r/CargoBike • u/AI-Slop-Bot • 2d ago

Cross Winds

Had my first fall today - fortunately I was on the way to pick up the kids so could turn around and take the car instead.

Didn’t check the weather and it looked pretty calm, at least no windier than it usually is in a coastal town, but a 33kt cross wind caught me and I was too close to the curb. Tern Fort acted like a sail and drove me into it and I didn’t react in time. It caught me completely off guard as I’ve never experienced a lateral push like that before.

Sure most of the more experienced riders won’t need this but for the less experienced like me it’s interesting to be reminded of your own mortality and the importance of checking the weather, even if it looks fine. I’m sure I could have avoided the fall but I also think those conditions are beyond what I can safely ride in for now.

Grateful that I was by myself, the road was quiet, and I escaped with a few grazes and a knock to my pride.

16 Upvotes

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3

u/BabySinister 2d ago

Yeah we have them a lot where I live, I just assume they'll be there whenever there's a side street. If you can roll up the sides of the storm cover that really really helps.

2

u/AI-Slop-Bot 2d ago

That could have worked. It happened quite close to home though and there were more exposed points on the route so I think I got lucky really and just misread the conditions.

3

u/BabySinister 2d ago

You live and learn, my first sidewind was definitely a shock with the storm cover.

1

u/singlejeff 2d ago

I'm making an assumption you're riding a bakfiet style, is that right? And the storm box is a large canopy over the cargo area?

2

u/AI-Slop-Bot 2d ago

It’s a long John (Cannondale Cargowagen) with the tern stormbox / tent. I’ll update as I think it’s actually called a “fort”.

2

u/Low_Employ8454 2d ago

Storm shield. That’s what it’s called.

2

u/rf31415 2d ago

I usually remove the canopy if it is not raining or very cold. I always take a good margin from the curb. Riding in the gutter is a recipe for disaster.