There is a difference between gravel roads and blacktop/concrete roads with a thin layer of sand/gravel on them. Here in northern Wisconsin, we have a lot of fine sand from the glaciers, as well as some gravel roads. I find the gravel roads easier because you are visually aware of them and can plan accordingly. However, the blacktop roads can be sand free for miles and then suddenly – usually on the curves, where other vehicles may have driven on the shoulder – a thin layer of sand is present. You will not see it until you are in the curve. It is the most threatening because it is “unexpected”. The other messages are good: always be aware; slow down to match your comfort level; respond slowly and carefully. IMO gravel is “jerky and shaky” and when thoroughly dried out there may be much loose material, but is manageable at slower speeds of 10 to 30 miles an hour. Unexpected fine sand on a curve is exciting at best!
A third condition here is rural forest service roads. They are often just bladed once a year or less, have erosion ruts and exposed rocks fist to watermelon size. The biggest surprise is the loose sand that washes down to the bottom of the hills and dries out and has little or no body or stability to it. It may be 2” to 6” deep. It is hard to anticipate and I have almost lost it several times. Particularly bad after heavy rains washes it down and then it completely dries out. From: Pastor Ron Sent: Saturday, May 12, 2012 3:05 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: [Nighthawk Lovers] gravel On a gravel road, it is very easy to spill. Experienced riders know to go slow and not fool around on the stuff. I haven't but have heard of newbie's going faster than conditions of gravel, even showing off. They wipe out and bad things happen. Any locking up of the rear tire whether gears, or brakes will lead to bad things. Very few can get fancy on gravel roads. The rule for gravel is to slow down. If it is a gravel patch, get your feet ready and ride it out. Ron -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of KimAnn Sent: Saturday, May 12, 2012 11:47 AM To: Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers! Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] gravel ok, newbie fears emerging :). How easy is it to go down on gravel. I slipped on some today and it wasn't very hard to slip. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/nighthawk_lovers?hl=en. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/nighthawk_lovers?hl=en. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/nighthawk_lovers?hl=en.
