svtlightning
06-01-2006, 08:17 AM
Being a local guy, watching people ride and drive through, and when I am actually riding through the gap an other area local roads, I feel that I’ve got a responsibility to say this…
For some of you, this won’t be your first trip to the gap. Just a reminder to you all that this place is becoming far more crowded best runs are early in the morning or after 5 in the afternoon. Night runs are the best for speed, but you never know when that furry little animal or big animal will come down the hill.
For many others, this will probably be your first trip to the gap. I’m going to offer some advice to you, TAKE HEED to the advice I give you. This road is a PUBLIC ROAD. It is not a racetrack. The speed limit is 30 mph. Although, I never obey the speed limit. What this post is about is what to do, what not to do, etc.
1) ALWAYS make a slow scout run every day that you ride the gap. Notice debris in the road. Traffic that is around you. Any oil, coolant, or other liquid spills. Road surface conditions. Gravel that’s on the road. Etc. That way when you come through in faster runs, you’ll have recognition of what’s a head of you.
2) Pay attention to other riders coming the opposite direction. A pat on the helmet means, slow down, there is a LEO ahead. Someone waving to slow down means there is a crash of some sort, or a transfer truck coming through, or something is in the middle of the road.
3) There is little room for error on this road. Of the 11 miles, from the overlook to the store, there is little run off area. And the parts that are run off areas are gravel. Bad idea. Many believe that lane crossing is a good idea. DON’T DO IT. We have all came into the corner a little too hot and end up going into the other lane (or off the racing line) a bit. DON’T DO IT INTENTIONALLY. Someone getting killed because of lane crossing hasn’t happened yet. But it is bound too. Stay in your lane at all times. In face, try to stay from the center of your lane or even farther from the yellow line. Ride with in your riding ability.
4) Don’t try to keep up with a faster rider. Example, I know I will not maintain the same pace through the gap that GAWarrior or Vrroomr6 will. It’s a simple fact that they will blow my ass out of the water, because I am a less experienced, slower rider. Ride your ride. There are many great riders here that if you want riding tips that will be happy to follow you, I’m sure. Also, there are many great local gap riders that are not with this forum that will be happy to help you out also. Ride within your limits.
5) Stay focused until you turn your bike off and are getting off it. Be prepared for anything.
6) Passing. There will be slow cars, bikes, and trucks on this road. There are not many places to pass cars. There are places for them to pull off. But some cars are not courteous others are. Pass with the err of caution, when passing a car. Line of sight is limited in just about the entire run. When passing bikes, either pass or give plenty of room for comfort for the other rider. Or, wait until they wave you past them. If you are a slower rider, move to the white line and wave them by anytime you are comfortable for a passing maneuver. If you aren’t comfortable yet, hold you’re left hand out like you are stopping and they will understand, “not yet.” When you feel comfortable, then wave them bye. As far as passing bikes, I think of Novice Track day rules apply…Straight always are fair game, but wait in corners or between quick cornering unless waved by.
I don't want anyone hurt, potentially hurt,and I want everyones bikes to go home the way they came without a friend lending you parts.