First *really* long ride, any tips?

[bk000]

0. Make certain you have a good seat. if your butt hurts after 2-3 hours the rest of the day will be no fun.
1. Get up, early, and ride a tankful before breakfast. then take a nice break. In my experience by the end of the day you don't even remember those miles before breakfast; it seems like your day started after the meal.

2. take music, I prefer an Ipod or XM with speakers in the helmet and earplugs in my ears. Even without the music earplugs will reduce fatigue.

3. have water , lip balm, and ibuprofin where you can reach it while driving.

4. use sunscreen or you'll burn your nose off your face.

+1 sunscreen & lip blam

Get you some nylon underwear (or swimwear) and that will cure the potential monkey butt. I always try to find some "long" trunk style speedo's from Academy to wear as underwear like this: https://www.academy.com/index.php?page=cont...0690-03157-5647 - Allows your butt to slide around in your jeans...

 

[user 213]

Don't wear cotton underwear. Cotton traps moisture next to your skin. LD Comfort Shorts are best, but a good synthetic material will help a lot too. Linky Underarmor is spendy, but ok. A quick trip to the sporting goods stores will find some similar shorts that will do the job at a reasonable price.

If you haven't already done so, consider some riding pants. Jeans are a poor choice for riding apparel. Too tight, cotton, no armor and so-so abrasion resistance. A good pair of riding pants will be much more comfortable and water resistant, if not water proof. I prefer water resistant with good venting and a water proof shell or liner, (or just a rain suit).

You're only talking about short days in the saddle, 6-8 hours with stops. Enjoy yourself, stop when you want to, but remember that you can't just sit there like a bump on a log when you're on the bike. You need to maintain circulation while riding. By the time something is sore, it's too late. Stand up on pegs now and then, shake out an arm or leg, sit up strait, stretch and then relax back into your normal riding posture. Keep moving and you won't stiffen up.

 

[Mcgyver74]

As someone who has done a few "High" mileage days Here are my suggestions...

1) Pick up a set of bicycle shorts (Yes the ugly spandex thigns with the pads) and wear them under your jeans/riding gear..(No Underwear, just the shorts)

2) Get GoldBonds medicated power and use it LIBERALLY front and rear...

3) Avoid fast food like the plague, but make sure you eat square meals, and try to keep a piece of fruit (Apple, banana etc) in your tankbag for quick stops...Also do NOT skip breakfast as some people tend to do

4) always have water with you

5) Take frequent SHORT breaks (I like to stop for 5 - 10 minutes every 100 miles or so when slabbing or every 75 miles if I'm riding technical roads) use the time to stretch your legs, use rest room, drink more water, have a banana or yogurt etc...

6) When slabbing long distances, I try to do the following every 10 miles... Hold your arms at normal riding position and push inwards on the bars for a 10 count, then push forwards on BOTH bars at the same time for a 10 count, Finally, Lift your behind off teh seat an inch or so for a 10 count. (Obviously don't do this unless it's safe to do so!) These simple excercizes help restore blood flow to your rear and arms and can do wonders...

Again, this is what works for me, YMMV

Enjoy the ride!

 

[Patriot]

returned from Run For The Wall which I rid from New Orleans to Longview, TX to Wash DC back home

3300 miles in 10 days

learned a few things

LD Comfort Shorts are now the only undies I'll wear while sitting in the saddle - unbelievable comfortable and great product - would voluntarily pay twice the $45 price for them - no powder or anything but me inside them

ATGATT - Goldwinger friend 5mph downer - his bones, muscles, and organs were saved by properly fitting CE armor & good helmet

AirHawk air pad on top the saddle properly aired up with my buns 1/8" off the surface of the seat

small six pack ice chest with 4 bottles of water on ice

I keep some bananas in the trunk and eat one or two a day as a snack

cool vest saturated with water under mesh jacket

loose fitting coolmax shirts are really nice and comfortable

 

[bikesniffer]

Just did a ride with almost exactly the mileage you're talking about (Turkey and back, see Teerex51 ride report). Stock seat was fine for me, had more problems with upper shoulder muscles. Make sure you stop enough and stretch, relax your grip on the handle bars. Take generic "Diclofenac" 100 or 75mg with you (or Voltaren and other equivalent meds) on per day if necessary.

