[BrianB75]

Earlier this week I was out riding on a nice clear day. About 30 miles from home a front moved in bring 35-40 mph gusts of wind. I made it home fine but found the amount I was getting "blown around" a bit concerning.

Any techniques, tricks, tips etc when you encounter high winds short of going slower and keeping distance between you and any other traffic?

Thanks

 

[Sidewalk]

There is one stretch before going over the Altamont pass here that gets pretty windy (have windmills for power generation, if that is any indication). When I went through there last weekend, a barely noticed it, until I went head on. The wind was pushing my full face back far enough that the chin guard was touching my lips.

I was just in my typical relaxed ride and it didn't effect me to much. I noticed a lot of lean, but I thought that some of it was road crown too. That same stretch usually blows my Bronco all over the lane.

 

[yellowFatboy200]

My Fatboy rims make it feel like I'm floaten on air. DO NOT FIGHT IT, go with it. relax and just ride. Slowing down does not help, you will feel it more. Try not to ride next to a cage or truck because they might push over to yer lane.

 

[DIXIE HIGHWAY]

I agree that slowing down or the cup of coffee will help. Try to not fight the gusts and you will notice that the bike will lean a bit. Keep to the edge of the lane from the direction the gusts are coming from allowing for you to stay in your lane a little easier. Relaxing but concentrating is best, but this is for when you absolutely have to get there. I think a break or side roads would be worth a try if available.

 

[02 Sporty]

I agree with the other advice already given - relax and don't fight the wind.

I rode in winds one time that were about 30-35 mph. Luckily they were constant winds instead of gusts, which I find to be harder to ride in because you don't know when the next gust will happen.

If you're riding in crosswinds you generally will instintively lean a little into the wind.

High winds are not the most enjoyable conditions to be riding in. However, they are quite disconcerting to newer riders. After riding in strong winds several times you should feel a little more comfortable.

 

[BigG]

Like has already been said - don't fight it - but you gotta be smart about it too. What kind of bike do you have? That makes a difference. Solid wheels or spoked? sit high or low?
I disagree that slowing down doesn't help - the faster you're going, and the more inexperienced you are, then the more you're going to be tempted to lean against the wind - if it's a gust when it stops you're going to blow over.
good luck

 

[mustangNM]

Spring time in the desert southwest was always a fun time; plenty of wind all the time. I remember fighting crosswinds many times. If you're wearing a full face it can feel like you're wearing a 16lb bowling ball on your head.

I used to use counter steering methods when the crosswinds got really bad. I didn't get tired as easily.

 

[DCBIKER]

I live in DC, and occasionally visit Baltimore and Annapolis, MD on the weekends. I don't have a bike yet, I will buy one in January, either a V-rod or a Fat Boy gold key editions. THere can be mild to severe crosswinds off of Route 50, as well as some winds off of i-95, 495,and other areas. As a new rider, what's the best way to counter wind, without wiping out??

 

[twincamzz]

I was out blowing off some steam with the Sporty last Friday. We were experiencing gusts of 30 MPH or so. Several times I would be leaning in to a turn when it felt like my tires were slipping on the road surface. I pulled over once or twice to check the tires, make sure there wasn't any grease or oil on them somewhere. It really felt like the wind was breaking them loose ! Kinda un-nerving to say the least.
I returned to the house and got out the RK. What a world of difference ! I guess the extra weight helped keep the tires firmly planted on the road.
No big deal really. I saw this thread and thought I would share this experience with everyone.
Ride Safe Y'all.

 

[ibrowse]

I found that riding my FLSTC was much easier than riding my FXDWG during a wind gust. Weight matters? In any case, be safe!

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