Interstate riding

[pcombe]

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.....

The speed limit out here just rose to 80 m.p.h. and I don't care to run that fast, I'm likely to get it from behind.

 

[Trikerbobbilly]

Here in Texas its kind of hard to get from point A to point B without getting on an interstate somewhere or else you go way out of your way to get somewhere, the day I bought my trike I had to get on interstate 10 to travel from Beaumont to Orange, I hit a violent thunderstorm among heavy rush hour traffic, the trucks where throwing up clouds of water making visibility next to nothing, needless to say I got broke into interstate riding quickly. The interstates don't bother me just pick a comfortable pace around the speed limit and relax, let the traffic do what its going to do, be attentive and stay clear of stupid acting drivers, don't get mad and don't fight with the cagers, the bike will lose every time.

 

[Ol' Man Jeb]

............. stay clear of stupid acting drivers, don't get mad and don't fight with the cagers, the bike will lose every time.

Staying away from stupid acting drivers now-a-days is a chore in itself.

 

[bohomus]

Thanks for the replies. There's some good advice here. I guess Im just going to have to go out there and get used to it. I sure wish I could just avoid interstates completely.

 

[bikerbillone]

Have a friend that just will not ride the interstate, some kind of interstate phobia I suppose, in a cage, he's OK.

 

[rwhgme]

Never even give it a minute's thought. I guess be alert...America needs more Lerts...:laugh:

 

[Rosy]

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.

Great advise, and I have one more to add, do not tailgate!
Keep plenty of room between you and the car/truck you are behind and make a mental note on how far you need to stop.
Always look for a way out in case you have to make an emergency stop, like it happened to me when someone put their brakes on and everybody went everywhere, I chose to go partly into the media and the car behind me stopped in my spot. He rolled down his window and said thank you, or I would have been a slice of meat in a sandwich.
Always keep Alert!

Rosy

 

[DTR 11TG]

Something that I picked up, years ago, when I was racing for a living, keep an eye on the steer tire of the vehicle next to you. It was a great help while racing & I still use it in traffic or when passing. I find if I keep busy with most of the things already listed & my little things, I'm less likely to become complacent.

 

[luckychucky]

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.

pay attention to all of the above and ride close to the center line just don't crowd it this way those passing you won't have a tendency to pull back into your lane to quick and run you over all good advice here, stay back from vehicle in front of you so you can see signs coming up.

 

[Rollin Thunder]

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.

I agree with you 100%. And that's in my truck. Georgia is the same thing. Ridin 75 south or north bound!:AGGHH:

 

[Big Juice]

A lot of very important info posted on this thread! My thoughts are that I don't follow anything, 18 wheeler/truck/car or otherwise, close. Be it interstate or back roads. I try to keep my distance and prepare for the worse, as it may happen. Makes me slower, but hey, I'm old and not in a hurry to end this life.......and not have my trike anymore......