The subject of this article was rather forced upon me.  I have just been on one of the most terrifying rides of my life. I have been on the motorway riding my Honda Pan-European.  The wind almost blew me into the path of other vehicles on at least a score of occasions.    The concentration needed to stick to my chosen line has left me a quivering wreck!  I would rather face the cold and rain any day. 

Experts tell us that the damage done to the environment by pollution means that exceptionally high winds are going to be an increasingly common phenomenon in the years ahead.

So what should we do to maximise our chances of survival?

·         Firstly – is your journey by bike really necessary? If it is for pleasure then I can assure you that getting buffeted around on two wheels leaves everything to be desired.  If you can, take the car instead. 

·         Secondly, do you have more than one bike?  If you do, then take the one without the fairing and luggage.  A bike like mine which is almost totally enclosed in plastic is the very worst kind to ride in high winds.  The gusts have no way of passing through the bike so the effects are worse than on a ‘naked’ machine.

·         Can you remove the top box, panniers or fairing? A heavy bike may be no easier to control than a lightweight, and if it does go over will be harder to pick up.

·         Think carefully about your clothing and that of any passenger.  Close fitting one piece leathers are better than loose, baggy jackets and over-trousers.  Make sure that all zips and fasteners are done up and that any belt is secured as snugly as possible.  Loose clothing will act like a parachute, and will make a difficult ride even more hazardous.

·         When riding in strong winds your advanced observations are even more important than ever.  Look ahead for breaks in the adjoining trees, hills or buildings that will expose you to sudden gusts. Be prepared for them and get ready to adjust your position on the bike, or your angle of lean to compensate.  Remember too that roadside features which suddenly protect you from the wind can be just as disconcerting. When you are riding along with the bike leaned over just a little more into the wind it can really throw you when the wind suddenly drops.  It is even worse if you are rounding a bend. You will suddenly find that the bike is heading in quite the wrong direction and you have to hurriedly adjust your position.  Sometimes this can happen several times in the same set of bends.  Not only does it look ungainly, but also it can be very unsettling.  If you don’t keep your wits about you, you could end up heading towards oncoming traffic.

·         Think carefully about the effects that large vehicles are having on the wind.  What will happen as you pass that large lorry or bus?  Will the wind suddenly drop and then resume as you overtake.

·         Think about the effects of the wind on other vehicles.  Will part of the load become dislodged?  Will the vehicle be blown off course or even overturned.  If traveling with other bikers give them more room than usual.  They will be struggling just as much as you will but their bikes may not be affected to the same extent.  Keep well out of the way if you can and do not travel in formation.

·         If riding in lanes think carefully about your position.  No matter what you do you are going to be blown around so make allowances for this. Ensure if you can that you are not blown into adjoining lanes.  Position your bike a little to windward of the centre of the lane so that you have a safety margin before being pushed across.

·         Abandon all thoughts of filtering through traffic unless you are sure the road features will protect you from the wind.  Motorcyclists should only filter when it is safe and causes no annoyance or confusion to other motorists.  Wobbling around as you pass between other vehicles is strictly off limits!

·         In all cases, slow down.  The slower you are going the more chance you will have to take appropriate corrective action.  In the event of a spill the slower you are going the better.

·         Think about what will happen when you stop.  Don’t worry about putting both feet down if you need to do so.  It is better to look a little clumsy than to have to flag down a motorist to help you pick up the bike.  I speak from bitter experience I am afraid.

·         Even when the wind has eventually subsided be on the lookout for fallen branches and debris.

  Next time take the bus!

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