Story by Doug Westly
Editor’s Note: This story was originally published the May 2017 edition of the MSTA Florida Chapter newsletter, The Florida Gator Tale. The story has been edited to match the MSTA website’s style.
A few years ago, Becky and I took a cross-country motorcycle trip to California for the MotoGP race at Laguna Seca.
I’ve ridden across the country several times and rode out west whenever I’ve lived in that part of the country. The one thing you can count on out there is the wind. It’s almost always blowing, and blowing hard.
On this particular trip we were west of Ely, Nev., on U.S Route 50 — known as “The Loneliest Road” and for good reason — when we encountered the fiercest winds I’ve ever ridden through. U.S. 50 alternates between mountain ridges and valleys to the west of Ely, all of which are oriented north-south.
The wind was coming from the north that day, and at times so intense we had to lean our bikes at about a 25-degree angle into the wind just to stay in the lane. We rode next to the north side of the road, as gusts would occasionally lob us into the other side of the lane.
We had to be careful, as every time we encountered a wind buffer such as an embankment on the north side of the road. The wind would be blocked and the lean would almost carry us off the roadway. At one point, we stopped in the lean of one embankment to rest.
So how do we deal with wind as riders? The problem for riders is understanding the wind. Headwinds just slow you down and make 30 mph seem like 60 mph. Tailwinds? Just enjoy them. It is the side winds that get us in trouble.
Rule 1: Check the weather. Not just wind speed, but direction as well. Our winds in Florida come from all directions, unlike the west where winds are generally from the north. Know when to say no.
That day in Nevada the wind was probably blowing at 35-40 mph, and we were unfortunately 100 miles from any civilization. We had no choice but to ride when it was safe enough, and shelter when we had to. But that was an extreme situation.
For your daily riding, if the winds exceed your comfort level, either don’t ride or take the car. It’s that simple.
If you’re already riding, watch for wind sign. Some of the best indicators are the trees and bushes along the roadside. If they are leaning and blowing in the wind, you will be, too. Birds are another good indicator. If they are flying into the wind and not going anywhere, that’s a pretty quick sign that you should watch out.
Your bike makes a difference as well. Heavy bikes counter the wind more effectively than light bikes to a degree. However, big bikes with fairings and bags offer more surface area for the wind to affect.
Some of the worst motorcycle characteristics, in terms of wind resistance and affect, are those with solid wheels, as now the wind can actually push against the wheels, impacting the rider’s control of the machine.
Bottom Line: Become weather smart. Not only for rain and other conditions, but also for the wind. When the wind warnings come out, pay attention and decide if and how you are going to handle it! Ride safe!