See the threads about descending - there are several on here. Anybody in a hilly area is going to see 45 pretty frequently. Where it's mountainous rather than just hilly, 45 is probably unavoidable.

What this thread is making me realize though, is the need for emergency braking practice. Just because of a bicycle's light weight, high CoG, weety tire contact patch and overall skinny profile, it's a whole 'nother skill to get in perfect alignment and maximum traction for a very hard braking maneuver.

How about it, y'all? Any tricks or things to think about? Is managing the front/rear brake proportions different on a road bike than it is on a vehicle with suspension?