[Diamond Lil]

You encounter gravel in a turn - how do you handle it?
Just a few pieces in the road?
Much more than that! Now what?


Highlight below to find one man's opinion
You're tailing your riding buddy on a fav back road when suddenly OHMIGOSH; he's pointing wildly at gravel in the turn! He somehow makes it through (this should be a clue: he ain't exactly Nicky Hayden now is he?)... but, now warned, what do you do?

First, you're not right on his tail, correct?

Slow a little and assess your options. If the stones are few enough to count, you can probably ignore them since they're primarily a visual distraction, posing little loss-of-traction potential.

If not, assertively modify your line so you avoid the most dense part.*

If you see you still must ride through the gravel, straighten the bike and brake firmly prior to the patch; then release the brakes and ease through on a neutral throttle, delaying the completion of your turn until you're back on clean asphalt.

Then pull over and talk. What have you learned?

* If you are in a blind turn, do not consider the opposite lane part of your avoidance strategy. If oncoming traffic suddenly appears, your chances are zero to none.

Pete Tamblyn
Senior Contributor
MotorcycleMentor.com™

 

[NightRod ELPASO]

I just think it's cool how you did the hightlight thingy.

 

[raebear]

I just think it's cool how you did the hightlight thingy.

+1
Always attempt gravel as straight and as slow/smooth as poss.

 

[DesertSpeed]

Pete Tamblyn, as usual, pretty much has it nailed. Since we ride double a lot, I ride at a speed alows me to get stopped on the road I can see. Same in the cages. where we like to go there are elk in the road, not to mention sand and gravel or plain old dirt roads with cattle guards.

 

[Lerenis]

Yep, slow and straight. Lock up the rear if you have to prior to hitting the gravel to get maximum slowing. Even at really slow speeds you can still have the bike fall out from under you.

 

[rjrivero]

Flat Track 101. Dump the throttle, let the rear skate out, and COUNTER STEER like CRAZY!!!!!

Try to slow like that around here, and you're GONNA get REAR ENDED. I'll never slow down for a yellow light in this area. :2cents:

 

[laconia76]

Live on a gravel road. Come up for a visit and get free gravel practice.

 

[krodwi]

Yep: slow and straight and even then it is 50-50. Gravel is very unforgiving.
Great post!

 

[laconia76]

gravel ,is only sand on steroids

 

[vroder]

Grew up riding on gravel. Just get used to the bike feeling loose, moderate your speed, corner like you're on marbles. Live in the ruts (ride in the wheel tracks).

 

[Jeck]

I have gone out with a broom and swept the gravel away from the corners by my house. Just went and did it at night when traffic was low.

 

[agtorange]

Flat Track 101. Dump the throttle, let the rear skate out, and COUNTER STEER like CRAZY!!!!!

Try to slow like that around here, and you're GONNA get REAR ENDED. I'll never slow down for a yellow light in this area. :2cents:

This is what I do and it never fails!! Plus you look so cool sliding and counter steering.