First Long Ride

[FiveG]

Did my first long (at least for me) ride yesterday -- 217 miles from Hartford, side roads to southern Vermont, then down through North Adams, Pittsfield, Great Berrington, across Route 57 (my personal "dragon"), and home. Beautiful day, beautiful scenary, and with the exception of one almost-dummy move a great ride.

Dummy move was towards end, as I was on Route 57, my butt/legs needed a break, so I pulled into a side road, quickly realized it was dumb as it was sloped down and had sand, and thus not a place to rest. When I tried to do a U-turn, however, I almost dropped the bike -- almost but caught it, as picking it up in that sandy place would have been hell.

Overall, it was . . . in a word . . . FUN!

My question, tho' -- I found that with increasing frequency as the day went on, I needed to take at least just short stops to get off the bike, as my bike-to-torso interface point (and to a lesser extent, my knees) were getting sufficiently sore that I wasn't concentrating on the ride, but instead on finding a good break point. Early on, I went probably 1 1/2 hours or so without even a stop at a stop sign, with no problem. Later in the day, 20-30 minutes necessitated a break. So, here's the questions:

1. Is this typical?

2. Is there a suggestion on a seat that might help?

3. Are there long-distance riding suggestions -- ie, more frequent rests early on; normal time between rests?

Again, the "rests" I took were not long -- heck, even just standing up at a light for 30 seconds made a big difference. So, maybe I'm just being a big crybaby, but having not done long distance in the past, I'm hoping for some insight from all y'all who regularly look at 150 miles as a warm up.

Thanks.

 

[Bungie]

You're going to get lots of advice about seats and risers and what oil to use. But the number one thing that makes putting miles on easier is more miles.

My *** is toast after about 300 miles at the start of the season, by the end of the season, I'm just getting comfy at that point.

 

[07fjrTom]

We all have different fatigue levels. I have found that this bike can be ridden for hours at a time without any significant fatige. My bike came to me with a Helibar riser and brakeaway cruise control, but has the stock seat. All in all a very comfortable ride. My longest ride so far has been just over 800 miles. Not exactly Iron butt, but enough to know that this bike is as comfortable as most.

I think the answer to your question is more riding will equal more riding comfort. If a 217 mile ride is a long ride for you, it will be a long ride on whatever bike you ride. My $.02.

 

[Nels Erickson]

google Master Yoda Riding Position

As Bungie says, early in the season (or with a new bike) it can take some time for your body to get used to the new seating positions and work that it's doing. Listen and take those breaks, etc. I find that sometimes I'll just stand up in the pegs to straighten my legs, but you need to have a straight section of road for that obviously. It could also be the ergos of the bike for you as well. I had to put on Heli-bar risers to be comfortable on mine, you may have some tweaks that you need to do as well. I wouldn't make any big decisions off of one longer ride. Take another ride or two and see if the same issue continues. It may go away on it's own based on just more time with the bike.

 

[FiveG]

Thanks. Not even thinking of ditching the bike -- just looking for suggestions from those in "the know" about how to improve it. Sounds like, to a large extent, it's more saddle time. What a shame!

Bike did come with Heli-Bars on it, by the way.

I appreciate any input on this.

Now, what kind of oil should I use to improve comfort?

 

[Wee Willy]

You're going to get lots of advice about seats and risers and what oil to use. But the number one thing that makes putting miles on easier is more miles.
My *** is toast after about 300 miles at the start of the season, by the end of the season, I'm just getting comfy at that point.

Big +1. Miles behind you in days past is the best way to make the miles ahead less demanding. A good seat helps too. And the right oil to use for easing that solid rear end ache is...but that would give away all my secrets. Some other time maybe.

Cheers,

W2

 

[redtail]

More miles, more miles, and like the rest of us, farkles!

Foamectomy on my seat, vista cruise, bar risers, hwy pegs,LD comfort ride shorts,more miles!

 

[midlifeuturn]

If your intention is going to be putting longer days in, get a Russell Seat. Bar none the best money I've spent on a bike Farkle. Bar risers and changing seat and leg positions frequently helps.

 

[El Cajone]

Like everyone else said; get some long rides under your butt first before you start making modifications. The FJR needs some time to break in your body. After that, if you're still not comfortable, make changes incrementally until you get it right.

