How to properly ride over ripples on gravel roads (washboards)? On certain back-country gravel roads, a combination of erosion and tire-tread seems to create these 4-inch ripples that can repeat for long stretches of the road. Riding over them at any speed at all creates a horrible vibration that is, to say the least, extremely uncomfortable.

However, not only is it extremely uncomfortable for me as a rider to be jostled around in that manner, it also can't be good for the safety of my bike.

Is there a proper way to go over these annoying ripples without damaging either me or my bike?
stand on pedals
knees bent (not straight) keeping your butt 10-20cm from the seat
your hands should be very relaxed on the handlebars (your body should be supported 95% with feet and just 5% with hands)
keep your back straight (do not hunchback)
look ahead
enjoy


This works on all bicycles.



sketch from http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Mountain-Bike-Skills-Edition/dp/0736083715