Interstate riding

[bohomus]

After a few months of riding I feel the need to branch out. I've avoided the interstate. To really branch out, I've got to get over the fear of the interstate. I've gotten so much great advice about how to ride from all of you, I thought maybe I might get some advice on how to ride on the interstate. Any suggestions, tips, things to avoid, or whatever will be appreciated.

 

[werewolf]

during our little ride up to Cody Wy
We were FORCED to get on the interstate in Nebraska
due to road construction.
I found the best way was to find someone who
was running about the speed you liked and fall in
behind them. About a quarter mile or just a bit less
behind.
In my case, it was a pickup pulling a 5th wheel trailer.
He was running about 70 mph and we were comfortable
tagging along.

 

[pcombe]

After a few months of riding I feel the need to branch out. I've avoided the interstate. To really branch out, I've got to get over the fear of the interstate. I've gotten so much great advice about how to ride from all of you, I thought maybe I might get some advice on how to ride on the interstate. Any suggestions, tips, things to avoid, or whatever will be appreciated.

Give yourself stopping and reaction room.

never go faster than you can stop within the distance of your headlights.

Use your mirrors constantly.

always ride in a position the car ahead of you can easily see you in their mirror. do not ride in someone's blind spot.
High profile pickups have a hard time seeing you. They may cut you off changing lanes in front of you.
If at all possible don't get yourself caught between traffic making yourself the path of least resistance, Some jerk will take you out rather than hit a car?

don't hog the passing lane.

don't linger when passing a semi and don't ride on the right side of a semi where he cant see you, do not ride in someone's blind spot. If a semi is passing you it may be safer to slow down a little and let him get ahead of you before resuming speed. Flash your headlight to let him know it's safe to get back into your lane, he has cleared you.
Quite often if you show the trucker a little courtesy he may look out for you knowing your behind him, but don't count on it!

At night you may want to use a car or truck to help clear the road of wildlife for you, stay back far enough to see what's going on with their taillights and still respond if they hit something. If the truck your following hits a deer it just may roll right out from under the truck in your path?
if you cant see his mirror he cant see you, same for a motor home.

entrance and exit ramps are dangerous many drivers will not change lanes to let you in and you may have a hard time seeing them.

deer,deer,deer,deer! mirror,mirror,mirror,mirror

If you get the funny feeling at an intersection or ramp that something is about to happen, pay attention to the feeling. riders seem to develop a sixth sense after a spell. I have had that feeling before and nothing happened but i got this old paying attention to the feeling and it has saved my life. Trust your instincts.ThumbUp

- - - Updated - - -

during our little ride up to Cody Wy
We were FORCED to get on the interstate in Nebraska
due to road construction.
I found the best way was to find someone who
was running about the speed you liked and fall in
behind them. About a quarter mile or just a bit less
behind.
In my case, it was a pickup pulling a 5th wheel trailer.
He was running about 70 mph and we were comfortable
tagging along.

:Agree:

 

[msocko3]

Some good advice so far. Lord knows I've spent some time running the Interstates, I use them a lot to get from point A to B quickly. One thing to remember is the trike will react to rider input much quicker at 70 - 80 mph vs slower 2 lane speeds. Any lane changes or corrections should be done smoothly.

 

[Shimpy]

A friend of mine told me this a long time ago. If you are not used to the higher speeds of the interstates then take it up to 80mph or more for a few moments. Then drop back to 70 and you will feel like you're cruising at a relaxed speed.

 

[dogman513]

Watch for blown tire retreads on the roadway. Better just stay away from trucks as much as possible. Everytime I've done a road trip(on interstate) there has been a truck blow a tire next to me or in front of me. It will wake you up for sure!. Other than that don't really mind the interstate travel when trying to get somewhere fairly quick. And people txting and driving cant say enough about those.:AGGHH:

 

[FRR]

I remember riding the Interstate thru Chicago one Monday morning several years ago during 8:00AM rush hour. Now that is a ride that will put ice in your veins. Not fun at all.

