Hours per Day

[TopherGuns]

What is the maximum hours you would ride per day on a long distance run?

Thinking of riding from Toronto to Vancouver in August. The first 15hour day wont even get me out of Ontario.

 

[Bustanut joker]

Lots of variables man.. There are some here that run 20hours for multiple days.

Conditioning, planning, mental health have much to do with it.

The crazy's will be along shortly.

 

[wnyfjr]

I made a run to Salt Lake City a couple of summers ago, and had limited time to get there and back. I did 12-hour days for the first two days each way. All slab, of course. Not loads of fun, but doable. Everyone has different limits though, and you need to make sure you keep hydrated. Lots more to it, but others with more experience will certainly chime in.

 

[101stpathfinder]

I rode the Trans Canada Ride last September. (Halifax, NS to Vancouver, BC 70 hours)

To answer your question - The first day 24 hours… after that what ever I felt comfortable doing (Usually 20 hours a day)

Some days are better than others. A 20 minute nap can be a life saver.

IMO The Best guide to use is ride when you feel well enough to ride, rest when you don't. Be aware of your signs to rest - One of my first signs is

the inability to keep a steady speed.

Each rider is different, as you know - night riding in some areas means nocturnal animals out and about. Make sure you are rested before riding west from Calgary. (Don't ask me how I know)

Beautiful riding for sure!

 

[Bustanut joker]

Don't listen to "Mike" wnyfjr.. He was in a Greyhound bus on that trip.

 

[wnyfjr]

Don't listen to "Mike" wnyfjr.. He was in a Greyhound bus on that trip.

Bucketmouth...

 

[Bustanut joker]

Why I otter!

 

[HotRodZilla]

I've ridden a lot of 17 hour days and one 24 hour day. As said above, you gotta be prepared for it and know BEFORE you have had all you can take. Usually setting a destination goal leads to these long days, and they go by as fast as the miles do. I wanna get there, so I don't care what time it is.

 

[garyahouse]

This just needs to be said:

1. Here's my concern: If you have to ask the forum a question like this, then I would caution you: only YOU can determine your limits. We cannot help you with this. Good grief, I can't even judge my own limits in advance. I never feel the same on any two days. And this one thing I know well: once my body has had enough, trying to continue is rolling the dice. When my body is shot, it doesn't matter how long someone else can ride an FJR.

2. Your longest day might just be your first day. It's the only time on the trip that you'll be "fresh." Beyond that, any numbers we could provide are just about worthless.

3. I'm sure you know this, but be careful not to push yourself beyond your limits. Fighting heavy eyes after too many hours in the saddle is more dangerous than driving drunk. You're the guy that has to make that decision: and the truth is, you can only GUESS when trying to sort this out in advance.

4. Your body will let you know when it's time to quit. That's the ONLY input you should be listening to.

Gary

darksider #44 and survivor of one grueling 50cc ride last summer.

Got some spare time? CLICKY

 

[jwhite518]

Your body will let you know when it's time to quit. That's the only input you should be listening to.

Good on ya all for not turning this into a **** measuring contest. Everybody has to learn their own limits, there's no rule of thumb. Ride what you feel comfortable riding, and maybe a little more. You can definitely improve your stamina by practice, self-awareness, and tweaking your setup.

 

[wnyfjr]

Your body will let you know when it's time to quit. That's the only input you should be listening to.

Good on ya all for not turning this into a **** measuring contest. Everybody has to learn their own limits, there's no rule of thumb. Ride what you feel comfortable riding, and maybe a little more. You can definitely improve your stamina by practice, self-awareness, and tweaking your setup.

About a month or so before I did that SLC trip, I started riding several training runs, each one maybe getting a bit longer, just to see how I did with fatigue, hunger, butt-soreness, etc. I tried a few different tactics for hydration and nutrition. That gave me an idea of my endurance level, and what worked and what didn't. Also, if you're riding across country and want to keep your schedule, you will likely be riding through weather that isn't perfect. Be aware of how your comfort level will change as the weather gets worse and don't be afraid to wait it out somewhere. Discretion really is the better part of valor.

 

[Bearly Flying]

Main thing is the temperature, when I did My ride, it just happened to be one of the hottest peroids of the times. I went through approx 9 liters of water and never had to stop for a Pee once. It was like riding into a Hair dryer all day long.

 

[Bounce]

IMO it's all dependent on what your body is telling you. The more you ride (and listen to it) the more you'll be able to figure out your days. Everyone's different.

 

[Hollywoodgt]

Dont know if you can go by Pathfinder, he's a dam machine when he gets on a bike. Like everyone has said, It really depends on you. I have done like 1300 miles 18-19 hrs and at the end it was a push. I believe your own stamina has a lot to do with it. I'd say for most 12-15 a day is a decent average.

 

[Intech]

It has a lot to do with conditions, also. Heat will wear you down fast. Foul weather will also. I did a Saddle Sore 1000 last year going to CFO. Honestly I thought it was pretty easy and the first half I rode through some pretty nasty storms. Nasty enough that I was the only one moving on the road at times. there were cars that were pulled over offering shelter to some bikers. Good advice here.

 

[Hollywoodgt]

It has a lot to do with conditions, also. Heat will wear you down fast. Foul weather will also. I did a Saddle Sore 1000 last year going to CFO. Honestly I thought it was pretty easy and the first half I rode through some pretty nasty storms. Nasty enough that I was the only one moving on the road at times. there were cars that were pulled over offering shelter to some bikers. Good advice here.

I remember that and you appeared to be holding out pretty good. Actually it was pretty cool that you were at the scheduled meeting place right on time.

 

[Ignacio]

What is the maximum hours you would ride per day on a long distance run?Thinking of riding from Toronto to Vancouver in August. The first 15hour day wont even get me out of Ontario.

I'd ride it in one day! 1562 miles makes a great BBG from Toronto, South Dakota to Vancouver, Washington.

Each person is different.....and different depending on conditions. We don't know you. Could be 10 hours a day or 20+ hours a day. The FJR, however, is not the weakest link. It can do 24 hours a day for many days.

 

[Intech]

It has a lot to do with conditions, also. Heat will wear you down fast. Foul weather will also. I did a Saddle Sore 1000 last year going to CFO. Honestly I thought it was pretty easy and the first half I rode through some pretty nasty storms. Nasty enough that I was the only one moving on the road at times. there were cars that were pulled over offering shelter to some bikers. Good advice here.

I remember that and you appeared to be holding out pretty good. Actually it was pretty cool that you were at the scheduled meeting place right on time.

It was well planned and run according to plan. I easily could have made a BBG.

 

[garyahouse]

The FJR, however, is not the weakest link. It can do 24 hours a day for many days.

+1 on that amazing machine. No matter how hot, how cold, how wet, how rotten the weather may be, the FJR just keeps on going... it's business as usual: no big deal. It is so much more ABLE than this rider.

Gary

darksider #44