Hitting the Wall

[BrookR1]

I'm trying for a BBG next weekend. My biggest fear is that I have such a strong internal clock that about 9:30 pm rolls around and my face glazes over and I'm asleep.   What's the best way to combat this? I know a nap is the only recommended cure for fatigue, but there must be something else doesn't involve snorting anything.

[scramblerracer123]

I have done jumping jacks and jumped around at gas stops before.  I'm sure I looked like an idiot, but who cares.  I have never been able to take a short nap as I just lay there thinking about the time I am losing.  Something that helped me was to stop using caffeine all together 3 months ago.  It sucked for the first month or so, but now I seem to have less trouble with fatigue, and as a last resort I can get some caffeine and feel wide awake.  This worked for my BBG ride last month, and for my first LD rally last weekend.  I took some 5 hr energy things with me, but didn't need them.  The hardest part for me was to stay interested in the ride at night, and to remember to drink enough water.  Be safe, enjoy your ride.

[Ignacio]

Trying to "combat" it isn't the way to go and dangerous IMO.  You get the nods...it's too late at that point and as you said...you shouldn't have to snort anything to ride a motorcycle.

You might try starting your ride fully rested at 9:30 p.m. instead of the more traditional time of first thing in the morning...or pick some other start time that gets you through your particular circadian low earlier in the ride.

And/or pick a route that's more friendly to piling on the miles, get ahead of the curve, and do take a 45 minute combat nap.  My first BBG included a 45 minute nap that was 1/2 fo a full sleep cycle.  My tough zone is about 3 a.m. and after I woke at 3:45 I was able to make it until first light safely and finished with about 20 minutes to spare.  I-90 in the west is helpful that way.  

You do have 1440 minutes for the ride...use every last one if needed.

BBG's are extreme rides!  There's a reason far fewer have accomplished them than Saddle Sores.  Although I've ridden more 1000 miles days than I can count...I can only remember 3 or 4 times I've done 1500+ days.

[meanstrk]

My one primary recommendation is to not vary from your natural bio rhythym. Don't get up early and start out tired, and don't start late if you know that's when you are going to taper off anyways. Start at a reasonable time just before sunrise if possible and pile on the miles before it gets dark again. When you start to feel it, stop more frequently if needed and just get off the bike and walk around a bit. If you need to lay down for a few, do it. The last 100 miles of my BBG was brutal on me, and part of it was because I got up earlier than normal to start, and did not get a full night of rest as a result. I still made it, but had to stop numerous times to revive myself.

Hydrate, and snack on the road if you need to. I bought a flip face helmet specifically so I could eat a breakfast bar while riding, and it helped.

Best thing you can do though is plan the route so you have as much open road as possible, and check for road constuction along the route before hand. That one screwed me for at least an hour.

Good luck.

[Lawn Dart]

A cup of Joe followed by a short nap worked for me.

It takes 20 minutes to get caffeine or an energy drink into your system.  The short nap gives your eyes much needed rest, turns the brain off momentarily, and when you wake up you are just getting the energy hit.  

I pushed through the wall on my 50cc on the first night - it was stupid.  I should have pulled over.  I didn't make that mistake again...I pulled over and grabbed 20 minutes and a Monster at a gas station.  Felt GREAT for the last 4 hours.

[Bounce]

Trying to "combat" it isn't the way to go and dangerous IMO.  You get the nods...it's too late at that point and as you said...you shouldn't have to snort anything to ride a motorcycle.

gotta agree. your natural clock will having you gradually winding down in a predictible way. If you try to force yourself beyond that either with excercise or stimulants the wind down can become quick and unpredictible. That's something you DO NOT WANT (trust me).  Better to pull over, catch a 20 minute nap, and be good for another 3 to 5 hours with another predictible wind down.

Plan your pace to accommodate your personal needs. You have a target distance and an average speed that must be maintained. From there figure out things like:

gas stops (x stops times y time each) and remove that from your available 24 hours. Adjust your target average speed.

the need to stop at 9:30 (or whenever) for a 30 minute nap with shut down and start up times on either side (1 hour). Adjust your target average speed.

the unknown (i always plan in 2 hours for FUBAR). adjust your target average speed. this last is your wiggle room. if everything goes perfrectly, then you have some breathing room. if you need another break or get cauight in traffic, etc. there's no need to panic.

and, yes, they're extreme rides for a reason. i finished my first with only 4 minutes to spare and only because i jumped line at a BFE convenience store, bought a pack of gun, and kept pushing for the attendant to ring up the sale. i went back out and THEN filled up my tank.

[travel_man]

One good way to combat this is to keep your mind working. I listen to the news, comedy or something else on XM Radio that helps keep me focused and alert. For many the reason they get tired at night is because they are used to shutting down the body. Try and keep your mind focused. I also do lots of calculations on my route to keep me focused.

[miles]

A cup of Joe followed by a short nap worked for me.

It takes 20 minutes to get caffeine or an energy drink into your system.  The short nap gives your eyes much needed rest, turns the brain off momentarily, and when you wake up you are just getting the energy hit.  

I pushed through the wall on my 50cc on the first night - it was stupid.  I should have pulled over.  I didn't make that mistake again...I pulled over and grabbed 20 minutes and a Monster at a gas station.  Felt GREAT for the last 4 hours.

NASA research endorses this method.  Referred to as "caffeine naps" these have been proven effective.