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Copyright © 2000 by M. Hilton Taylor. All Rights Reserved by T.A.M.S. It ain’t rocket science . . . is it. |
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Long distance riding can be fun, exciting, tiring, and miserable. Tiring and miserable is not too appealing, but fun and exciting are. How do we make sure it is fun and exciting? Let’s look at long distance riding and see what it requires. First of all it requires a certain amount of stamina. Riding a motorcycle that you basically straddle instead of sitting in a chair does not allow you to move around the same. For that reason riding a motorcycle can become more tiring. Second, is that riding requires more actions than does an automobile. Third, the weather and the environment will have more of an impact on you than in a closed vehicle where the environment can be controlled. So, what do we do to make it fun? Plan! If you plan to do a lot of touring or long distance riding be sure when you choose your motorcycle you take that into consideration. It does not have to be a tour bike but it should be tour capable. By tour capable I am talking about a bike you can sit on for long periods of time and be comfortable and has few creature comforts that make the riding easier. You would be surprised how much difference a windshield and/or a back rest can make during a long ride. Either one will help but the two together are even better. A lot of hardcore riders don’t agree but it is a choice and a great choice for a full day of riding. Don’t fool yourself that it will be like riding in the family station wagon. It won’t . . . but it will be a lot more fun. If you are planning to make a long trip be sure you get a good nights rest the night before you start out. Start the morning with a good hearty breakfast, but don’t eat fatty foods that make you feel lazy. It is hard for me to start the day without a good cup of coffee, but avoiding caffeine drinks like coffee, soft drinks, and tea will keep you more alert. Drinking water keeps you hydrated and is better for you when making long rides. Be sure you stop for some time to be off the bike and rest. Choose a little place off the beaten path where the locals are friendly and rest a little. You may learn some interesting things and your body will appreciate it. It is a good idea to not make the gas stop and the food stop the same. Buy your gas down the road after a meal when you make a comfort stop. When you eat on the road avoid heavy meals and eat lighter. Save that big ole chunk of beef for the end of the day when you have time to enjoy it. Salads and lighter foods are a better choice during the day while riding. The environment you are riding in will have an affect on your fatigue levels. If it is hot weather you will have to drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration and the associated fatigue. If it is cold weather you will have to avoid hypothermia. Wind can also be a factor that can cause you to have to work harder to control the motorcycle. Rain will increase your anxiety levels. All of these can increase your fatigue levels and if you combine them it can multiply the fatigue levels. If you are accustom to riding in a car with air conditioning then the heat outside on a motorcycle can affect you more than someone that is outside on a daily basis. If you are planning to make a long trip then do some riding prior to the trip so you can become accustom to being in the saddle for long periods of time. You don’t to ride long trips to train just ride around at a slower pace to increase the time you are on the bike. A hundred mile ride at 40 mph will feel like a 175 mile ride at 70 mph. Watch your speed when you are riding and fight the feeling that you just want to ride fast and get there. It does not work that way for most people. It increases the fatigue levels, requires you to be more aware, and you miss a lot of scenery which is why you went on the trip. It is best to be deliberate and ride consistently at a reasonable speed. It may take a few minutes but it will be worth it. Motorcycling is supposed to be fun so slow down and enjoy the trip because if you are in that big of a hurry . . . air travel is much quicker.
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