Frequent stops at 100 miles or so for stretching, drinking some water, having a snack, take some gear off and let your body breathe.

Make sure you sleep in a bed that is comfortable and does not leave you tortured in the morning.

That's about it from my end.

...and yes enjoy the ride, stay safe and at last avoid slabbing it all the way .

Alfredo

 

[OkieBikerDude]

I don't have anything original to add but I would like to share my "top ten" list for a June, NE U.S. ride. I just completed a 10 day, 4,200 mile ride from Oklahoma to Maine and back. Fortunately I didn't need #1 & #3 this trip, but having them added piece of mind.

1. Cell phone

2. Multiple credit cards

3. Roadside assistance insurance

4. Earplugs and/or ear buds and Ipod

5. Camelback

6. Advil

7. Rain gear

8. chap stik

9. Tankbag

10. Throttle lock

Just break the day into 125 - 150 mile rides with a 30 minute restroom/gas/snack break at the end of each ride. 4 rides+breaks (approx. 2:30 hrs ea.) X 125 - 150 miles = 500 - 600 miles in 10 hours. A very doable day. You can have a good ride on the Interstate, just don't spend any time next to a semi.

OBD

 

[old&slow]

Several years ago I got MC riding pants ( currently First Gear Mesh) ,,,,

More comfortable than street clothes ,, more protection ,,, need to take

half as many street pants with you ...

When I ride by myself I usually take less breaks ,,, try to force myself to

take a break ever 100 or so miles,, if it's only to get off and walk around some...

Make Sure you have water ,, and drink it... Hot weather can suck the energy right

out of you...

In addition to a first aid kit ,, I always carry a "goody bag" ,, with Alka Seltzer ,, Motrin ,,

aspirin ,, and various other pain / headache pills,,, sun burn / burn cream ,, decongestants ,, etc.

Stuff I have around the house and use and might need while your riding ....

I also like to do about a 100 miles before a breakfast stop... no real reason it's just what I do..

Have a Safe trip ,,,, enjoy the ride.... :yahoo:

 

[BikerGeek99]

+10 on LDComfort unmentionables. Mrs. BG and I have been on a couple of long rides this year and those things rock.

If you're a jeans guy, I've gotta recommend proper riding pants. I was a jeans guy for years - hey, denim's tough, right? Wrong! Mrs. BG was taking a Rider's Edge class to learn how to ride. She had a super-duper-low-speed get-off. She went down in the dirt on her left knee. Her jeans split open like they were butter sliced by a hot knife on a warm day. I have a gross picture I can post up, but I'll spare you. The scar has gotten lighter, but it's still very noticable. The next day, I bought my first pair of armored riding pants, and now I don't like to ride in anything else. Plus, AeroStitch AD1's are 100% waterproof! Did anyone mention it rained at SFO??

When we tour, we pack a pair of those outdoorsy cargo pants that have the legs that zip off. That way, we have pants and shorts, they wad up into a ball much smaller than jeans, they look decent enough, and they're really light. I got mine Here.

 

[BwanaDik]

When we tour, we pack a pair of those outdoorsy cargo pants that have the legs that zip off. That way, we have pants and shorts, they wad up into a ball much smaller than jeans, they look decent enough, and they're really light. I got mine Here.

Why do I get the image of Tim Taylor in the episode where he had his suit for some wedding or something, all packed up in a neat "travel bag"? When he put it on, it looked like he had slept in them all night.

