Riding in Crosswinds

........ 0.o

 

I've ridden over 50 miles leaning the bike to the right before. I've also had to stay tucked behind the windscreen to not have my shoulders be a sail. Being 6"2' or 1.88 meters tall does sometimes have drawbacks.

 

Oh Ye of little faith:

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-n...f/2016/03/weather_service_clocks_wind_sp.html

 

Try looking at that one with a more objective point of view. Dudes like SOW probably have wall size posters like that in every room. The same could be said if there might a few other dudes who are hungry tat artists looking for new territory.

 

If the wind is constant its not as bad as gusts. I was riding my DR 650 a few weeks back going about 60 mph in gusty winds. That was a pain, it only weighs a little over 300 lbs and when the wind goes from 2 to 30 it gets exciting quickly. Heavier bikes with longer wheel bases fair much better. On the VFR there seems to be a sweet spot for me in heavy cross winds, it is more stable going faster, 80 mph than say 60 mph. Tucking a little lower helps too.
I have done track days on the 1k CBR in windy days that were just terrifying. Trying to stay on line with bikes all around having trouble too while dealing with the track itself will tire you quickly.

 

Well, it's been a loooong time since I've been to Kansas (I was a kid) - but based on your description, yes, lots of wheat fields. Saskatchewan is very flat and not much to see unless you head north. I live in Manitoba - we're right on the edge of the Canadian Shield, we're the gateway to the prairies. Some parts are very flat and open with lots of wheat fields, other parts are rocky granite and lakes, then we have rolling hills, valleys, and escarpments, and further north what classifies as mountains (they barely meet that requirement ... they are glorified hills but still quite beautiful). Up north - there's the muskegs and beautiful waterfalls / rapids.

 

Yah, the Yellohead (Highway 16) would be the most scenic and take you through a good portion of that terrain. It'll be a LOT nicer than the Trans-Canada (Highway #1) which is just one long straight highway. LOL

If you get a chance though, be sure to checkout the Whiteshell and NW Ontario - some beautiful scenery there. There are plenty of bugs in the spring, and if you don't have heated gear, you'll freeze your butt off in the mornings. I've been riding since March and the temperatures in the morning on my way to work are often hovering just below / above 32*F just in the past week or two. It will be even colder this time of year up north.

Best time to come through these provinces in late June / early July. I'm very thankful for my heated grips and heated jacket liner.

If / when you're through here, let me know and I'll do a long day trip and escort you to Saskatchewan on your way through.

... oh, and the Sena ... I know what you mean. I just got a Cardo Packtalk this year. I was going to get the Sena 20S but my buddies all use Cardo. The Packtalk is on par with the 20S. Great stuff either way!!

 

The prairies of Manitoba, especially around Winnipeg where Jeff is near to is best described like, "pee on a plate with the foam all blowed off".

 

Try riding in Scotland, all four seasons in 30 minutes and winds that blow articulated lorries over.

 

We could do a distillery tour. Damned well worth the risk I say.

 

Those are best doe on foot, walk/stagger/crawl.

 

June / July will be warm here at night and daytime. Daytime temperatures can easily reach well into the 90's and above depending on the week.

Even solo, the headset is great. I like to listen to a particular radio station in the mornings, and while I used to stream it from my phone, I'd often hit dead zones for reception would cause the app to kick out and not restart. Now with the built in FM radio, no more worries. Phone calls are a cinch too.