 

[Rick Kay]

I very well remember approaching my first interstate highway ride with a fair amount of trepidation. My nerves were jangling! Got on the freeway, got her up to speed, relaxed myself, and then wondered why I was anxious about it. My trike rode smooth as butter, and like it was on rails. I'm sure you'll get the hang of it! Just do it!

 

[1800 06 Champion Trike]

We use the interstate on all our trips. We like to get to our destination as quick as we can and then sight see.
Set the cruise around 75 all the time.

 

[Raxus]

We use the interstate on all our trips. We like to get to our destination as quick as we can and then sight see.
Set the cruise around 75 all the time.

Exactly the way we are. I actually like to go a tad faster, 8 is great 9 is a fine in my books. Like to stay ahead of traffic if I can.

Rax

 

[rmrc51]

I'm a slow poke. Hate going faster then 65 mph! (And I'd rather go slower that that!) I usually pick a tractor trailer and stay behind him as they "usually" stay within the speed limit. I avoid the interstates as much as possible. Just don't feel safe going that fast.

 

[mhgoldwing]

1. Don't let trucks ride your rear. This generation of truckers is not the same as old ones and will pull up close behind you and there is no way for them to stop before hitting you if you have to brake.


2. Be very careful not to get caught in an 18 wheeler's draft as they pass you or you pass them depending on direction of wind. They can literally try to suck you into the trailer. While I normally ride in track closest to the centerline I will move over when encountering an 18 wheeler.

3. Avoid riding in a "pack". Interstate vehicles seem to ride in packs and I avoid them like the plague. They are too close to each other and if any one of them has an emergency or does something stupid it can cause immediate chaos for everybody. Speed up, slow down, whatever it takes but do not linger in a pack.

Others have made great recommendations. Just be careful.

 

[bikerbillone]

Watch efor blown tire retreads on the roadway. Better just stay away from trucks as much as possible. Everytime I've done a road trip(on interstate) there has been a truck blow a tire next to me or in front of me. It will wake you up for sure!. Other than that don't really mind the interstate travel when trying to get somewhere fairly quick. And people txting and driving cant say enough about those.:AGGHH:

Now there's some really good advice, following too closely will not give you any advantage to avoid the 'gator/retread' ahead. Gotta rememember, avoiding 'stuff in the road' is way more difficult to avoid with three wheels than two. Those gators can do a lot of damage.

 

[Ol' Man Jeb]

I remember riding the Interstate thru Chicago one Monday morning several years ago during 8:00AM rush hour. Now that is a ride that will put ice in your veins. Not fun at all.

If that were my only choice of riding, Id have to take up walking. I'd never survive in places like Chicago or L.A. at least in this stage of my life.

 

[Rick Kay]

I usually pick a tractor trailer and stay behind him as they "usually" stay within the speed limit.

I'm sure you give the big boys plenty of room, but being around a truck on the interstate scares me! I worked in trucking for 33 years, and my best advice is to give a truck lots of space, because you never know what is going to come flying off, or run over, or blow up.

 

[rmrc51]

I'm sure you give the big boys plenty of room, but being around a truck on the interstate scares me! I worked in trucking for 33 years, and my best advice is to give a truck lots of space, because you never know what is going to come flying off, or run over, or blow up.

I agree. I stay back quite far. So much so that at times, another tractor trailer pulls in front of me and the one I was following, lol.

 

[Oldmsocko]

Always remember when you are behind an 18 wheeler and if you can't see his mirrors he can't see you.

When merging onto the freeway the car in the traveling lane does not need to move over to let you merge in.
You need to be sure you can merge in safely.

 

[Mick]

If that were my only choice of riding, Id have to take up walking. I'd never survive in places like Chicago or L.A. at least in this stage of my life.

One easy tip I can give for riding around here (Chicago) is remember everyones out to run you over. Between cell phones and food and Ipods and Iphones no one pays attention and everyone figures everyone else will get out of the way. Once you have that figured out youre good to go.

