Railroad tracks and my rode bike??

[twiggjlm]

The first time I wiped out on my rode bike was during my first ride last weekend. I was just riding along and came up to railroad tracks, the same tracks I had just ridden over moments before. Well, this time I slowed down. Don't ask me why, dumb move. Next thing I know my front tire jerks sideways right into the track and I land, or skid rather on my right side across the pavement. Ouch! It wasn't bad, just a few scrapes, and thank goodness I was wearing my helmet or it could have been worse. Anyway, now I am petrified of going across railroad tracks. I have a 7 mile path that I love riding on when I just want a quick ride. Well, I have to ride over the tracks twice on this trail. Instead I unclip, stop, get off my bike and walk over the tracks then get back on and go. This is actually really dangerous because the tracks are located at two intersections. Should I just go for it and ride over them, or find a new path? On my MTN bike it didn't make a difference, but this bike is completely different.

BTW-I just did my first brick workout today and it felt fabulous!! 7 mile ride/1 mile run!

[IFjane]

When you come to RR tracks on your road bike, approach them so you can cross perpendicular to the direction they are going. Don't try to cross at an angle or you can (as you found out) wipe out! It is possible to cross them going very slowly if you approach at 90 degrees.

Good luck!

[bacarver]

I ride across railroad tracks on several of my routes. I have respect for these tire-eaters. When I cross the tracks, I grab my handle bars tightly so that I force the front wheel to stay where I want it. I go over the tracks at a 90 degree angle regardless of how they are set in the ground to prevent slipping into the groove. I do slow down a little. You'll get your confidence back. Don't criticize yourself. Falling on the tracks was traumatic. Ride on!
Barb

[mimitabby]

like the other gals said, go for perfect perpendicular. Like you are crossing a T with your bike track...

you can do it.

[twiggjlm]

I will try the 90 degree angle. Fortunately I have tracks right by my house, so I can practice there first! It was rather traumatic but I know I will get over it with time and practice. I just needed some advice and encouragement.

[tab123]

During my rides in rural Michigan, I go over railroad tracks several times during every ride (including tracks in town). I agree with the responses about the 90 degree angle; it is crucial. I also have learned not to be afraid to go pretty fast over the tracks. Momentum can be your friend on a bike.

[bikerHen]

Yep, it's all about that 90 degree angle! Daughter and I both have hit the pavement on a set of track I have to cross everyday. They are real tire eaters crossing the road at about a 60 degree angle and are usually covered with sand and gravel. If there's no traffic I can swing into the road to straighten out my angle. If not I get off and walk across them. I always feel kinda wimpy walking across but it definitely hurts when you hit the ground. bikerHen

[li10up]

Another nod of agreement to the crossing at a 90 degree angle. Also find the spot in the road where the crossing is the smoothest. A friend of mine got two pinch flats at the same time when crossing RR tracks that went across the road and the tracks weren't level with the road. I could hear her hit hard and then a few seconds later...two flat tires. So make sure your tire pressure is correct if you know you're going over tracks.

Falling has got to be unpleasant but I wouldn't give up. Just keep working at it.

[twiggjlm]

Another nod of agreement to the crossing at a 90 degree angle. Also find the spot in the road where the crossing is the smoothest. A friend of mine got two pinch flats at the same time when crossing RR tracks that went across the road and the tracks weren't level with the road. I could hear her hit hard and then a few seconds later...two flat tires. So make sure your tire pressure is correct if you know you're going over tracks.

Falling has got to be unpleasant but I wouldn't give up. Just keep working at it.

Falling is very unpleasant, but the hurt goes away! I'm not giving up!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

90 degrees is the most important. But also- don't go too slow over the tracks.