then when a hilly stretch blocked the wind you were forced to immediately correct your lean, then again the same routine. Finally just broke out into a hearty laugh the rest of theride as the entire event was so surreal.