First Ride Of Any Distance

[Red59]

Had some work done on my FW and picked it up yesterday from a shop around 275 miles from home. Had my son drive with me so that I could ride it back.
It felt good to get on it and let it roll on down the road, but the wind was relentless and couldn't really enjoy the ride (275 miles, 5 hours) of nonstop wind gust that blew me darn near off the road a couple of times just plain old kicked my butt. Well there's more good weather coming eventually.

 

[screwball]

Ahhh, the adventure of riding a motorcycle. A little time and it will be second nature. Couple of years ago we rode into Arizona and Utah with absolutely beautiful weather. Half way to Zion National Park it started raining, then hail, then snow. 3 days of riding, 1000 miles from home and the weather turned to crap. Poop happens. Think of the great stories you can tell to your grandkids. Last hear we headed to Yellowstone. Half way through Idaho we hit rain. Had to stop at a Wal-Mart and buy some dry shoes.

Enjoy the weather, smile at the people in cars while they pass you in the rain and wonder what that guy on the motorcycle was thinking.

 

[missedem]

Last time I was in Utah I hit some nasty weather on the way back from CO. to MT. I was grinning like an idiot the whole way. People must have thought I was crazy. I am hoping to make as many good memories on the FW as on the old dyna. Now that its fixed I really like it. Mine seems especially happy on the fwy in 6th gear at 75 mph.

 

[Red59]

Ahhh, the adventure of riding a motorcycle. A little time and it will be second nature.

Yeah, I think I've got a little time in (45 + years) this is my 2nd trike and have rode in not so pleasant conditions before. This was just one of those times where I really couldn't enjoy the ride and relax. The blowing and gusting winds just plain old kicked my ass after fighting them for 5 hours with just stopping for gas.

 

[DK Custom Products]

One thing I learned that is different about trikes than 2 wheelers...on 2 wheelers you can lean the bike into the wind.

On a trike, the wind tries to blow you off the seat. We go caught in a sandstorm in AZ a few years ago, really strong wind. After 2 hours of fighting to stay on the seat, I quit fighting and just leaned my body into the wind. Found that perfect spot of leaning that allowed me to quit fighting with my arms, and neck to stay in place.

Of course if it had been gusting, this would not have worked so well....but it was a pretty strong sustained wind for 4 straight hours with nowhere to stop and wait it out.

I don't know how strong the wind was...maybe 40-50 mph. Over half of the cars we passed were just pulled over to the side of the road waiting it out.

Kevin

 

[Red59]

Of course if it had been gusting, this would not have worked so well...

That was exactly the biggest problem, the gust were making it really hard to find any good position to ride in.
Should be some good weather right around the corner in my area, going to make a trip back up that way to "Tunnel of Trees" supposed to be like a mini Dragons Tail, should be a good ride.

 

[Springman2007]

That was exactly the biggest problem, the gust were making it really hard to find any good position to ride in.
Should be some good weather right around the corner in my area, going to make a trip back up that way to "Tunnel of Trees" supposed to be like a mini Dragons Tail, should be a good ride.

SEAT BELTS....ThumbUpThumbUpThumbUpThumbUpThumbUp
SPringman

 

[Bill G]

Ya a little heavy duty Velcro on your seat and Butt..Lol.. Then you can just peel yourself off the seat..
epper:epper:

Ride Safe,
Bill G

 

[Burnerboy]

Do you have a windshield on your bike??

Ronnie

 

[Red59]

Do you have a windshield on your bike??

Ronnie

At the time I just had a 12" shield on it, looked good but didn't do much for protection. Have since then tried stock HD shield for the FW, Long Ride Shields 16", currently running a 16" Clearview which has worked best for me.

 

[Freewheeling Ron]

I find the wind to be easier to ride in with the trike over two wheels. That being said, it's still not pleasant. My last ride I felt like my helmet was being ripped off my head. Had to close the visor to keep the wind out. Seems like it's been windy this year for sure.