Few things upset riders as much as riding in a crosswind that pushes them around in a lane. Short of staying home or panicking every time it happens, here’s what to do.
HOLD YOUR SPEED It’s tempting to slow down when a gust hits, but that reduces your bike’s stability. If you get hit by a gust, keep the throttle steady. That said, in windy conditions you should definitely slow down a bit, just not right after a gust hits you.
CROWD THE SIDE OF THE ROAD If the wind is blowing from right to left, crowd the right side of the road. You’ll seldom overcorrect into the wind, but you’ll have more lane to work with if the wind does move you.
HANG OFF INTO THE WIND Shift your body lower and into the wind to compensate. Hunching over also reduces the sail effect your body presents.
READ THE WIND Look for blowing trees, grass, or dust up ahead so a gust doesn’t catch you unaware.
COUNTERSTEER Don't let the wind bully you; push back instead.
RELAX Don't tense up. Relaxing a little will actually help you react more easily.
Few things upset riders as much as riding in a crosswind that pushes them around in a lane. Short of staying home or panicking every time it happens, here’s what to do.
HOLD YOUR SPEED It’s tempting to slow down when a gust hits, but that reduces your bike’s stability. If you get hit by a gust, keep the throttle steady. That said, in windy conditions you should definitely slow down a bit, just not right after a gust hits you.
CROWD THE SIDE OF THE ROAD If the wind is blowing from right to left, crowd the right side of the road. You’ll seldom overcorrect into the wind, but you’ll have more lane to work with if the wind does move you.
HANG OFF INTO THE WIND Shift your body lower and into the wind to compensate. Hunching over also reduces the sail effect your body presents.
READ THE WIND Look for blowing trees, grass, or dust up ahead so a gust doesn’t catch you unaware.
COUNTERSTEER Don't let the wind bully you; push back instead.
RELAX Don't tense up. Relaxing a little will actually help you react more easily.