Which mental stimulants are legal/ethical for LD rides?

[Toecutter]

Their search function leaves a bit to be desired.

So, what do you use, recommend, know about, along with the legal/moral/ethical ramifications?

My plan is some of this:

And I've figured out how to eat sunflower seeds while underway. A towel shoved into the bottom of the fairing pocket, with the seeds poured in on top, allows access and they don't fly out at reasonable speeds+

For some reason, the seeds work wonders for me to stay alert when boredom would otherwise set in.

I know I could get some Meth or Dexies, or maybe even abuse some prescription stimulants, and go like mad, but where is the line drawn on the "juice"? Coffee? Red Bull? Adderall?

I want to do a certified ride, but don't want an asterisk hanging in my conscience, like those baseball players who used 'roids to break records. And I know when I'm pushing the limits and it's time to pull over.

Are there rules?

 

[Bounce]

sniff sniff

stinky bait!

check out the IBA Archives of Wisdom (29 riding tips)

https://www.ironbutt.com/tech/aowprintout.cfm

3. Leave your drugs and coffee supply at home.

It's this simple, drugs and other stimulants do not work! If you need No-Doze or other drugs to stay alert (the Iron Butt Association includes coffee and colas on this hot list), it's time to stop for the day and get some serious rest.

there's also an excellent, detailed article about fatigue by the Surgeon General of the Navy, VADM Don Arthur.

https://www.mcnews.com/mcn/technical/0508FatiguePage1.pdf

https://www.mcnews.com/mcn/technical/0508FatiguePage2.pdf

 

[Geezer]

Your best bet is to wean yourself off of caffeine at least a week before your ride. You'll be surprised at how much energy you have once your body gets used to no caffeine. And be careful about hidden caffeine, like aspirin tablets and energy drinks.

 

[kaitsdad]

Funky Chicken, Jumping Jacks, run around the bike at fuel stops.

Water in your face in the loo.

MAYBE a cup of coffee - or diet coke/pepsi

I find that what really makes a difference in alertness is:

1. Stay hydrated. Use water - not gatorade. Gatorade contains carbs, which throw sugar levels out of balance. I'm not saying don't drink it - but use it at the right time - WATER should be primary source of hydration.

2. Keep the blood sugar LEVEL - this means a constant intake of small amounts of balanced foods - fats, carbs, protein. i.e., Radman's PB crackers. I find that protein is primary. Boost meal supplement.

STAY AWAY from artificial stims - IBA FROWNS on that shit. I would imagine that if the use of something during a ride was uncovered, IBA would invalidate the ride. Granted, I don't know this for a fact - but I would not be surprised.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Your best bet is to wean yourself off of caffeine at least a week before your ride. You'll be surprised at how much energy you have.
Your best bet is to wean yourself off of caffeine at least a week before your ride. You'll be surprised at how much energy you have. And be careful about hidden caffeine, like aspirin tablets and energy drinks.

You'll also be surprised at how often you repeat yourself.

You'll also be surprised at how often you repeat yourself.

 

[kaitsdad]

Your best bet is to wean yourself off of caffeine at least a week before your ride. You'll be surprised at how much energy you have.
Your best bet is to wean yourself off of caffeine at least a week before your ride. You'll be surprised at how much energy you have. And be careful about hidden caffeine, like aspirin tablets and energy drinks.

You'll also be surprised at how often you repeat yourself.

You'll also be surprised at how often you repeat yourself.

HAVEANOTHERCUPOFCOFFEEHAVEANOTHERCUPOFCOFFEE :crazy: :crazy: :crazy:

 

[odot]

If you wanna get down......down on the ground.....cocaine.

 

[vectervp1]

I'm not going to be hypocritical here and say I've never used a stimulant before during a ride, but I will say I only did it if I need to be up for about an hour. For example, I usually drink a soda (or some coffee if its freezing out) about 5:00am on LD rides that I know will end around 6:00-7:00am. I know my limit for being awake is approximately 22 hours then I start to fade quickly. I time my rides around this and almost always shoot for completing my rides prior to this magical number. I've taken many half hour naps on the side of the road while on rides as well. This is always the best option!

