Here is a good example of why you should try to stay to the right and enter a left hand curve from the outside of the road. I was cruising up Rt178 for those that know it, riding at a decent pace, had the road all by myself, and in a split second here comes this sports car and bike. Have ridden that road more times than I can count. The video shows it all as I had enough time to get over so he could barely get by When I watch it I realize if I had been closer to the curve it might not have ended so well. With all the leaves blocking the road I might not have seen them coming as quick as they entered that curve. It's a definite horseshoe bender and would be tough for even the best rider to stay in control at that speed. He was by me so fast I doubt he even saw the nice gesture I gave him when he screamed by I thought I would share this as the visual might stick in the heads of anyone cruising out in the mountains. I expect this often at the Gap but should everywhere.
I agree with you…too close. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon at the Gap, or other popular roads in that area. I’ve had that happen to me too, and like you, was able to see it coming and adjust accordingly.
A good reminder to be diligent while riding, even when it appears you are the only one on the road.
Blueridgerider, PhilJet09, and John d loved this
Being alive, is not living. R.I.P. Don,Petey, & Jason レイクランド
Blueridgerider wrote: ↑Thu Sep 08, 2022 11:03 am
Here is a good example of why you should try to stay to the right and enter a left hand curve from the outside of the road. I was cruising up Rt178 for those that know it, riding at a decent pace, had the road all by myself, and in a split second here comes this sports car and bike. Have ridden that road more times than I can count. The video shows it all as I had enough time to get over so he could barely get by When I watch it I realize if I had been closer to the curve it might not have ended so well. With all the leaves blocking the road I might not have seen them coming as quick as they entered that curve. It's a definite horseshoe bender and would be tough for even the best rider to stay in control at that speed. He was by me so fast I doubt he even saw the nice gesture I gave him when he screamed by I thought I would share this as the visual might stick in the heads of anyone cruising out in the mountains. I expect this often at the Gap but should everywhere.
No video, but once I was riding Wolf Creek Pass, in Colorado; it is one lane each way, with lots of hairpin turns. A tractor-trailer came around the bend as I entered one hairpin turn. No problem for the tractor unit, but he was pulling a triple! The first trailer was mostly in his lane, fine; the second trailer was halfway into my lane, and the third trailer covered most of my lane. I rode the white stripe on my side of the road, and we missed. If I had been driving a car then, it would have been into the cliff inside the turn, or run over by the rear trailer, or both. The cliff had blocked my view of the turning road ahead, so I had about one second's notice of what was coming. Since I was just sightseeing, not racing, I could make the move that saved my life. If the rear trailer had run over me, I doubt that the truck driver would have noticed the bump - and the inside cliff was blocking his view of the third trailer.
Blueridgerider loved this
Cheers,
Red
P.S. Life is too short, and health is too valuable, to ride on cheap parade-duty tires.
Yeah, I ride motorcycles. I know why dogs put their heads out of the car windows.
Yeah, I fly hang gliders (3000 hrs.+). I know why the birds sing.
Absolutely right, too close! It’s a good reminder for sure. Unfortunately, it isn’t uncommon, as I’ve had a number of similar instances on popular roads in the smokies. Be careful out there.
Blueridgerider and bill lumberg loved this
RIP Beemerdons, Petey, JWilly, 1911
Calm is a skill.
“Courage is the first virtue.” Andrew Klavan
“Because “someday” is not a day of the week…” Wayne
In watching that, the guy had a lot he could have done to fix the situation. His body position was straight up, it looked like. He could have easily tightened that curve up and not put you at risk.
Glad one of you was riding smart!
Blueridgerider and wheatonFJR loved this
"That wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be" - 1911
"Stay thirsty, my friends"....... Wouldn't that mean I'm dehydrated all the time?
I always thought Toecutter made up that phrase, Dougie. But Streetmasters taught the same lane positioning, enter that left curve way over on the right and only come near the center line when you can see your way through the apex--and also see whatever's coming at you! The rider clearly blew the turn, too fast, hit the brakes late and went upright--and way wide. Think I may have done it myself--once.
rbentnail wrote: ↑Sat Sep 10, 2022 4:23 pm
Looks like target fixation and a bit of panic.
Yep. Out of control, crossed the dog yellow, THEN looked at the bike he didn't want to hit.
I love 178/215! I always have my brights on in the hairpins, as oncoming trucks/cars see them
earlier in the blind curve and get back in their lane more urgently and quickly.
If I'm following someone, I don't have the brights on.
When I watch it I realize if I had been closer to the curve it might not have ended so well. With all the leaves blocking the road I might not have seen them coming as quick as they entered that curve. It's a definite horseshoe bender and would be tough for even the best rider to stay in control at that speed. He was by me so fast I doubt he even saw the nice gesture I gave him when he screamed by 
I thought I would share this as the visual might stick in the heads of anyone cruising out in the mountains. I expect this often at the Gap but should everywhere.
