Triumphrat

CincyJohn · 08-21-2009, 03:32 PM

Hey everyone,

I am still relatively new to riding. I feel very comfortable around town, but the highway was intimidating to me at first. I recently got over that fear when I had to ride my bike 90 miles down the interstate to the nearest Triumph dealer for service. The ride went well and I feel more comfortable on the highway, but I ran into a challenging bit of highway construction and it is still bothering me a bit. Looking for some tips/advice.

Basically, I ran into a section of highway getting resurfaced. I saw the signs well in advance and positioned myself in the right lane. That is when I noticed a second sign for Uneven Pavement. The right lane (which I was in) was the old road surface. The left lane (which I wanted to move into) was raised approx 3" due to the new layer of asphalt. I was now stuck in the right lane behind a slow semi truck, and to move into the left lane would have involved riding up the abrupt step to the newly paved left lane at 60mph. I feared the squirrely-ness you feel in your car as you gradually move over, only with much more serious consequence on a bike!

The part that bothers me is that I was too intimidated to try it. Since I didn't have confidence, I know it was the smart move but I want to understand how to handle these situations for the future, if I "must" get over to the other lane in an Uneven Surface condition.

Any advice?

DDon · 08-21-2009, 07:46 PM

Have you taken the MSF Basic Rider Course yet? That 3" rise would've been treated like driving over the 2x4.
You would have to slow down a bit from 60. Then stand on the pegs, lean back a bit to lighten the front end, then shift your weight forward after getting the front wheel up to the level of pavement. Then park you okole back in the seat. If the pavement is uneven, just raise up out your enough to let the bike pivot under you, dirt bike style. Not only is the ride more comfortable but, you can also see a little further ahead than normal.
Do the posted limit in Construction Zones (most places double fines for speeding in them), leave yourself some space or cushion, so you don't get squeezed in between two vehicles, and do what the 4+ wheels can't - pick your path around the obstacles - potholes, rocks, gravel, etc.
Keep learning and enjoying.

CincyJohn · 08-21-2009, 11:27 PM

Yes, I took the MSF class but it was 6 years ago and I could use the refresher for sure.

I do remember the 2x4 drill, but the key point was hitting it square. That is exactly my concern, because in a changing lanes scenario, I was running parallel to the step, or "2x4" if you will.

For the reasons they taught us to hit the 2x4 square, and the fact I was running parallel and could only hit the step at 30deg at best, that is why I was so nervous.

Is the technique the same as the 2x4 drill? I fear tank slapper or other severe wobble if I hit the step at an angle instead of square.

TriumphLance · 08-22-2009, 02:02 AM

I get pretty cautious in construction areas as well, which is a good thing. In your situation, I think it is similar to the 2x4 drill in that if you need to cross over onto the higher pavement you want to cross with the most angle you reasonably can.

hypervista · 08-22-2009, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CincyJohn

the fact I was running parallel and could only hit the step at 30deg at best, that is why I was so nervous.

I'm new to riding too and a similar thing happened to me the other day on a back road, not highway. Your gut feeling about the 30 degree angle was correct. According to David Hough's book, "Proficient Motorcycling" ( http://www.amazon.com/Proficient-Mot...0954992&sr=8-1), the minimum attack angle is 45 degrees. Edge traps are particularly dangerous and scare the $hit out me too.

I highly recommend Hough's book. He covers all topics about riding and is an excellent source for new riders. My MSF instructors also recommended the book to experienced riders.

CincyJohn · 08-23-2009, 05:28 PM

Thanks for the tip! I'll be sure to check that book out.

shoggot · 08-25-2009, 06:05 PM

In a similar situation, I'd j ust grit my teeth and follow the semi. Not much else you can do, assuming there's traffic around.

Hitting a 3" rise at the shallow angles of lane changing, I'd consider to be a potentially life-changing experience. If I -had- to, with no other choice, I'd drop into a lower gear, maybe two or three even, slow down as much as I can over as long a distance as possible - ideally 30mph or less, get way over to the far right of the lane (assuming the rise is the lane to the left of you), watch for an opening, and make that lane change into a combo of a solid turn (hitting the rise at 45 degrees or more) followed by another solid turn, instead of a simple shift to the left.

But generally, I'd avoid changing lanes if at all possible in that circumstance.

aejotz · 08-25-2009, 06:14 PM

I would have pulled off the road on the right side and waited for either a sufficient hole to go straight to the other lane or at least find a more visual pocket of traffic to get into than behind a semi.

I want to know what's in front of me and behind me, so being between a couple of small cars would be better. I will not allow a rolling wall to block my view.

Any time I don't like the pocket of traffic I'm in I get out of it. Ask any tailgater who's been behind me. I slow down and pull off the road. I will not allow other vehicles to be close to me.

I would not try a 3" rise at 45 degrees in traffic. Maybe on an empty back road.