Almost went down...
Almost went down...
I was riding along and got to a section of road that had recently had the asphalt ground off for repaving. I got the usual wiggling but nothing too bad at all. Then I went to change lanes to the left when BAM I ran into a three inch "curb" between the part of the road that had been ground off versus the lane that hadn't yet. I never was so close to going down. The tire bounced off the "curb" and back to the right and I almost high sided to the left. It was touch and go while I got control again. They should never allow that big of a difference between one lane and another. I will definitely put this in the back of my head and remember it the next time I am in a situation where a road is being repaved.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 162
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Almost went down...
Glad you didn't come out worse! I know what you mean about the paving issue, that's why I usually stay in the same lane unless there's a REALLY good reason to change.
I was in the cage today, going through a construction zone. The right side of the street edge was chopped clean off with a 2 foot drop to the dirt. That wouldn't make anyone's day and especially someone on two wheels but they did have those flimsy, plastic cones up to "protect" you from dropping a wheel off the ledge....! [sm=goodidea.gif]
I was in the cage today, going through a construction zone. The right side of the street edge was chopped clean off with a 2 foot drop to the dirt. That wouldn't make anyone's day and especially someone on two wheels but they did have those flimsy, plastic cones up to "protect" you from dropping a wheel off the ledge....! [sm=goodidea.gif]
RE: Almost went down...
They usually put up signs that show uneven pavement. I've damn near lost control of a Chevy Suburban going over one of those at night. Damn good save! I'd probably still be going a$$ over bandbox down the road.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 897
Likes: 0
From: South-Central Minnesota
RE: Almost went down...
You have to approach a situation like that the same way you would railroad tracks running diagonally across the road. You change your angle of approach to try and make the crossing as perpindicular as possible; so you don't glance of at an angle as you did.
One of the lessons I gleaned from the motorcycle permit instructional manual years ago. I've used it's lessonssuccessfully for 17 years.
One of the lessons I gleaned from the motorcycle permit instructional manual years ago. I've used it's lessonssuccessfully for 17 years.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 723
Likes: 3
From: Greensburg Pa
RE: Almost went down...
good save..... always make lange changes more direct then gradual in contruction zones...it will help prevent deflection, of course staying in the lane if possible is much better....
i just got home from a bike night (wings!!!) and it decided to storm big time, high winds lighting , the works... i had to go through about 5 miles of contruction in the dark/storm... what a pita
i just got home from a bike night (wings!!!) and it decided to storm big time, high winds lighting , the works... i had to go through about 5 miles of contruction in the dark/storm... what a pita
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RE: Almost went down...
I agree on how to approach and cross them. Two problems, it was night and I didn't realize there was any difference in heights between the two lanes, and second, I just can't believe their contract allows for such a huge "curb" between two adjacent lanes. A big problem was that the drop off was just on the right edge of the lane markers and so there is already a kind of optical illusion regarding looking like an "edge" if you know what I mean. In other words, it wasn't like I had any idea that there was even a difference in the pavement height between the two lanes. At first, I had no idea what happened. I just reacted and worked to keep the bike upright. I then leaned a little to the right and came back to the left and was able to cross to the next lane at something close to a 30 degree angle. One thing I wanted to get across was that if you are ever riding on a surface that is in the middle of a resurfacing project, think/assume that the lanes may be at very different elevations. I know I should have thought about it but I didn't. I don't think I will ever forget that again. Also, the main problem was that the height difference was so much (at least a full 3+ inches) that even at speed my bike would not ride over to the next lane. I was not gradually drifting over, I had a left turn coming up and I had made a deliberate "turn" towards the lane on my left. That is when I was literately punted back to the right. I am actually going to check for wheel damage tomorrow.
Dave.
Dave.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 723
Likes: 3
From: Greensburg Pa
RE: Almost went down...
i hear ya.... i couldnt see the road whel enough tonight in the rain through a construction zone... almost felt like i was riding in brail...feel a bump, or unevenes and adjust from what i felt....definately not fun