The Riding: The right mix of instinct and preconceived notions! Isn't it?

[SandroRoma]

On the saddle, what drives us is the right mix of instinct and preconceived notions!

For instance, the preconceived notion which weakens me the most is the "Color" of the tarmac!

When I ride on a deep grey tarmac I am likely to take more risks...on the other hand, when I ride on a shiny light grey tarmac I am scared of sliding!

Am I being silly or have you got the same feelings?

Alessandro
Home Fammistrada - RIDESOUL

[Kradmelder]

Bah. I only distinguish tarmac and potholes. plenty here.

It is dirt where colour plays an important role. Shadows can hide subtle differences, like changes to soft sand or silt and even ruts and holes. Drainage pipes across the road diagonally can have cracks that take your front wheel and high side you. Sometimes a grey silt can cover an underlying rut or stone that can throw your front wheel. Late afternoon is the worst time as the low angle sun casts shadows that hide changes in road surface.

[SandroRoma]

Originally Posted by Kradmelder

Bah. I only distinguish tarmac and potholes. plenty here.

It is dirt where colour plays an important role. Shadows can hide subtle differences, like changes to soft sand or silt and even ruts and holes. Drainage pipes across the road diagonally can have cracks that take your front wheel and high side you. Sometimes a grey silt can cover an underlying rut or stone that can throw your front wheel. Late afternoon is the worst time as the low angle sun casts shadows that hide changes in road surface.

Hi Kradmelder,

You are right! it depends on quite a few factors. The shadow can be absolutely tricky and the sun as well especially when it is sunsetting and you are riding opposit direction!

In those cases, a general rule would say "slow down"...but what do you think of other riders going fast or keeping their pace even in those conditions?
Are they simply crazy or there is something to do with knowledge and instinct?

Alessandro
Home Fammistrada - RIDESOUL

[rymm]

i think what op is saying is; in his head, dark tarmak is grippier than light. think he's wondering if anyone else has the same feeling.
for me; nope.
if its wet, be careful
if its dry, be careful but faster.