Trucks, air, & lane position

[otrfjr]

what do folks choose for lane position on two-lane roads with approaching trucks? I have a road frequented by dump trucks (Macks which have the aerodynamics of bulldozers) traveling 60-65. If everything is clear, I move into the extreme right portion of my lane to avoid getting hit with the nasty blasts of turbulence/air they are pushing. Regular 18-wheelers aren't so bad, but I still usually move from the left-hand portion of the lane to the center to minimize the blast. I ain't afeared of air, just don't like getting thwacked with it & pushed off my line/center of gravity. And I am a bit of a happy wanderer in terms of lane position: I go wherever visibility (for me & those who need to see me) and ambient conditions are best rather than believing there is only one good lane position no matter the circumstances.

 

[madmike2]

When riding on a two lane road, I will move to the right wheel track to give myself a "buffet" zone for approaching trucks.

When passing on a 4 lane freeway, I wait for the car ahead to "clear" the front of the truck so that I can pass quickly and smoothly, in the left wheel track of my lane. By waiting for the car to pass I don't get "trapped" in the No Zone (truck's wind shadow).

 

[Silver Penguin]

what do folks choose for lane position on two-lane roads with approaching trucks? I have a road frequented by dump trucks (Macks which have the aerodynamics of bulldozers) traveling 60-65. If everything is clear, I move into the extreme right portion of my lane to avoid getting hit with the nasty blasts of turbulence/air they are pushing. Regular 18-wheelers aren't so bad, but I still usually move from the left-hand portion of the lane to the center to minimize the blast. I ain't afeared of air, just don't like getting thwacked with it & pushed off my line/center of gravity. And I am a bit of a happy wanderer in terms of lane position: I go wherever visibility (for me & those who need to see me) and ambient conditions are best rather than believing there is only one good lane position no matter the circumstances.

Seems reasonable to me. A good rider is one who frequently adjusts his/her lane position according to circumstances. I don't believe in a single lane position for all eventualities.

Jill

 

[Knifemaker]

...... I go wherever visibility (for me & those who need to see me) and ambient conditions are best rather than believing there is only one good lane position no matter the circumstances.

And that's it right there. Around town I do try to stay either right/left of a lane as oil drips from cars seem to fill the center of lanes, but on interstates I tend to wander about depending on circustances.

This also explains my dislike of group rides...I don't like being "told" where to track.

KM

 

[bluesfool]

Generally speaking, the bigger the buffer zone, the better; which means as far to the right as I can get. Of course this assumes a "clean" patch of road to ride in...no oil, potholes, etc.

 

[Go Far]

Another factor to consider is positioning yourself based on what kind of traffic is behind those trucks coming at you. If the line looks like it has a passer, keeping your headlight in their view may keep 'em from passing too soon.

Left to right crosswinds suck!

 

[stellarsteve]

When I meet a large truck, I too will move to the right wheel track for three reasons. One, the air blast is reduced the farther away you are. Two, as Go Far said, to allow cars behind the truck a better line of sight to see me. And three, especially for dump truck and flat beds, if anything falls of these things (rocks, gravel, STEEL BEAMS :bigeyedsmiley: ), you are in a better position to not get hit or take evasive action.

 

[FJRottie]

Yes, yes and yes.

Someone who lives in the left track and never moves out of it is asking for trouble.

You must makes yourself visible. In the case of trucks, the buffer you place by going right is very helpful as mentioned above.

Also not a fan of group rides. If I do a group ride with buddies, I tend to go for the sweeper position (back).

If they ask me to lead, I explain to everyone, "keep your distance, and don't even think about riding beside me".

Someone who does not understand that, does not know how to ride effectively.