Worst ride ever!

[PrincessBandit]

Yep, as I was riding home from Pukekohe this afternoon I well and truly wondered what the hell I was doing on my bike today.

Was I up against it with dodgy car drivers, yapping running dogs, pouring rain, glaring sun strike etc?

No! It vas ze vind!!!! Every lean into corners, every time I had to slow, shit, every time I had to stop, the gusts were terrible. I recall being literally blown into the "fast" lane on the motorway once while riding home on the ginny and thinking "well, at least that won't happen once I'm on a heavier bike". Haha.

I really could not believe how treacherous the gusts were - completely unpredictable and incredibly strong. I'm sure I read somewhere we're meant to be in for a rather blustery spring, so please be careful out there people. Even you big muscly guys!

[gijoe1313]

Aww shucks lil'lady, now y'all should be wrasslin' the wind with confidence y'hear!

After all the hi-jinks you been through, I wouldn't think you'd be dry-gulched by a lil'passel of wind now!

Mind you, I does ride naked bikes so I guess t'ain't as much for me! But good on you for giddyapping out there on your iron steed!

[Pussy]

You'll find a bit of wing down and opposite rudder works pretty good in a crosswind, PB!

[Swoop]

You'll find a bit of wing down and opposite rudder works pretty good in a crosswind, PB!

But would an instructor be impressed?

[Str8 Jacket]

I have had people tell me that, wind "cant possibly blow you off your bike"....

I hate the wind more than rain anyday, can get a bit scary eh!

[p.dath]

I had a similar experience crossing the Auckland harbour Bridge recently. Not a nice feeling.

[Maki]

Relax and don't let the wind push you around. Keep your upper body loose and grip the tank with your knees. The problems start if you tense up and the wind pushes your body which then pushes the handlebars which then turns the bike. I live in windy Wellington and I don't notice the wind much.

[mattian]

Relax and don't let the wind push you around. Keep your upper body loose and grip the tank with your knees. The problems start if you tense up and the wind pushes your body which then pushes the handlebars which then turns the bike. I live in windy Wellington and I don't notice the wind much.

I agree with this statement....... don't fight the wind. That forces your body to tense up and grip the bars tightly. Just stay relaxed and allow for some movement.
I just got back from town, crossing the Harbour bridge was awesome fun

[tri boy]

Picked up my new (to me) xrl650 from Akld today, and rode it back to Hamilton.
Got blown to the extreme edge of the road twice, and fought side gusts right the way home.
Chook chasers on dual sport tyres on damp roads with 100+ gusts are a challenge indeed.
First time ever I witnessed a couple of things.

Road marker side posts can bend to the ground and not snap.

Truck spray doesn't always reach your helmet if the wind is strong enough.

[Str8 Jacket]

Relax and don't let the wind push you around. Keep your upper body loose and grip the tank with your knees. The problems start if you tense up and the wind pushes your body which then pushes the handlebars which then turns the bike. I live in windy Wellington and I don't notice the wind much.

Try commuting on an FXR... I am used to it too but do get blown around a heck of alot. You're right about the relaxing and handle bar reaction! Its also much easier to guide your bike back onto path if you are relaxed and get blown sideways...

[martybabe]

Crikey , who activated all the aircraft enthusiasts, every thread I read has got some reference to aeronauticalology

Yes PB, we are a little prone to weather conditions and we certainly are having some weather conditions. I'm not so concerned with what it does to the bike, it never feels too dangerous to me just a bit annoying and irritating, especially the gusty variety but man when it's blowing my head about like a blinking balloon in a gale, grrrrr.

[tri boy]

I agree with this statement....... don't fight the wind.

With all due respect, I think that is incorrect in many cases.
If I wasn't a bit tense, and fighting the wind, I would probably be lying in the drainage trench between Rangiriri and Huntly.
Heavier bikes do sit better, and make it easier to relax. But on a couple of trips in the past, I know tensing up and fighting got me home.

[Maki]

With all due respect, I think that is incorrect in many cases.
If I wasn't a bit tense, and fighting the wind, I would probably be lying in the drainage trench between Rangiriri and Huntly.
Heavier bikes do sit better, and make it easier to relax. But on a couple of trips in the past, I know tensing up and fighting got me home.

I commute in Wellington and I never ever tense or fight the wind. In fact I hardly notice the wind when I am on the bike.

[tri boy]

Good for you.

[Str8 Jacket]

Blowin' In The Wind
How many roads must a man walk down
Before you call him a man?
Yes, 'n' how many seas must a white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand?
Yes, 'n' how many times must the cannon balls fly
Before they're forever banned?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
The answer is blowin' in the wind.

How many years can a mountain exist
Before it's washed to the sea?
Yes, 'n' how many years can some people exist
Before they're allowed to be free?
Yes, 'n' how many times can a man turn his head,
Pretending he just doesn't see?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
The answer is blowin' in the wind.

How many times must a man look up
Before he can see the sky?
Yes, 'n' how many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry?
Yes, 'n' how many deaths will it take till he knows
That too many people have died?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
The answer is blowin' in the wind.