[Jon D.]

Racing home from county fair Saturday evening, trying to beat a storm front. I didn’t make it:(, Could see a pretty good updraft to my right as I was shooting down the highway ( 75mph ) , and hoping I would get on the other side of it before it crossed. As I topped a hill I already had the dirt from an adjacent field crossing the road. Slowed down, ducked behind the wind screen and found myself on the opposite side of the road with an inch of blacktop between me and the ditch, no fun. Later found out that the wind speed was in excess of 70 mph. I was less than a mile from town and ended up riding maybe the equivalent of 3 blocks and left the bike in a friends barn til the next day. Being blown off the road really increases the “pucker factor” and takes the enjoyment part out of the ride. I started out with 25mph tailwind ( pleasant ) and was defeated by the crosswind. Never before has the statement ” Keep it vertical” meant so much. I thank God and his hand holding me to the road. You other Kansas motorcycle riders that may be getting ready to ride should always keep in mind that the winds that we get in rural areas can get ya.Be alert and observant at all times. Spoke with some of my buddies at work and they have seen Road Kings sent into the ditch. Goldwing’s don’t seem to like the winds above 50mph. We do have a hazard that many people do not have to put up with. Ride safe and God bless. Jon D.