Gale force winds forecast tomorrow (Sat 28 Feb)

**mattian** · 27th February 2009, 18:43

Ok, heres my situation.
I commute to and from work by bike...... don't have a car. Never did.
I have to go from North Shore to city over the harbour bridge tomorrow and they are forecasting gale force winds, up to 120 ks an hour.

I ride a Kymco Venox 250 (similar to hondas magna) its a very solid bike, with a long wheel base and has always seen me through some heavy winds but, nothing this full on. The last time they forecast 120 k winds up there I caught the bus and, saw a guy crossing on a Hyosung GV 250..... he made it alright.
Would you do it?

**klingon** · 27th February 2009, 18:54

Personally, I would do it. I have been over the bridge most weekdays for the past 18 months or so on my Volty, and never had a problem. Even when the signs are all saying "Beware of wind gusts" and they are advising bikes to stay off the bridge.

Here are the precautions I would take:
1) Make sure your bike & tyres are in tip-top condition
2) Don't wear a backpack or clothes that are going to flap or drag - I have found this makes quite a difference to how much wind I catch.
3) Stick to the centre lanes as much as possible (if you must take the clip-ons, stay in the lane closest to the bridge)
4) Stay away from high-sided trucks, vans, trailers, etc. They are much more of a hazard than the wind!
5) Ride with your weight low on the pegs, keep a relaxed grip, lean forward if you need to.
6) Yell "YEEHAA" inside your helmet because it's fantastic fun!

**Blackshear** · 27th February 2009, 18:55

I would. Wind blows RIGHT through my imaginative fairings.
Hell. I'll even give it a go tomorrow.
Just be bloody careful man, weave all over the damn place so cars might back off.

**Blackshear** · 27th February 2009, 18:57

Originally Posted by klingon

Personally, I would do it. I have been over the bridge most weekdays for the past 18 months or so on my Volty, and never had a problem. Even when the signs are all saying "Beware of wind gusts" and they are advising bikes to stay off the bridge.

Here are the precautions I would take:
1) Make sure your bike & tyres are in tip-top condition
2) Don't wear a backpack or clothes that are going to flap or drag - I have found this makes quite a difference to how much wind I catch.
3) Stick to the centre lanes as much as possible (if you must take the clip-ons, stay in the lane closest to the bridge)
4) Stay away from high-sided trucks, vans, trailers, etc. They are much more of a hazard than the wind!
5) Ride with your weight low on the pegs, keep a relaxed grip, lean forward if you need to.
6) Yell "YEEHAA" inside your helmet because it's fantastic fun!

I need to spread rep or something. I blame number 6.

**mattian** · 27th February 2009, 19:02

Thankyou Klingon and Blackshear ! your vote of confidence has made my mind up. I'm doing it. I agree with all your pointers Klingon...... especially number 6 ! haha, I will be doing that for sure.

**Blackshear** · 27th February 2009, 19:06

Originally Posted by mattian

Thankyou Klingon and Blackshear ! your vote of confidence has made my mind up. I'm doing it. I agree with all your pointers Klingon...... especially number 6 ! haha, I will be doing that for sure.

When ya leaving?

**klingon** · 27th February 2009, 19:08

Originally Posted by Blackshear

When ya leaving?

I think we got ourselves a convoy.

**mattian** · 27th February 2009, 19:12

Originally Posted by Blackshear

When ya leaving?

7.00am, have to be at work for 7.30am. Want to come with?

**Big Dave** · 27th February 2009, 19:29

Take. The. Bus.

HEAVY RAIN AND EASTERLY GALES ALREADY AFFECTING NORTHLAND MOVING ONTO AUCKLAND,COROMANDEL PENINSULA, WAIKATO AND BAY OF PLENTY DURING SATURDAY MORNING.

A deepening low is expected to move southwards over the seas just west of the North Island during Saturday to lie west of Nelson by midnight Saturday. A very strong moist northeast flow already affecting Northland will spread quickly south over New Zealand during Saturday bringing rain to the whole country.This heavy rain warning now covers all of Northland Auckland Waikato Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty. Widespread falls of 100 to 150mm rain in a 24 hour period are expected in these areas with the heaviest falls of 200 to 250 mm possible in eastern hill country of Northland, Coromandel Peninsula, and the Kaimai ranges. Intense rainfall rates of 20 to 30mm per hour at times will bring surface flooding and make driving conditions hazardous. People are also warned to watch for rapidly rising streams and rivers.

A period of severe easterly gales is also expected for parts of Auckland,Waikato near the Kaimai ranges, and about the Firth of Thames during Saturday. Winds of this strength could damage trees,powerlines and insecure roofs, and make driving hazardous for high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists.

**MadDuck** · 27th February 2009, 19:35

Weather has just hit here. Loads of rain and the winds are picking up and I understand it is heading south.

If I was you I would avoid the harbour bridge and head out via the western motorway and Greenhithe. But I am a big chicken harley rider

**klingon** · 27th February 2009, 19:38

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Take. The. Bus.

... and make driving hazardous for high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists.

Oh Big Dave I didn't know you were so sensible.

Or perhaps it's because you qualify as a high-sided vehicle?

**Mully** · 27th February 2009, 19:38

Fuck. I have to take the RF for a WOF tomorrow. Bollocks.

**Mully** · 27th February 2009, 19:40

Originally Posted by klingon

Or perhaps it's because you qualify as a high-sided vehicle?

I think BD qualifies a motorcyclist and a high-sided vehicle.

**WuZards-Eugene** · 27th February 2009, 19:45

Sounds like fun. Supposed to be having a barbeque tomorrow. Was going to be going to Ocean Beach, but thats been cancelled (for no obvious wet reasons). Looks like its a garage barbeque for me lol. Aaahhh weeeelllllllll. Shit happens.