Photo Credit: Desertcrops

My last distance ride gave me serious insight regarding techniques for “riding the wind”. Much of the 2600 mile ride was plagues by high winds and cold weather. Cold one can dress for but unfortunately wind can not be dealt with as easily.

So, let’s talk wind. I don’t mean those little breezes that make your living room feel fresh, but instead I’m speaking of mother nature’s way of cleansing the surface of the earth, by removing everything resting, walking or riding there. I have seen news reports about tsunami damage along the coastlines, but experiencing first hand the winds of the desert I no longer underestimate the reported havoc. Desert winds make visibility, controlling your machine and big rig wind blast a serious challenge.

Winds obviously come in different degrees. Many of us that rode for the first time on a highway or freeway were surprised at how much wind blast surrounds a rider at speed. The slightest ambient breeze can add even more force around the bike. I remember how those first winds took some time and riding experience to grow accustomed to the force. Now after many miles under my belt, I don’t give the road wind much thought, however when there is excessive gales applied to the scenario, like anything in excess of 20mph winds, there are several things a rider can do to help make the ride more palatable.

First off, RELAX. I say this knowing just how difficult that may be. Flex your fingers frequently to lighten your grasp on the handlebars. I always remind myself that I have yet to see a motorcycle blow off the highway due to wind and that thought helps me to relax a bit on the bike. Keep in mind that you are riding a force, one that controls the ride, but you have the ability to ride with it.

The ability used is countersteering or leaning the bike into the wind. David Hough, author of Proficient Motorcycling, which I highly recommend, explains this best, “If the wind is blowing from the left side you need to push your left grip into the wind. Pushing a little harder on the “upwind” grip will lean it over more and point back towards your desired line. Of course, when the wind suddenly decreases, or changes direction, you will need to quickly countersteer to whatever angle is needed to keep the bike within the lane.”

This type of wind riding is best described as keeping the rider totally engaged. You need to grip the tank with your legs, leaning as close to the tank as possible to lessen your wind resistance. Also keep in mind that the larger your windscreen the more your bike will act as a sail in high winds and more countersteering pressure will be need to be applied.

Remember too, that you will use more gas in high winds, especially if they are head winds. Keep the tank toped as often as you are able as the gas consumption in wind can be a real surprise.

Beware of large truck and trailers. They can push what is called a “bow wave” towards you especially if traveling on the upwind side or the direction the wind is blowing. Ride as far away from them as possible and be prepared for a sudden additional gust. You may also notice that if the road has hills on either side you may also get an additional gust pushing toward you as a bit of a wind tunnel is being created.

The more you ride in the wind the more you will gain confidence, but one thing to always remember is when to give it up. If you are being blown all around, your stress level is maxed out and you are feeling fatigued, find a place to hunker down, whether it be a motel or a coffee shop, get off the bike. Try to park it somewhere with wind protection to keep it from blowing over and go and settle in. It’s always better to rest and be safe and wait for the storm to lay down than overstress yourself placing yourself in unnecessary danger.

Riding the wind as they say is a motorcyclist’s dream, but riding in the wind is another matter!