Deadly KOM chasing.

[Binky]

I saw this video when he posted it. The fact he maintains he is "safe" and experienced is pointless. Any cyclist that travels at 60mph down that particular road is completely at risk; one bit of road debris/pothole, a car, a sheep, a momentary lapse in concentration, gust of wind. There is an endless range of things that, at 60mph, are impossible to counteract. As soon as any cyclist gets beyond about 20-25pmh on a descent, your facility to stop as safely as you can has evaporated.

You can argue 60mph is iffy for sure but 20-25mph? Even with my very modest efforts I can do that on the flat.
For me anything over 40mph feels quick downhill.

 

[midlandsgrimpeur]

You can argue 60mph is iffy for sure but 20-25mph? Even with my very modest efforts I can do that on the flat.
For me anything over 40mph feels quick downhill.

I am talking about being able to brake effectively and either come to a halt or avoid a collision if anything suddenly appears/pops out/leaps at you. Your braking distance even at 25mph is going to be fairly lengthy and will make split second avoidance difficult if not impossible. I'm not suggesting we all descend below a speed of 25mph but just to be aware once we start hitting speeds beyond that there is an element of risk and lack of control. At 60mph like the video, there is no control should something happen!

 

[rogerzilla]

It's slightly safer if you hang off the back of the saddle, or at least perch on the very rear. You can then use the brakes very hard without skidding or doing an endo. It saved me when a front tyre blew out (pinch puncture at 110psi!) halfway down from Uffington White Horse. The rear brake stopped me short of the crossroads at the bottom, without skidding. Obviously you can't ever use a front brake with a flat front tyre, as it will probably rip right off the rim and then you're in a world of pain.