Riding on motorways

Long a weakness of mine, I decided that I needed to do something about it cos there is only one way east from here - the M54, which leads into the M6. And going south, you eventually get onto the M5. And I go to Liverpool a lot, which means the M53 or else crawling through Ellesmere Port. Don't like the feeling of being 'lost in space' on a 3 laner, don't like strong crosswinds, don't like idiots driving up behind me at 90 when I'm doing 70 and trying to force me off the road, don't like 3 lanes of solid traffic doing 60+. Have been practising a good bit recently and have discovered that they aren't so intimidating - thought 'self, you'd do this in the car without thinking, what's the difference'.

Took a bit of practice to crack it, still ain't perfect, far from in fact, but have discovered that a more strategic approach to road positioning, properly planned overtakes, greater awareness of which cars are bottyholes and refusing to be intimidated, better speed experience, and watching fields for changes in the grass/corn colour as the wind blows across to anticipate crosswind have helped a lot. Plus having a bike that has more than enough in store to get out of trouble if need be. It's turned from something to be avoided at all costs - I'd happily have done a lengthy detour - into something that whilst not exactly enjoyable is bearable and the detour is no longer an option.

Wouldn't want to ride the M6 every day though

[L3nny]

My first ride of my bike was on the M6 when I picked it up from Manchester. In December in the rain.

Was a bit scary to start with but it's pretty easy really. If you want you can sit in the slow lane doing 60-70 but on a bike you can pretty much pull out into any gap you like as you have the power to get up to the same speed as the next lane really quickly.

Much better now I have mirror extenders as I can actually see when I want to pull out.

I recently rode all the way through Belgium in some of the strongest side winds I have ridden in every time I overtook a lorry I thought I was going to get blown into the barriers.

its all in the planning ed. here comes the advertisement, have you ever thought of doing IAM training?

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by Ed

don't like idiots driving up behind me at 90 when I'm doing 70 and trying to force me off the road

Stick to 100mph+ then...

if going from shrewsbury up to liverpool i would think your going the wrong way if your heading m54 m6 surley going a485? through wrexham would be your route
used to go this way myself in a wagon not bad roads either

When you say people coming up from behind doing 90mph when you are doing 70mph then I hope you arent one of those annoying drivers/riders that sit in the middle or outer lane oblivious to your surrounding... These people cause accidents!

As for noticing the grass etc in fields... I wouldnt worry, you will know if its windy, ride to the conditions, its its ridiculously windy just ride slower and more cautiously. Dont distract yourself with looking at too much, stick to anticipating what other cars are doing and whats happening up ahead. If you start looking at fields and the cars ahead brake sharply (which is way too common on motorways) you'll end up dead.

[dizzyblonde]

Motorways are my speciality. Don't bother me in the slightest. Sometimes I almost prefer them!

[Luckypants]

Originally Posted by Gene genie

its all in the planning ed. here comes the advertisement, have you ever thought of doing IAM training?

motorway riding is simple until Mother Nature has her way. they it's no fun at all.

[5150]

I used to brick it on motorways until I put in a pair of earplugs (and, lately, custom-fit earphones). It's amazing how apprehensive the fatigue from wind noise can make you.

A decent pair of 'plugs or earphones (with the music on low) means you'll hear all the important sounds, but not the extraneous stuff - so you'll be able to concentrate more effectively.