Steep Driveway Concerns
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 563
Likes: 370
From: Grimville just past Kurmsville
Not to bad. At least its paved. I travel over worse everyday on private stone road with wash outs and gullies approaching my house. I've lived at the same location for 30 years. It was never a concern and I never gave it a though about it (even two up) until I've gotten older. No more two up traveling over the road. My old lady has her own bike and she stopped riding the road years ago after she dumped her bike a few times using her front brake. I have to get her bike down the hill off the loose stones before she'll ride her bike. I try not to think or worry about it and just do it but there will come a time when I won't even be able to walk the road when I get older. Enjoy it while you can and look at it as an adventure. Be safe, look ahead where you want to go to avoid any potential hazards. Down hill, back brake only, steady slow speed maneuvers, friction zone, no coasting, engine braking, power to the back wheel with light rear brake pressure. Up hill the same but just cover the rear brake if you need to make a sudden stop and be prepared with the front brake if you have to stop to avoid rolling backward. I'd keep the driveway sweep and clear of weeds, grass clippings, loose stones, gravel, dirt and debris. After you do it a few times you'll find a best line to travel, get comfortable and build confidence. Don't over think it, at the same time don't get cocky and think you have it masted.
Last edited by Tenfive0; Sep 5, 2021 at 03:25 PM.
Wow. Very nice property! Congrats on house and upcoming wedding.
Nice long and winding driveway. Cant tell how steep it is from the pictures but doesnt seem too challenging. You will get use to it.
Love 1st world problems. Lol.
Let us forum members know when the house warming is and we will all come we can pitch a tent as it looks like u got the room. Haha.
Nice long and winding driveway. Cant tell how steep it is from the pictures but doesnt seem too challenging. You will get use to it.
Love 1st world problems. Lol.
Let us forum members know when the house warming is and we will all come we can pitch a tent as it looks like u got the room. Haha.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 762
Likes: 435
From: NE Oklahoma
Congratulations on the new place and the upcoming wedding. Great move away from the city Im sure youll love the area.
As mentioned already in several responses, keep that driveway clean as possible and dont overthink this. Rear brake up and down and no sudden changes and you will be fine.
Whens the party? 😉🤣
As mentioned already in several responses, keep that driveway clean as possible and dont overthink this. Rear brake up and down and no sudden changes and you will be fine.
Whens the party? 😉🤣
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 12
Likes: 9
From: Greeneville, TN
Update:
Had some time to take a crack at the driveway today: the upper part of the driveway (which is the most steep) still felt sketchy as hell to me, so I ended up slowly duck-walking down that part and then rode down the remainder. Little tough to keep the bike in the driveway (not as flat as I had hoped), but otherwise it was fine. Im sure Ill get more comfortable riding down the entirety, but for now at least I can still get out and ride. And coming back up was no problem at all.
just want to say thank you again to everyone for all the advice, info, and words of encouragement
just want to say thank you again to everyone for all the advice, info, and words of encouragement
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,175
From: Oxford, Nc
So to be clear, you use your front brake on the steepest part at the top while you're duck walking it right? Good then! You're half way there. All you have to do now is pick up your feet 
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,101
Likes: 1,013
Personally, I don't think duckwalking a bike on a steep hill is a good idea at all.
That's just an invitation to getting your ankle broken, one wrong move and your foot can go under the saddlebag.
Maybe I'm wrong, but I wouldn't do it.
That's just an invitation to getting your ankle broken, one wrong move and your foot can go under the saddlebag.
Maybe I'm wrong, but I wouldn't do it.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 12
Likes: 9
From: Greeneville, TN
I did end up going out a second time today and went for it and rode down the whole way. Definitely need to get some more practice engine braking heading down the driveway, but Im feeling way more confident with it. Really was just a matter of getting stuck in my own head
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,175
From: Oxford, Nc
Rear wheel brake is all well and good generally but if that top part is that steep, your front brake has most of the bike's weight on the front tire. You'll need that control as well.
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 11,468
Likes: 3,572
From: Idaho
The town I live in has roads so steep that when it snows, they just close the road.
Trust me, unless it snows, you will have no problem with that driveway. On the other hand, if there is snow on it, don't even try.
Steady throttle in 1st on the way up, steady rear brake on the way down. Piece o'cake!
I'd love to have that driveway!
Trust me, unless it snows, you will have no problem with that driveway. On the other hand, if there is snow on it, don't even try.
Steady throttle in 1st on the way up, steady rear brake on the way down. Piece o'cake!
I'd love to have that driveway!