Interstates
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 491
Likes: 1
From: Northern VT
1. Pass all driver (no matter if 18 wheeler or car) as quickly as possible. DON'T linger...they don't look over their shoulders anymore and we're just a speck in their rear view mirrors...countless number of times people just pull out without checking and of course I'm right there passing.
2. I always check the on ramps when approaching...once again people just fly down the on ramps and don't bother looking to see who they are cutting off
3. Never follow to close to any vehicle...they might drive right over something (like a 2x4, or other crap in the road and by the time you notice it...well its to late). Follow at a safe distance behind other vehicles.
4. Don't allow yourself to get "bored"..unlike driving the back roads where there's lots to look at..the interstate can be boring. Give yourself a break, if not just to clear your head for a few minutes
Other then that...enjoy the ride and be safe
2. I always check the on ramps when approaching...once again people just fly down the on ramps and don't bother looking to see who they are cutting off
3. Never follow to close to any vehicle...they might drive right over something (like a 2x4, or other crap in the road and by the time you notice it...well its to late). Follow at a safe distance behind other vehicles.
4. Don't allow yourself to get "bored"..unlike driving the back roads where there's lots to look at..the interstate can be boring. Give yourself a break, if not just to clear your head for a few minutes
Other then that...enjoy the ride and be safe
Banned
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 20,823
Likes: 1,506
From: Nowhere
Bottom line is... the interstates are typically in much better condition; tend to not have critters crossing them; and are always divided. When it comes to getting from point A to point B, interstates are the safest way to get it done.
Personally, the big trucks do not make me nervous, but a lot of the advice given is what I do. It is all common sense stuff though. I think the best advice for riding on the interstate is to have a bike that is good at riding long distances at freeways speeds. Nothing sucks more than to try and ride a bike on the interstate that was not made for it.
Personally, the big trucks do not make me nervous, but a lot of the advice given is what I do. It is all common sense stuff though. I think the best advice for riding on the interstate is to have a bike that is good at riding long distances at freeways speeds. Nothing sucks more than to try and ride a bike on the interstate that was not made for it.
Last edited by keith_stepp; May 16, 2011 at 01:45 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
From:
When riding on the interstates (or any other environment that makes you nervous) the best advice is to stay loose. If you get nervous/scarred, you inclination is to hold on really tight and lock up your muscles… believe it or not, this will make the bike weave and wiggle around more. A simple exercise you can do when holding onto the bars is to move your elbows up and down (sort of like a chicken, but far less exaggerated)… this will let you know if you are loose enough (your shoulders, wrists, etc. should all be able to move). Let the bike do its thing, you are on a giant gyroscope whose natural tendency is to stay upright and go straight – have faith in that and relax and enjoy the ride.
- Jerm
- Jerm
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
You've never been to Illinois have you? Most roads here suck, especially the interstates..... thanks to corrupt government and shady contractors...... we have an abundance of wildlife that like the interstates .... roadkill counting is the way we pass the time when riding interstates in Illinois.
I just read where the state of Illinois is wanting to pass a law that says it's OK for motorists to pick up fresh roadkill. Here's proof, that I live in the stupidest state in the country http://qconline.com/archives/qco/dis...ry=road%20kill
Banned
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 20,823
Likes: 1,506
From: Nowhere
Nope. I am willing to bet though that relatively speaking, Illinois freeways are still safer than their rural highways.
There are some sections of I-40 here in AZ where the snow and heavy truck traffic take their toll, but for the most part, our interstates are in pretty good shape. (Credit the AZ DOT.)
There are some sections of I-40 here in AZ where the snow and heavy truck traffic take their toll, but for the most part, our interstates are in pretty good shape. (Credit the AZ DOT.)
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 903
Likes: 8
From: California
I agree with the prior post regarding eighteen wheelers or for that matter all large trucks. I think the advice applies to cars as well. Like you, when I first starting riding I was apprehensive about the interstates. For a period of time I too avoided travel on main highways and kept to the back roads. Since then however, after gaining some self confidence, I venture out on the big roads traveling from California to Colorado and Oregon as well as numerous trips within the state on the instate highways. There is a certain amount of safety on the interstates not provided by the back roads. You do not have cross traffic, you can control your lane, you arrive at your destination faster and you have the advantage in the event of trouble of not being along on some lonely back road. So, there are distinct advantages to interstate travel. First and foremost is to be wary of all traffic by keeping a safe distance in the event of a sudden emergency. Stay out of the blind side of the cagers and look out for debris on the road. Of course this applies to back roads as well. Expect and always assume they do not see you. All of this is just general safety rules for riding a two wheeler. Take time to build up you confidence but don’t be afraid of the interstates, they provide a margin of safety and advantages the back roads do not like some guy crossing the yellow line in front of you with no time to react. This is a dangerous hobby we all have but by following the basic rules we all know, you will be fine on the big highway and in time you will have no fear of her.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
in general, if i am in the right lane, i am in the left tire track, in the left lane, the right tire track. i will move in the lane to place myself in a more visible position as needed.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,067
Likes: 60
From: Chesterfield, VA
I do a lot of highway riding and actually feel that it is safer as all the traffic is heading in the same direction. Got to watch for the speeding, weaving lunatics and of course keep your distance from everybody. Most truckers are good drivers that in most cases will give you a break as long as they can see you.