The solution you end up with will be unique to you. In my case the stock set-up suits me perfectly, even on day-long rides. I haven't had to change a thing. Others have had to spend some serious coin to get it right. Go your own way on this.

 

[sportsguy]

Some helpful links to enjoy clicking...

Master Yoda Riding Position

Russell Seats

Bill Mayers Saddles

Corbin Seats

Sargent Seats

Rick Mayer Seats

Heli Bar riser adjustments (opens a pdf doc) - images are missing that this references, but the instructions on how ot move the bars forward and aft are there.

Click here to see the Heli Bars page where the PDF can be downloaded if you prefer.

Seat Beads

5 seat pad/cushion comparison test (yeah, it's a cruiser site, but there you go... ) - includes: Seat Beads, Comfort Line Sheepskin Singles, Roho Airhawk, Travelcade/Saddlegel Strap-On Pads, Jet Stream Saddle (company seems to have gone away)

Suspension settings

...and because you'll likely end up there anyway...

V-Stream and Cee Baileys for windscreens (I've used both, prefer the V-Stream)... plus Rifle (who's site never seems to work) and Cal Sci.

Other interesting tidbits about your FJR can be found in the Bin 'O Facts.

'03 - '05 (Gen 1)

'06 and up (Gen 2)

...other than that, go ride more.

 

[griffithds]

Are you aware that the FJR has a seat with a high and low position? If the seat is in the low position (allowing you to sit on the bike with your butt closer to the ground), you will be placing additional strain on your knees during long rides. I use the low position around town, and the high position when I'm doing long road trips. The position will make a diference.

 

[Willie]

Did my first long (at least for me) ride yesterday -- 217 miles from Hartford, side roads to southern Vermont, then down through North Adams, Pittsfield, Great Berrington, across Route 57 (my personal "dragon"), and home. Beautiful day, beautiful scenary, and with the exception of one almost-dummy move a great ride.
Dummy move was towards end, as I was on Route 57, my butt/legs needed a break, so I pulled into a side road, quickly realized it was dumb as it was sloped down and had sand, and thus not a place to rest. When I tried to do a U-turn, however, I almost dropped the bike -- almost but caught it, as picking it up in that sandy place would have been hell.

Overall, it was . . . in a word . . . FUN!

My question, tho' -- I found that with increasing frequency as the day went on, I needed to take at least just short stops to get off the bike, as my bike-to-torso interface point (and to a lesser extent, my knees) were getting sufficiently sore that I wasn't concentrating on the ride, but instead on finding a good break point. Early on, I went probably 1 1/2 hours or so without even a stop at a stop sign, with no problem. Later in the day, 20-30 minutes necessitated a break. So, here's the questions:

1. Is this typical?

2. Is there a suggestion on a seat that might help?

3. Are there long-distance riding suggestions -- ie, more frequent rests early on; normal time between rests?

Again, the "rests" I took were not long -- heck, even just standing up at a light for 30 seconds made a big difference. So, maybe I'm just being a big crybaby, but having not done long distance in the past, I'm hoping for some insight from all y'all who regularly look at 150 miles as a warm up.

Thanks.

You had fun right ??...someone mentioned standing up on the pegs...+1 on that even if it is for 30 seconds. we all have those dummy moves even the most experienced have them. Now the question is were you in a hurray, the breaks give you time to rejuvenate. Cramp buster is a must.

.02

Willie

 

[FiveG]

Are you aware that the FJR has a seat with a high and low position? If the seat is in the low position (allowing you to sit on the bike with your butt closer to the ground), you will be placing additional strain on your knees during long rides. I use the low position around town, and the high position when I'm doing long road trips. The position will make a diference.

Thanks. Yes, I knew of the two different positions. Being 6'3" with 34 inch inseam, I put it to the high position immediately.

Now the question is were you in a hurray, the breaks give you time to rejuvenate. Cramp buster is a must..02

Willie

Yeah, I think that was a big part. Because almost the entire trip was curvy side roads, it took quite a few hours (like 6+ hours). As a result, even when I started to get cramped/sore, my little voice would say, "Hey, I know you're hurting, but let's keep going another 5/10/15 miles to XYZ town, where you can logically stop while checking out where to go." So that was bad enough -- should have just stopped. Then, I'd get to XYZ Town and I'd get greenlights at every intersection and the day was nice and the road was nice and I'd feel compelled to keep going.

