Alright, so in about 3 weeks (yikes!) we're going to Shasta for our biggest party of the year. My only other vehicle, an old silverado, averages less than 10mpg, so no way I'm paying for 40 gallons of gas each way.

My question is, what things should I be prepping myself for? My longest ride so far has only been around 50 miles due to mechanical issues, but now that its fixed I plan on riding it 400 miles each way.

Any advice is greatly appreciated, and yes, I do realize this is very much a noob question and I'm ok with that.

DO NOT tinker with your bike right before you go on the long ride.  Now is not the time to test out your new carb setup.

Stop after the first 150 miles, and every 100 or so miles after that to stretch, rehydrate, and get fuel.

Was on a 1000 mile ride last October.  Went to D!ck's Sporting Goods and bought padded bicycle shorts.  Sounds silly, but my bucket didn't get numb on the trip.

Most importantly, wear all your gear and have fun!

+1 as Jestercinti stated ! Don't stress, know your limits, rest and stay hydrated and most importantly enjoy yourself !!!

To the OP:

Do NOT try to ride 150 miles or even 100 in one go unless you are used to doing so. You'll fatigue too quickly otherwise. You're supposed to Enjoy the ride not make a numb butt mission out of it and get some kind of award for seat time. Here is what I wrote in another current thread on the topic. It should help you....

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That's just a typical weekend ride for me. I take along the following....

- Puncture repair kit
- First aid kit
- Bottled water (2 liters / half a gallon)
- Hand held UHF radio
- Zip ties
- knife to cut zip ties
- coin money
- ball cap and sunnies (my weekend visor is tinted)
- screw driver
- toolkit that came with the bike
- a chocolate bar (in case you are stranded, a bite to eat and some water is most welcome)
- phone number of motorcycle towing guy (in my phone)
- ziplock baggie in case it rains I can put my phone in it
- packet of paracetamol
- ear plugs
- wipes (for visor)
- camera (you just never know when you need something better than what the phone can do)
- paper towels (never know if you need to blow your nose or have some other need for them)
- Pen and paper
- Small torch (such as one that uses triple A batteries)
- Something square-ish and flat that can be put under your sidestand if you park in soft ground.

On the trip...

- Stop every Hour (90 minutes max and Only if you are Used to that kind of seat time - time spent in the seat is important here, not distance covered) for a leg/body stretch. And actually do some stretches. Side bends, reach up high, quads, hamstrings, inner thigh (adductors), shoulder (you know, arm across your chest). At this break, also drink some water - you get more dehydrated riding than you might realize.

- While riding, avoid leg muscle cramps by making micro adjustments while you are riding. Stretch a leg out and forward; put toes on pegs and raise leg/lower leg; put heel on pegs and do likewise; take left hand off handlebar and ride with it rested on leg, knee, tank, tank bag or dangling straight down; slide slightly to the left/right of seat so body is slightly askew to bars and ride like that for a little. Look around so your neck muscle has movement. This helps your muscles not freeze up from being in the one position too long.

Try to make this stop at a cafe or gas station. Which means...

- Map out your route on Google Maps
- Leave this map up on your PC so people at home - or someone who may need to enter your home if you are single - can see the route
- Call loved ones at each stop along the way to assure them you reached your next stop safely
- If you can, ride with someone else you know. Last thing you want to do is come off in the bushes on a deserted road and noone knows what happened to you (this is why it pays to leave the route up, in case some emergency services need to trace your route for some reason)

Michael

Get a Cramp Buster for the throttle...they are about $8 and make highway distance riding so much easier!

What the hell does that cramp buster do I see them online and in stores but I don't know how it works.


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Quote from: kyleGS500 on April 20, 2012, 05:49:35 PM
What the hell does that cramp buster do I see them online and in stores but I don't know how it works.


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It allows you to just lean on the throttle with the heel of your hand instead of gripping the throttle the whole time.  really cuts down on fatigue.  I wish I would have patented the idea!

Be warned, the ideal position for a Cramp Buster riding the highway is not good for riding twisties and in town. In fact, it hinders in the twists to a point *I* consider it dangerous.

Michael

Some stuff I'd like to add:

Body temperature is important, feeling just a bit too cold over time causes fatigue. Too warm and I get itchy in all the wrong places and dehydrated. Not to mention my gear is smelly afterwards.

I ride ~330 mile trips somewhat regularly on the interstate (65-80 mph) and find that if I stop for gas and a stretch every 60 miles or so I'm a lot less sore when I arrive whether I felt like I needed my stops or not. I usually won't feel myself being hungry or thirsty until after a few minutes of relaxing either.

If you're carrying clothes, food, etc... try to keep it off your back[pack] and on the bike. Less stress and strain on your body, and debatably safer in the event of a crash.

But especially if you feel like you need one, if you get irritable or frustrated, etc. -- take a break. And don't forget to leave yourself extra time for your breaks either.

Quote from: mister on April 20, 2012, 12:02:39 PM
To the OP:

Do NOT try to ride 150 miles or even 100 in one go unless you are used to doing so. You'll fatigue too quickly otherwise. You're supposed to Enjoy the ride not make a numb butt mission out of it and get some kind of award for seat time. Here is what I wrote in another current thread on the topic. It should help you....

I get fatigued rather quickly, after about 45 minutes or so my neck starts to hurt and cramp up.  also I don't know weather or not its how im riding but my shoulders get sore.  most of the time I can feel myself picking my shoulders up while riding, like you do when its colder then a witches titty.    Is this normal and I just need to eat my wheatys?

I had to tough it out this spring when bringing my bike back form the barn I kept it in all winter, 3 1/2 hours of riding.  I was so glade to get off the bike!

Quote from: mister on April 20, 2012, 08:53:07 PM
Be warned, the ideal position for a Cramp Buster riding the highway is not good for riding twisties and in town. In fact, it hinders in the twists to a point *I* consider it dangerous.

Michael

Yes, but it is a godsend for extended highway jaunts.     I fold mine forward and out of the way when I get off the highway.