 

[jmk865]

Here in East central Illinois; our major Interstates are I-74, I-57, And I-72. I will take extra pains to avoid them completely whenever I can. I don't like them even in a car.
We seem to have an inordinate amount of accidents on these roads for several reasons: Poor road maintainance, Poor driving habits, high speeds.
Posted speed limits are either 65 or 70; but a fair share of drivers are well over that, running 80 plus. Cell phone use also enters heavily nto the danger even though we have a law against it; it's seldom if ever, inforced. Our car, truck, semi drivers around here seem to like to tail-gate too which is never comfortable for me.
Liquor also is a frequent factor.
I usually stick to secondary roads that are better patroled and have lower speed limits; then watch carefully for deer, and they usually don't spped, tailgate or drink while they are running.

 

[Trent]

Advice for freeways and any roads for that matter ... DO NOT sit behind an 18 wheel livestock hauler thinking that will be a comfortable place to look at the world. You will find out really quick that road gators and other stuff will be the least of your problems!! Cows, sheep, or pigs will make the rest of your trip miserable till you get to a carwash and a Laundromat. Same goes for someone towing a horse trailer. Ya know where the saying about a horse pissin' on a flat rock came from don't ya?!! And it will run right out the back of that trailer.

Here in Idaho they raised the speed limit to 80 a coupla weeks ago. Yahooo!! Now everyone is doin' 85 to 90. Well, except those that still don't believe the new signs I guess.

18 wheeler speed limit is still 70 so it is easy to get around them. However,,, two different speed limits creates another set of problems and issues. Utah is 80 mph now for trucks and cars and traffic moves much smoother with everyone running the same speed.

Freeway driving is damn boring in some areas out here in the west, but they do get you to great riding areas faster, that's fer sure!

 

[Shimpy]

3. Avoid riding in a "pack". Interstate vehicles seem to ride in packs and I avoid them like the plague. They are too close to each other and if any one of them has an emergency or does something stupid it can cause immediate chaos for everybody. Speed up, slow down, whatever it takes but do not linger in a pack.

Good advise. I read many years ago an article in Popular Mechanics about riding interstates. They stated that the highway patrol noted what they called wolf packs or groups of vehicles clumped together then a space between them. They recommended staying in that space.
Also when passing a big truck you'll notice a big blast coming off his front end like a bow wake off a boat. If you accelerate hard going thru this then your bike or trike will settle down and not be affected by it. Otherwise it will blow you pretty hard away from the truck. towards the next lane or medium.

 

[slick rick]

May not be a bit of help ,,,my advice is stay off it , can't see the scenery on it ,,,seriously !!!



When I do have to run it ( not a lot ) I try to keep all traffic to my left , may have to slow up for drivers merging but I only have to watch the one side closely .orag:

 

[brianl]

You'll be surprised how easy it is on the interstate vs. some windy back roads. These roads are made for high speeds and you don't usually have to worry about sharp corners. I like to ride in the middle or second lane from the right. I either ride the speed limit or sometimes 5 mph less. Leave enough room for a car to cut in front of you because whether you do or don't, THEY WILL CUT IN FRONT OF YOU! Let them. Better to leave them room than have to slam on the breaks at the last second, or worse. Remember it's not a pi**ing contest. People will be jerks, motorcycles included. Don't take it personally. Peek at your mirrors so you know what is behind you. Be patient and you'll be just fine. Also, you don't have to worry about the "sucking you in" feeling when an 18 wheeler goes by. Your trike will stay true and straight.

 

[Mick]

When I was crossing the desrt from Nevada to Barstow I just got tired of trying to be run over by car traffic. The truckers were nice enough to let me in and give me room to be comfortable in the truck lane. Most truckers Ive run into seem to be more courteous and cut me a break than most cars. Traffic was running at least 10 over at the time doing 85 mph and could care less about one small trike.

 

[pcombe]

i'm sure you give the big boys plenty of room, but being around a truck on the interstate scares me! I worked in trucking for 33 years, and my best advice is to give a truck lots of space, because you never know what is going to come flying off, or run over, or blow up.

having been a trucker i agree.

