Sunday, December 31, 2006

Safety Tips on gravel

Road Hazards!

http://jeff.henshaw.org/?p=185
Reprinted w/o permission as originally published @ http://www.whybike.com/motorcycle229.htm
http://www.motorvike.com/MotoChat_Road_Hazards.htm
For every street rider, there’s a gravel drive, road or campground in your future. From experienced riders to the beginner, gravel invokes formidable dread and big challenges.

We can practice on gravel – find a swath and give it a try, but gravel comes in different sizes. . .gravel beds are of differing depths. . .one man’s gravel drive is probably not yours. Unless you ride the same gravel over and over—your own driveway or a road leading to your business, continuity is a problem.

Here are a few tips to think about and some practice routines as well:

• Always approach the entry to gravel by heading straight into it; entering from a turn is a good way to have a bad gravel experience. Give yourself every opportunity to succeed, which begins with the wheel heading straight ahead.

• Focus on the center of gravity, which is at your hips and the center of your bike. Your center of gravity should be stable but not rigid, on-balance but not unyielding.

• Clutch your knees around the tank as you enter – not in a “hang-on and ride” clutch but as a mechanism for stability. Let your knees work to keep your hips centered. Gradually release and extend your legs and lower your feet to a position just skimming the surface of the gravel, or capable of skimming, if needed. “Skimming” adds a measure of confidence—you will be ready “just in case” you drop. An alternative is to lower your center of gravity by pushing down on the pegs and adding weight.

• Keep a light but firm grasp on the handlebars. If you can’t get away from a vice-like grip, try to keep your arms loose and flexible. The front wheel must have some play – not too much, but some – and if you don’t give it up, the wheel will take it anyway. The front wheel should do the negotiating, and it will “shimmy” just a bit, whether you like or not. Let it shimmy.

• “Speed” on gravel sparks controversy. Some experienced riders like a bit more speed. For most of us, too slow doesn’t work and too fast doesn’t work, either. Assume that “somewhat slow,” in first gear is better.

• Jittery braking techniques are the cause of most drops. Don’t use the front brake, in fact, don’t brake at all unless you must. Use the clutch to slow down and add a light touch of rear brake, only if you must. In first gear, with no braking, there’s a much better chance of traversing the gravel, upright and healthy.

• Look where you want to go. Keep your head and eyes up - always. Looking down will take you down. Looking anywhere but where you want to go is a mistake.

Saturday, December 30, 2006

Posts are grouped in Categories & Labels:





Posts are grouped in Categories & Labels:

Labels:
CMA
maintenance/wrenching
misc.
pack wisley
photos
pipes
Safety tips
Scenery Pictures of USA
Total Control
touring
TV
video
Welcome
Westword Riders