Going thru turns in the mountains - an honest inquiry

[GB500guy]

I'm guilty of out riding my sight lines but am beginning to slow down as I witness more and more obviously intoxicated drivers and just poor judgement by people doing stupid things like crossing both lanes to a turnout on blind corners. Then there are the damn deer, they are really freaking me out lately. Heading through the S turns above Turtle Rock the other day I had deer on my mind, having already dodged a fawn close to home and seeing two dead ones along the roadsides. Right at the apex of a blind right hander a doe started stepping into my path but luckily she did a quick about face. That was too close for comfort, about 6', and caused me to slow the pace further the rest of the day.

In the sense that there is no speed slow enough to avoid a fast oncoming car in my own lane over a blind hill or corner then yes, I'll continue out riding my sight lines. Kind of don't have a choice other than staying home. But I'm slowing down and trying to trade some excitement for decreased danger.

-Bill

 

[Slow Goat]

2. It can be boring to ride 10 MPH through a very limited vision mountain road and do you really do that?

I rode GB650guy's Napa-area loop last Friday http://bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=518824 and there were many totally blind turns, up/downhill switchbacks and very rough roads. No traffic and riding alone my corner-speeds were dictated by the conditions and I was never bored. I'm older and my ego doesn't force me beyond my limitations any longer, one plus of aging I suppose.

On roads I've never ridden on before I'd rather take some turns at a slower speed and enjoy myself rather than pushing everywhere and hoping for a good outcome.

When I want to get my ya-yas out I do it at Thunderhill, much safer and more fun.

 

[russ69]

The honest answer is that I probably do but I definitely make a conscious effort roll out when I don't see an exit to the corner.

 

[Smash Allen]

I've decided to stop riding on the street until I can get my rocks off in a way besides going fast. Or at least until my insurance rates go down :laughing

 

[ToraTora]

I've decided to stop riding on the street until I can get my rocks off in a way besides going fast. Or at least until my insurance rates go down :laughing

I'm telling ya--get a 50cc replica. You wont believe how much fun you can have on these bikes. It's all about getting everything right. The bike forces you to pay attention, and at the same time significantly mitigates much of the risk. It's the whole F=MA thing. And they are really nice on insurance too. :teeth

Here you go a nice one.

 

[Lunch Box]

None of the poll options really fits my riding style. I am definitely guilty of outriding sight lines, but almost never by a significant amount. I’m a big fan of the slow in, fast out and late-apexing philosophies when it comes to street riding.

 

[Cyclesuzy]

Bud, I guess you got me but technically, your thread is about going through turns in the mountains and that is what I was referring to. All I can tell you is, one time, years ago, on Mosquite Ridge Road right around the corner after a turn was a pick up parked in the middle of the lane. I was able to complete the turn and stop without hitting the truck. Had I been riding at the speed of my (at the time) riding companions, I'd have run right into the back of it. But I really honestly try to ride in such a way as to stand the bike up and stop at a given's notice, although I know that's not possible. I ride almost solely in the foothills where people park on the side of the road with their kids and dogs, and cross the road to get to the lake on the other side. You have to be prepared for that kind of thing. I probably ride +5 of the given posted speed limit in these spots. Any faster and I for sure couldn't stop in time.

Anywhoo, that's what's in my head when I'm riding out there alone.

 

[Whammy]

Ya know I'm sure I have ridden beyond line of sight from time to time but not intentionally.
For those who race, you utilize corner workers to let you know when its safe to go barreling through an area you cant see.

On track you have the luxury of someone else's eyes seeing ahead for you.
These are habits I was taught at a very very young age.
On the street I don't believe its worth the risk.
That one time you decide to throw caution to the wind is when you have that accident.
Spirted or feeling wild and harry I just don't see the need to tempt the fates.

Old school as it is,but when I get on my bike or I suit up and race my car wheel to wheel on the track... I hear my fathers voice telling me to use my head and drive my drive.

Have I.... yes do I make a practice... no:ride

I don't like to late apex either. Find the line and use my side of the road on the street.
The poll doesn't apply to every type for rider.

 

[budman]

Yeah I know Suz.

Evil question because everyone does it whether they want to admit it or not. :teeth

 

[dangerzone02]

Well I never have been "one with the road" for any road so that plays a big role. I usually stick to speed limit +10 to +20 and that seems to do me well.

I'd imagine its really hard to not outride your sight lines if you really know a road like some of you on Mt Hamilton and Mines every weekend.

 

[shouldnthave]

I have been guilty of it in the past more so than I am now. But that doesn't mean I don't still do it, just not as often, and not going as fast.

As my skill level has increased so has my ability to read a road. My reaction times have increased quite a bit too mainly because I'm no longer focused on all of the little things and it gives me the ability to pay better attention to where I'm going and how I'm getting there. I'm also a slower in, faster out sort of rider on the street, so that helps quite a bit.

That said, you may remember the Bro Dozer incident during the rally. Had he been 50' further down the road I may not have been able to react in time, and I was not running a hot clip. It slowed me down for the rest of the trip home for sure, and I haven't been out on the street since.

 

[Moto Beck]

I've found that it's often hard to ride within line of sight on the roads here. To be honest that's been the most challenging thing since moving here and it's mind blowing to me riding with many of you, how insane most of you are in how you handle it.

Don't mean that in a bad way - I thought I was maybe mediocre fast back east but i'm dead slow here. You guys are going 2x as fast on 3x harder roads.

There are very few that i've been on around alices & up in berryessa that give you a clean line of sight for that long. Most roads you're entering a turn without knowing what's on the other side.

Add in the fact that bicyclists are everywhere and love to run 2 wide with an incredibly low speed delta around blind corners + rocks & debris - i'm pretty exhausted every time i get home from a ride. Riding with a partner or group helps immensely.

I get the draw of going faster and when I first started reading articles here - i was surprised of how many people were getting seriously hurt, even killed but after you get passed by so many people riding 3x the speed delta on super tight roads - I'm surprised more people don't get hurt to be honest.

Not saying i don't participate but goddamn - a lot of you guys are blazing fast in blind corners. Lot of trust or a lot of balls - maybe both. haha

 

[sjuels]

Glad you can't see how I voted! Or can you?. I also did a 2 mile test ride up 101 with regular pants and steel toe work boots!
Because of BARF I think about that sight line stuff, because of the Quincy Incident I think about stupid drivers and because of the cancer scare I ride to enjoy the beauty of a life well lived!!! Like seeing Jimi in concert is a cool OG memory but pales when I think of what riding has brought me.

This ! :thumbup
So Much!
/Soren

 

[Butch]

Much wisdom here Grasshopper.

 

[ratpick]

I only ride 5 mph below the speed limit.If there is a blind corner I turn around and go home.

 

[budman]

Barf rallies would suit you well then. :laughing

 

[Losmeister]

there have been so many times where a cyclist or a deer appeared...
or some foolio crossing the dy in the opposite direction

 

[NSR500]

Admittedly, because I left motorcycling for so long before my recent return I'm still building confidence. Therefore I tend to ride a bit more cautious trying to keep as much visibility possible.

 

[ratpick]

Barf rallies would suit you well then. :laughing

:afm199

 

[ScottRNelson]

Much wisdom here Grasshopper.

Some of us would like to hear how you do it. :cool