Originally Posted by Daytrip

I've got a steep, curvy descent on my regular ride that usually gets me going 44 mph at the fastest point. There's also a bump in the road at that point that I can't avoid because it stretches across the whole road. I suspect it's a small depression where a pipe or culvert goes under the road. Every time I hit that bump, I imagine my front or back wheel collapsing and me going into the asphalt at 44 mph. Around here we get frost heaves in the winter, which can make the road surface move around, so this time of year I'm never really sure how severe the bump is going to be. Sometimes I hit the brakes, but usually, I just let go and focus on maintaining a straight line. I wouldn't say I've ever become comfortable with it, but I have done it enough times to where it's not quite as harrowing as the first couple of times. I have had deer and turkeys cross the road in front of me at the bottom of the hill from time to time as well. That what I'm doing when not focusing on my line--scanning for critters.