I will say this though, if someone were to take an amphetamine such as Adderall to do one of these rides, I would loose alot of respect for the individual. The intent behind these rides is to learn your limits and work within them, not to dope up and go crazy on the road.

 

[Silent]

Someonesaycoffee?Coffee?COFFEE??? :hyper: :hyper: :hyper: :hyper: Ilovecoffee!!!

I wouldn't use stimulants of any form. I've damn near fallen asleep popin no-doze, drinkink Jolt cola and strong coffee. The best solution is rest. even a 15 min nap does wonders. I use to commute San Diego to San Jose and back every 3 day weekend for a couple years.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

Some pilots are prescribed barbituates for long flights when they are flying solo (like fighter or recon pilots). I don't think your mission is as important as theirs so you don't get any ;-)

Factoid out of the way, I think Vectrvp1's advice is pretty darn realistic. There have been times I wanted a short boost and I'd slug a starbucks doubleshot. Sugar and caffeine. You come down off of that pretty fast and the false alertness is just that: false. If you are hooked to caffeine, and you want to avoid it, make sure to get off it a week ahead, otherwise the headache you get on your ride will suck.

If you wanna get down......down on the ground.....cocaine.

She don't ride

She don't ride

She don't ride

Cocaine

 

[Geezer]

You'll also be surprised at how often you repeat yourself.
You'll also be surprised at how often you repeat yourself.

Rats, I thought I fixed it before anybody caught me.

 

[beeroux]

Google Modafinil. Or go here, and scroll to #7, "military use".

MODAFINIL/ PROVIGIL

Provigil ( modafinil ) is the new bad boy of LD Riding.

I know some folks who have used it for long rides. In my mind I think its cheating. We all have varying degrees of endurance ability, and as soon as we start using any kind of meds to boost energy or alertness, the whole game becomes meaningless. Sure the IBA is against any kind of amphetamine, modafinil, cocaine whatever, but how can they ascertain a rider used a drug while on the ride?

It still boils down to honor. Did you or your meds make the ride?

So Cutter, just drink your normal cuppa joe, and hit the bricks. If you start to fade, take a nap. Have a late night redbull or similar if need be, but please stay away from serious shit like meds and other stuff. Its just a bad road you don't wanna go down.

GZ

 

[Silver Penguin]

Couple of thoughts here. Caffeine is a diuretic (i.e. makes you pee more). Not cool when you're long distance riding because of the extra stops and the potential for dehydration and it's sequelae.

Be vewwy vewwy careful if you tank up on Red Bull/ Rockstar and the like. They are legal and probably OK in moderation but taken to excess can cause a rapid heartbeat, dizziness and even passing out.

IMHO, the ethical and sensible way to complete a LD ride is without artificial stimulation. If that's not an option then perhaps a shorter ride is in order (or go a lot faster to get the miles done in less time)

Jill

 

[GunMD]

An interesting article (sort of amusing) about Provigil (modafinil)

 

[keithaba]

Caffeine is a diuretic (i.e. makes you pee more). Not cool when you're long distance riding because of the extra stops

I have been working on an adapter for the skyway hydration kit. It's a hose that goes out the the fly of your pants and then.... oh wait, I guess it's a mens only farkle....

:grin:

 

[Kevin Daly]

After billions and billions of miles of iron butting I find that the best stimulant is all natural love bug juice; it get you up and keeps you rolling. The best part its free this time of year, just open your visor, and your mouth and feel the love. and if you cant get enough that way try just scrapping a few jucy chuncks of the windshield :headbonk:

-Dont be a junkie toe

 

[twowheelnut]

WTF? When did Barry Bonds enter the LD League?

 

[Bounce]

I have been working on an adapter for the skyway hydration kit. It's a hose that goes out the the fly of your pants and then.... oh wait, I guess it's a mens only farkle.... :grin:

you're late to the party.

https://www.stadiumpal.com

 

[Fencer]

And I've figured out how to eat sunflower seeds while underway. A towel shoved into the bottom of the fairing pocket, with the seeds poured in on top, allows access and they don't fly out at reasonable speeds+

I don't care bout no stinkin stimulants. I wanna know how to spit the shells in a FF helmet