- - - Updated - - -

Advice for freeways and any roads for that matter ... DO NOT sit behind an 18 wheel livestock hauler thinking that will be a comfortable place to look at the world. You will find out really quick that road gators and other stuff will be the least of your problems!! Cows, sheep, or pigs will make the rest of your trip miserable till you get to a carwash and a Laundromat. Same goes for someone towing a horse trailer. Ya know where the saying about a horse pissin' on a flat rock came from don't ya?!! And it will run right out the back of that trailer.

Here in Idaho they raised the speed limit to 80 a coupla weeks ago. Yahooo!! Now everyone is doin' 85 to 90. Well, except those that still don't believe the new signs I guess.

18 wheeler speed limit is still 70 so it is easy to get around them. However,,, two different speed limits creates another set of problems and issues. Utah is 80 mph now for trucks and cars and traffic moves much smoother with everyone running the same speed.

Freeway driving is damn boring in some areas out here in the west, but they do get you to great riding areas faster, that's fer sure!

:Agree: THINGS ARE EASIER OUT HERE WHERE TOWNS ARE A HUNDRED MILES APART.

 

[MDGeorge]

I think the interstate is actually safer. No uncontrolled access for cars to turn in front of you from side roads.

1.) Stay in your lane.
2.) Be alert to everything around you.
3.) pass trucks quickly.
4.) Watch for road debris.
5.) Be comfortable.

 

[tom w]

I think the interstate is actually safer. No uncontrolled access for cars to turn in front of you from side roads.

1.) Stay in your lane.
2.) Be alert to everything around you.
3.) pass trucks quickly.
4.) Watch for road debris.
5.) Be comfortable.

well said.:Agree:

 

[geol]

The worst about the interstate is that it is BORING. Here in Texas, where the speed limit is 85 on rural interstates, I just don't enjoy driving that fast in a boring mindset. As far as big rigs go, I find them to be pretty professional as long haul drivers on the interstate but keep in mind, a bike/trike is small and not easily seen. It is the distracted cager that scares me.

The worst interstate driving I know is IH20 or IH10 coming through LA or MS. Geesh, the road surfaces are TERRIBLE and if you get distracted and hit a 4 inch road suface elevation change not paying attention, a huge pothole, a road surface that shreds tires (see IH10 in LA) or pieces of tread or other debris which is common on those two gems, you can easily crash. Now, once you get into Texas and past the ever beautiful burg of Houston going west, the road surface tends to be easy travel (until you hit the 85 mph parts).

 

[tom w]

The worst about the interstate is that it is BORING. Here in Texas, where the speed limit is 85 on rural interstates, I just don't enjoy driving that fast in a boring mindset. As far as big rigs go, I find them to be pretty professional as long haul drivers on the interstate but keep in mind, a bike/trike is small and not easily seen. It is the distracted cager that scares me.

The worst interstate driving I know is IH20 or IH10 coming through LA or MS. Geesh, the road surfaces are TERRIBLE and if you get distracted and hit a 4 inch road suface elevation change not paying attention, a huge pothole, a road surface that shreds tires (see IH10 in LA) or pieces of tread or other debris which is common on those two gems, you can easily crash. Now, once you get into Texas and past the ever beautiful burg of Houston going west, the road surface tends to be easy travel (until you hit the 85 mph parts).

I do what ever I can to avoid this road when traveling down south. to add the traffic is usually very heavy.

 

[skuuter]

I don't use Interstate because of the Totally Horrific Multi-Vehicle Wrecks I've witnessed and worked with Wreckers over the years, not to mention the two Motorcycle Riders I witnessed being pitched off Their Bikes unhurt, then ran over by multiple Cars, bouncing under and out from under them like a pinball......not a pretty sight. My other "common sense thought" is, I'm out here doing 70+ mph with the same idiots that can never drive Their Cars and Trucks correctly at 45 to 55 mph, and, as above........

TOTALLY BORING...!!!!!

.........ok, Interstate Post over.....