Nature and Traveling

[kmakona]

Okay, I am visiting in Oklahoma City and will be riding to the West Coast in couple weeks. What do you seasoned riders do when you are confronted with bad weather, like these tornados. :yikes: opcorn:We don't have tornados in Hawaii.

Do you have experience getting caught in storms while riding? Can you tell about it and what you did? opcorn:

 

[MouthPiece]

If you see one coming, turn around and drive like hell.:yikes:

Chris PE# 0004

 

[Lamonster]

Man I don't know what to tell you on that one. First thing I guess is remember that "things" can be replaced but you only have one life to live. These storms are no joke and I would keep close watch on the weather. I check my iphone at every stop to decide what my next move is.

 

[kmakona]

Man I don't know what to tell you on that one. First thing I guess is remember that "things" can be replaced but you only have one life to live. These storms are no joke and I would keep close watch on the weather. I check my iphone at every stop to decide what my next move is.

What sources do you use? Weather application or?

 

[Dragonrider]

If you stay West of the Rockies, like I do, you don't have to worry about that rubbish.

Worst case is a bit of fairly light rain. We don't get the heavy rain, the rest of the US sees.

Basically, stock up on sunscreen and enjoy the ride.

However, if you go East of the Rockies, I suggest renting a car...

 

[kmakona]

If you stay West of the Rockies, like I do, you don't have to worry about that rubbish.

Worst case is a bit of fairly light rain. We don't get the heavy rain, the rest of the US sees.

Basically, stock up on sunscreen and enjoy the ride.

However, if you go East of the Rockies, I suggest renting a car...

Only so many roads West of the Rockies. If you are traveling on a bike how do you keep aware of potential problems?

 

[Dragonrider]

Several of the new GPS systems can access real-time weather - and your comment about the limited number of roads means you haven't spent much time on them.

I ride with a small group of friends on a 3000 mile tour +/- every year, and have for the last 22 years. We still haven't begun to see all of the West. Alaska through Baja is ALOT of territory.

 

[Lamonster]

What sources do you use? Weather application or?

This is the best app for radar that I've found.
Weather Bug Elite
http://weather.weatherbug.com/mobile.html

 

[dave01]

This is the best app for radar that I've found.
Weather Bug Elite
http://weather.weatherbug.com/mobile.html

+1 on the weatherbug elite. Heck, it even works on those I phones.

Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

 

[jedd]

If you are like me and do not use smart phones Accu-Weather works great on my phone and easy to use:dontknow:

Jim:thumbup:

 

[Lamonster]

+1 on the weatherbug elite. Heck, it even works on those I phones.

Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnjaUoR15dU[/ame]

 

[Raptor]

I think we are somewhat blessed in that we have these great solutions at our disposal now to help keep us aware of our surrounding environment. There is an upside to all this technology after all!

With a good Smart phone, GPS and weather radio you should be in pretty good shape to stay informed and navigate away from potential trouble. But even then sometimes it's just the luck of the draw. Common sense and good instincts go a long way as well!

 

[PeacefulBen]

:doorag: Being a contractor that works outside all the time, I have tried a lot of weather apps. A fellow contractor told me that "My-Cast" is the best one out there, for "up to the minute" radar changes. :thumbupa one time charge of $3.99 gets you the full version)
http://www.digitalcyclone.com/products/mobile-my-cast/iPhone/
It is animated with time stamps so you can judge the time before the storms get to you. (I like that it will give me "alerts" if a warning has been issued in my area) More detailed than some of the others. You might check on that one as well. But, choose the one that will be best for your specific needs.

I agree with Lamont, I check it at every stop to see what's up ahead. Then I can take a detour around it, or go get coffee for an hour, lol. :chat:
It has saved me from getting wet on many occasions.:clap:

 

[Slybird]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnjaUoR15dU

:roflblack::roflblack::roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:

 

[Oklahoma Spyder]

oklahoma weather

We see tornadoes and turn at right angles toward where they came from. last night traffic just stopped until it crossed I-40 (about 15 minutes) and then everyone proceeded on. We dont try to out run them. If Storms are close stop into a restaraunt or gas station with a TV and you will see exactly where to go. The TV stations here know there stuff when it comes to twisters. Everyone watching TV last night had almost 40 minutes of warning.

 

[ARtraveler]

RE: tornadoes--If they are in the area, definately don't ride. If you get caught by the storm cell, it is recommended to hide under an overpass--many people have saved their skin by doing that. Hiding under an overpass means getting as high up on the concrete as you can under the roof. Hopefully there are some beams to hang on to. The safety people also recommend ducking down in a ditch if you have to--I am not to keen on that idea. Bottom line--if you get caught in one--its not good--no matter where you end up.

Generally you have plenty of warning when driving. The super cells are very high--going up thousands of feet and have an anvil head. You know they are big and powerful when it gets dark as night in the middle of the day. I would not recommend riding into anything like that.

Tornados are like deer, they can go in any direction, can change direction on Mother Nature's whim. So don't count on it doing what you think it will do.

Another thing I have witnessed--pre tornado---the wind will go calm, even the birds will go quiet, the sky will turn a greenish yellow--watch out when that happens--they are in your area.

Yes, Im writing this from AK where we have not had any tornados yet--but I lived in Southern WI--and Northern Indiana. Both of those were tornado alleys--just like OK and currently the South.

I have had to outrun storm fronts on my motorcycle twice. Fortunately the bike goes faster than most fronts. Coming across South Dakota heading to MN a large storm front was about 50 miles behind us--black as coal--we got the heck out of there at 85 miles an hour plus and ended up in Sioux Falls to take shelter. Same thing going through Iowa once.

We seem to be having many storms this year that are of record breaking size and destruction. Just be as careful and observant as you can.

 

[Wheeler~]

This is the best app for radar that I've found.
Weather Bug Elite
http://weather.weatherbug.com/mobile.html

:agree:

 

[kmakona]

Several of the new GPS systems can access real-time weather - and your comment about the limited number of roads means you haven't spent much time on them.

I ride with a small group of friends on a 3000 mile tour +/- every year, and have for the last 22 years. We still haven't begun to see all of the West. Alaska through Baja is ALOT of territory.

Got me on Baja. The rest might challenge you. Every state except Florida.

 

[Bob Denman]

I'm just too old-fashioned and too dumb to use a smart phone... :gaah:
I do however keep an eye skyward... You learn to read the weather over time surprisingly well... :thumbup:

 

[jnt]

What sources do you use? Weather application or?

i.wund.com Will ask if it can use your current location. Say yes. There is a button below the radar screen for 'active' which scrolls thru the last 45 minutes or so.