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A
Accelerate through the sand
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B
Brake hard before reaching the sand
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C
Slow down before reaching the gravel by reducing speed in a straight line; if you cannot avoid it, roll through it as upright as possible with minimal steering inputs and steady throttle — lean angle reduces tire footprint; avoid braking in gravel
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D
Swerve to avoid it at the last second
Why this is the answer
SAND AND GRAVEL HAZARD MANAGEMENT: Gravel on pavement is extremely dangerous — traction disappears and the bike can slide instantly. APPROACH: Slow down as much as possible before entering the gravel section while the road is still clean (maximum braking in gravel causes falls); IF IN THE GRAVEL: Reduce lean angle — more upright = larger tire footprint = more traction; avoid braking (both wheels in gravel = maximum sliding risk); steady throttle (small throttle changes); small, smooth steering inputs; look through to the clean road on the other side; SURFACE HAZARDS: Leaves, sand, gravel, paint markings, metal grating on bridges, steel plates, wet crosswalk markings, fresh asphalt — all reduce traction significantly; pre-ride: note road surface ahead; post-turn: check road surface before committing to lean angle; when in doubt about surface quality: slow down before leaning.
Source: MSF Basic RiderCourse — Surface Hazards, Gravel Technique