LD Riding and Physical Conditioning

[dcarver]

OK, I don't understand the long distance, Iron Butt rider concept, but for those that do..

1. How important is physical conditioning?

2. Do 'serious' IB riders routinely work out to ensure physical issues don't interrupt the ride?

3. If you do work out, is flexability (sp?) the key work out element?

4. If flexability is the key, do you do Yoga? No crap, this is an honest question.

5. If you do find physical fitness enhances the long distance rides, what kind of exercise best?

I met some guyz that appear very physically fit - slim, agile, young, etc. Then again, I've met other long distance guyz that look more like me... Yet both seem to do just fine..

Just wondering, questions asked seriously..

and why do I keep wondering about this sh#$%#^t?

 

[Rogue]

...and why do I keep wondering about this sh#$%#^t?

Because deep down inside you want to do a SS1000! :bleh: :bleh:

 

[skyway]

OK, I don't understand the long distance, Iron Butt rider concept

Here's some reading to get up to speed.

www.ironbutt.com/tech/aow

I don't know too much about this, but it seems LDR's come in all shapes and sizes. So I would figure it's probably more to do with mind over matter than physical conditioning.

 

[Randy]

1. I'm in decent shape, but, I don't regularly work out

2. I think its more mental than physical

3. I'm as flexible as a 2x4

4. ummmmm, not me

5. Again, I think it's more mental than physical.

 

[Toecutter]

5. Again, I think it's more mental than physical.

Agreed, but knowing you're in great physical shape can really help your mental outlook and resolve. I'd recommend some yoga too. And lots of beer.

 

[donaldb]

Actually physical conditioning isn't a factor at all! Take a look at the last two wins, they are by Shane Smith, who I have had the pleasure to have met. He lives close to me--about 60 miles or so, in the town of McComb/Brookhaven, MS. What is Shane's secret?-------He's a pharmacist!!!!!!!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: Just kidding, it makes for a good joke, he is actually a pharmacist and he's a straight up guy. I know if I ever attempted anything like that I would need a little help to get through it.

 

[Randy]

I'd recommend some yoga too. And lots of beer.

At the same time? Now that's a way to grow interest in an activity.

 

[Bounce]

To prep for any long ride, each day I do a regular routine of pushups, situps, and pullups. I then run 5 miles. I also go on a 100% veegan diet.

Then I wake up, light up a smoke, polish off what's left of last night's bottle, grab a doughnut and some coffee and hit the can for a humongous dump (sinkers, not floaters). :haha:

..update..

I forgot to mention the aerobics.

 

[Bike Effects]

..... and some coffee and hit the can for a humongous dump (sinkers, not floaters). :haha:

I think that this falls into the TMI (too much information) category!

 

[slapnpop]

I'd recommend some yoga too. And lots of beer.

At the same time? Now that's a way to grow interest in an activity.

That's how they came up with this new position

Drunken Man Falls On Face In Falling Water

 

[boogahboogah]

My biggest achievement, before doing 2 SS1000's, was to wean myself back to decaf for 3 straight days.

That way, after hour 18, I could drink a cup of coffee and have the energy to stay lucid & finish. Note that I didn't drink coffee all day, just when I felt the woozies coming on. Also took a good rest break, then hopped around a bit to get the circulation going.

Two trips to the gym for 2 hours each seemed to help, before the rides. Maybe it had something to do with improved circulation (mostly cardio exercise) ? I'm a programmer, so I usually get no exercise at all, I think the gym helped...

 

[TestPilot]

To prep for any long ride, each day I do a regular routine of ....I forgot to mention the aerobics.

OK Bounce - you just wanted to show off your new helmet :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

 

[skyway]

..update..
I forgot to mention the aerobics.

Now there's something that deserves a worthy spot in the AOW. :lol:

 

[skyway]

@ dcarver - If indeed your interested in a SS1000, there is no better way in CA to pop your cherry than at the www.cal24.com :dribble:

 

[dcarver]

Skyway-

I'm still trying to figure out WHY crazy folks WANT to ride for that long of distance.. :bigeyes:

I've been FORCED into long rides before... like when I let the ex-wife be the navigator... she decided the *ONLY* hotel available for 300 miles was too expensive after a 400 mile day...

After that I HAD to divorce her... (if only you knew the true story)

But still - while I don't get it, it is some how intriguing..

 

[gasman]

Part of basic human mc nature, you want to see if you can do it. JB

 

[rdcyclist]

1. How important is physical conditioning?

I've done a few LD rides. I used to race bicycles both on road and off. I've also done a coupla 24hr team off road events. I'm convinced that good physical condition will make a substantial difference in your performance. That said, for most of the LD rides (SS1000, 24hr rallies), just watching what you eat and drink for a coupla weeks prior will have enough of an impact to be worth the trouble. The fitness issue will come up more when you're pushing at the limits of endurance (BBG3000, IBR, UCC, Spank 5day).

2. Do 'serious' IB riders routinely work out to ensure physical issues don't interrupt the ride?

I do. I don't know about anybody else.

3. If you do work out, is flexibility the key work out element?

I've found stretching to be a prime contributer to fitness. And it really makes a difference in comfort on the bike.

4. If flexibility is the key, do you do Yoga? No crap, this is an honest question.

Nope. Never tried it. No time. Something to think about though.

5. If you do find physical fitness enhances the long distance rides, what kind of exercise best?

My experience has shown cardio workouts to make the biggest difference the quickest. After that, upperbody weight workouts. Always stretch after your workout.

I know that many of the LD gods out there don't appear to be in what we would call top condition. That's probably because they are able to use their natural talent to work for them. For the rest of us (including me) we need to make up some of that difference in the gym or on the road (walking, running, or riding a bicycle).

I just wish there was a workout that would improve my decision making process; I'm still using the Team Strange rally strategy: Ride Harder, Not Smarter.

 

[fjrchooser]

Whats the big deal ?If you go fast enough isn't that like what , an 8 hour day ?

 

[turbodave_98]

Hi guys, just checkin in on this subject.

I have some experience with IB various rides(check my signature element) and my love of LDRs is it is something a vintage rider can do and achieve a lot of self satisfaction.

Back in the 1970s, I was active in enduro riding in some faroff places like Philippines and Japan and it was before they called it adventure riding. Rode Yamaha DT 350/400s among others. I liked the dirt and the mud and all that goes with offroad riding.

I also at that time was very active in MX racing and I owned a YZ 250 monoshock, circa 1975. I rode it in many races in Philippines and Japan. I was never a great MX racer but enjoyed the competition.

Now in my retirement and ability to own a few bikes, I have found my new love in IB participation. In fact I hope to get a slot in the 2007 rally.

My experience with LDRs is that there are three important criteria to successfully being certified for the type ride: In order they are:

1. Don't die while doing it!!

2. Don't breakdown so hard that you can't get it fixed with time criteria, and most important IMHO,

3. Have overarching desire to do the ride!!

Those are my three suggestions related to preparing for and completing an IB ride.

I am recovering nicely from my heart surgery and I gota admit my butt is itching to get on the saddle and RIDE, I WANT TO RIDE, IWANT TO RIDE!!

Turbo.