Another thing you might bring is Benedryl, the drug you use to minimise the effects of a bee sting. Even if you're not allergic, a bee sting can still fcuk you up. I got nailed by a wasp, it got caught inside my 'Stitch for a while, stinging the **** out of me. It was a long ride from the middle of nowhere to the first Wal-Greens to get the Benedryl

 

[Nels Erickson]

Thanks for all the tips everyone.

Definately going to be looking into those shorts. Hopefully I can get them overnighted.

I do have riding pants, and will be wearing them. I actually have 2 full 2-piece suits. A mesh set and a regular set. I'll probably be taking the mesh as it looks like it's supposed to be warmish on the ride.

I'm planning on putting in some time before breakfast, which should help. I really like the idea of the ~120 mile then stop for 30 min idea. That will give me good time to stretch, gas up, snack, hydrate, etc. and break up the day, etc.

Really getting excited for the ride.

 

[BikerGeek99]

Why do I get the image of Tim Taylor in the episode where he had his suit for some wedding or something, all packed up in a neat "travel bag"? When he put it on, it looked like he had slept in them all night.

That's one of the cool things about those pshorts - pull 'em out of the bag, shake em a couple of times, and put 'em on. Within 2 minutes, they're wrinkle-free. Good stuff!

Really getting excited for the ride.

Sounds like you're going to have a good ride! Be safe and takes lots of pictures, especially food ****.

BG

 

[playgtar]

Do you have risers on your bars. It has helped with my numb hands. You can get some at a good price at https://fjr1300risers.homestead.com/purchase.html. They are Da Bomb!

 

[Nels Erickson]

Do you have risers on your bars. It has helped with my numb hands. You can get some at a good price at https://fjr1300risers.homestead.com/purchase.html. They are Da Bomb!

I have Heli-bar risers. I have a really long torso and relatively short arms, so the risers were a must even for around town riding.

 

[playgtar]

Do you have risers on your bars. It has helped with my numb hands. You can get some at a good price at https://fjr1300risers.homestead.com/purchase.html. They are Da Bomb!

I have Heli-bar risers. I have a really long torso and relatively short arms, so the risers were a must even for around town riding.

I also use a cramp buster on the throttle. A little piece of plastic for 10-12 bucks has been worth it for me.

 

[cota95]

LD underwear is required. Also, plan your longest riding days for the beginning of the trip, shorter mileage days for the end

 

[griffithds]

Do not, I repeat, Do not wear underwear with seams. You will develope preasure point sorness by day 2 where the seams ride your butt. Also keep a wet rag (in a zip loc bag), and a clean rag in your jacket. Use them to keep your wind screen and your face shield clean. Rinse the wet rag out nightly. Do not use the paper towels you find at gas stations unless you don't mind the fine scratchs they will make on your plastic.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

Lots of good advice given -- especially, about taking breaks and walking about. It's a good idea to move you lower-extremeties from-time-to-time (especially if you're of the 'older' persuasion...).

"First *really* long ride, any tips?, 2700 miles in 10 days"

For a little "perspective": The Great Divide Ride (dual-sport ride -- actually, a mountain-bike route) is 2800 miles of mostly forest roads from the Canadian border to the Mexican border and my buddies and I did it in 10 days. We weren't out to prove anything -- just a few dirt-bike riders out riding (day-after-day...).

Some mountain-bikers race it -- I think the record is 16 days....

 

[fjrb0]

I have learned.....when packing for a trip......
determine how many clothes to take.......then take half as much.......

determine how much money to take........then take twice that much.

Be safe, have fun.

Rainman, this says it best!!! I always take too many clothes, but I have a good debit card! Great advice, now I just need to pratice it!

Agree with all the other inputs, especially the water, can't drink enough water on the road, especially in this weather. We just got back from YNP and points west, 4100 miles in 8 days, day one and eight were both 800+. First day was easy, last day was murder, mainly due to the wind and the heat.

May eventually do a ride report, or at least post a picture or two, or not...

 

[jackplanet514]

Some additions,

1. Plexus

2. Microfiber Cloth

To clean the bugs off.