Probably lesson number 1 is listen to my old frame, and if it says to take a break, take a break.

 

[fljab]

Everyone is different in how they set up and perception of a "long ride". Biggest thing you can do for yourself is to get comfortable on the bike. That may mean bar risers, better seat, alternate feet positions, taller windshield, and better riding gear; it really is an individual setup although it's good to go through the threads here and go to FJR gatherings (or any place LD guys might congregate) and see how bikes are set up.

Really, ya just need to put on miles. If 200 is a big day, then keep doing them, and maybe you'll find 300 is not so far either, then 400, and, you get the idea. No real secret to big days, ya just gotta keep the wheels rolling.

And, when you think you're getting pretty good, go to a RTE or something like the IBA National meet and see the real LD pros and it makes ya feel pretty puny; I know I feel humbled, but also inspired to do better.

I gotta warn ya tho, LD is addicting...

 

[Burnspot]

One thing I found that worked wonders: CRAMPBUSTER

Others may add: Advil

I did a 360 mile day ride this past weekend, the day after getting a Crampbuster...it made a tremendous difference for me in terms of overall comfort (my bars have GenMar risers and are set to the rearmost position). Used to be in pain after 250 or so. I don't have a custom seat, but generally don't have too much trouble until I hit the 300 mile mark...whereupon I pull out the ole Beadrider seat cover. One of these days, I'll do something with the seat, but I have other farkle priorities at the moment.

 

[Happy Rider]

Some good suggestions above. +1 on the Russell and vista cruise. The Russell is by far the best seat I have ever owned. No more hot spots. I would spend that money again if I had too.

Farkles are great but physical conditioning and core strength is key. If you have a **** DO – belly sticks out more than **** do, then you have a lot of added strain on the lower back. Lose weight, do situps, leg lifts, and other core exercises and you will be able to ride with no discomfort. Yoga is good and stretch the lower back and hamstrings on rest breaks. Proper hydration is also key. The master Yoda Riding position is the bomb as well. Ride safe! :aikido:

 

[Gerry.GEG]

Ok, I've gotten spanked here for recommending particular manufacturer/sellers. Don't quite know why this is so touchy but this is what I've done to relieve some of the symptoms you mention.

1: handle bar risers, I have used an (unnamed replacement tripletree) to great effect. For me, 6' tall makes me sit upright more.

2. Custom seat by a famous guy in Kingston, WA, he was in Seattle for the last 30 years. If you search in parts forum, I have a review of my experience with him under my username, Gerry.GEG, any custom seat that works for you would probably be an improvement. I rode to Hyderseek last year and the seat made it possible.

These improvements make it possible for me to ride farther without a break but, it is still very important to take regular breaks.

That we can all agree upon.

Good luck.

 

[ctfjr]

Welcome FiveG. Like some other posters have said it really does take some riding to determine what you really need to mod / add. I picked up mine at D&H and rode back to CT via St Louis. D&H installed sliders & the Heli risers before I got down there. After a couple of months I ordered the Russell Seat. It made all the difference to me. btw I'm in Cheshire. My company has branches in South Windsor, East Windsor, Pittsfield & North Adams and I am often visiting them. If you ever want to meet up for a business ride to MA/VT let me know

I'm heading to the west coast next month to ride CA, OR & WA. I'll let you know how those long days works out

 

[wfooshee]

Nobody's mentioned clothing. Whatsup wi' dat?

Try not to wear pants that have a thick seam you have to sit on running inside your legs. It digs after a while. Bicycle shorts underneath are supposed to be ultra comfy for that, but I've not tried them myself. All my jeans pretty much suck in this regard.

Highway pegs. You can bring your feet forward and get a 90-degree bend in your legs instead of an almost squatting position. I've also been known to ride them with the back of my leg, legs out straight. You need high boots for that, though.

Ear plugs. The wind noise in your helmet is tiring in itself, as well as bad for your hearing in the long term.