Sport-Touring.Net

I might have some time off in the next week that requires a 12 hour/600 mile ride that's all interstate. What tips am I forgetting that will keep me sane and or awake the entire time?


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Don't fall asleep.  :sleepy:

Music can help a lot.   Munches in your tank bag.  Camelbak with ice  water is a must.  

Asprin ?

I like

(http://www.ferrarapan.com/images/homeCandy/atomicfireball.png)

and audio books and good music.  600 miles of slab is not that bad.

Automatic Gold Bond dispenser.

Water, stretch, aspirin, something with a bit of salt and sugar (I use a homemade energy drink)

Crampbuster. (http://www.crampbuster.com/)

For me it's
(http://www.rankopedia.com/CandidatePix/3051.gif)

+1

Probably in my list of top 5 comfort mods easily.

Crampbuster will help.  But a throttle lock is even better because you can let go of the throttle and stretch your hands.

Ibuprofen before you ride.

Bicycle shorts.

Water.  The peeing is better than the cramping.

One thing I like to do on my Ipod touch is record funny stuff when the family is over. When I'm on the open road and the music starts getting boring, I switch it up and play past family records. Definitely helps kill the time plus it's almost like having the fam there with ya while riding.

Not to be a dick but there's tons of threads and millions of words typed on the subject.

Google is your friend homey.

This is almost as good as "best oil" or "best tyres" thread.  :lol: :bigok:

A while back I got the ram-mount for my Ipad...

Make no mistake, I avoid slabbing like the plague, but sometimes it's just unavoidable to put in some boring slab time.

What you need is a throttle-lock, set it at about 85mph or so...

Then flip on the Ipad, and go here: https://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/board,12.0.html

Look for picture heavy threads with tons of pictures of twisty roads, and/or videos of twisty roads. I wouldn't recommend trying to read any of the text (unless you got the 'New' Ipad, I hear the text is really sharp on that display).

Yeah, before you know it, your boring slab ride will be over, but 'feels like' you've been riding twisty roads the whole time! It's almost like when you read the forecast on accuweather. They give you the actual temperature, then the 'feels like' temp. Yeah, it works just like that...  :p

:popcorn:

I hate it when I'm on a bike without one of these. I love mine!  :inlove:

The heck with the Cramp Buster, a Go Cruise is the next best thing to cruise control!  http://www.2wheelride.com/throttle_pro.html

I did a 2,500 mile trip this fall, and it was great to be able to take my hand off the bar to stretch, wipe the bugs off my visor, etc.   :bigok:

The bar end style of cruise control has always worked for me.  Takes the place of the bar end weight.
http://store.bobsbmw.com/product/wrist-rest-for-r1100s

Keep hydrated, take Ibuprofene before it hurts, stop to stretch every hour or so, eat lightly, avoid caffeine, alcohol.
+1 on crampbuster. Throttle locks are ok for short periods.

Stretch; before, during and after.
Move as much as you can; on the bike and every time you stop.
I tried audio books a cpl times - doesn't work for me.  Driving repeatedly takes priority of my focus, and then when I focused back on the audio I was lost.  Comedy albums (ripped to MP3) DO work for me (but I don't like listenting to comedy off the slab).
I tried bicycle shorts - ok on the road but I can't stand em off the bike (even just walking to/from the mens room)  Now I use compression shorts  (aka bike shorts w/o the padding).
Ibuprofen - much better if you take it before you need it.

Something I do to make slabbing more intereting is what I call 'Look and Lean';
I look ahead - farther than I otherwise would.  
If there isn't much traffic, if there isn't anywhere a LEO could park/hide, if there aren't any on/off ramps - I lean into the throttle.
Don't pass anyone at more than about 15mph faster than they are going (they could 'phone you in' on a cellphone).
Slowdown right before you get to anything you 'looked for'.
Repeat

And here I thought I was the only one ;-}

I've tried commiting some of these stories to paper (gas stops, end of the ride), but that doesn't seem to wrk too well for me . . . .perhaps a lil digital voice recorder . . . . .

In any event, this helps to keep my noggin alert -- good post, Frenchie

A large tankbag to use as a pillow?  :shrug:

Definitely a throttle lock of some sort.

For me, it's definitely a throttle lock.   I tried the 'throttle rocker' which is like the crampbuster, but it didn't give me enough opportunity to relax and stretch my arm.   With the throttle lock, I can set it, stretch, relax, adopt silly body positions for those painful slab runs.
 
I'd love to look at ride reports on a tablet... but I think it would be too much distraction to really be safe.   I think videos on the PC would actually be better, because you can do more glancing than reading... but still...  :crazy:

The most boring ride I've ever done was from Atlanta to Key West, almost entirely on slab.  My riding partner was on a Goldwing and had music and a bar mounted camera to play with.  I found the entire ride to be mind-numbingly tedious particularly because (a) he wanted to keep our speed down to 5 or maybe 10 over max the entire trip, a speed which really doesn't require much mental focus and sets the mind to wanderin', and (b) the interstate is long, straight, and flat with very little interesting scenery most of the way.  Things I'd change if I were to do that ride again:

(1)  Add a music player so I could listen to music or books on tape.  I really don't like the idea of being too aurally distracted while riding, but in this case I think the risk is worth the trade-off given that my utter boredom was just as likely to delay my ability to notice & react to a potential hazard.

(2)  Install a throttle lock.  I had a crampbuster on this and other long slab rides, but sometimes you really, really, really just want to take your right hand off the bars to stretch, even if it's only for a few seconds.

My rule of thumb is 3 hours per 200 miles, including gas stops. Maybe a but faster on interstates  ;)

So that would be 9 hours to go 600 miles, not 12. 12 hours would allow for a leasurely meal or two, sight seeing, smelling the roses, maybe a quick nap....

I think it will be an easier trip than you're thinking. Enjoy the ride!

You do know that the clutch CAN be used while going down the road at speed...  don't you?

 :headscratch:

I think he meant clutch HAND.  :headscratch:

It will still be like hitting the air brakes.

The only bad parts of the ride will be going around NYC (Tappan Zee), CT (Merrit Parkway), through Baltimore and around DC.
My boss is having me work a 14hr day the day before, so I'll be pretty wiped out. I'm downloading 35 episodes of WheelNerds podcast right now. I actually found a Cramp Buster still in the package last night, don't know how good it will work on the Oxford heated grips.

Frenchie: Told you I had to go 4+ hours to get to any good roads  ;).  I usually carry 6-10 5hr shots with me at all times on the bike. I also know where they are located in every Walmart.

Bomber: You're not the only one who talks to yourself while riding. I can go for a good 30 minutes at a time about what I'm going to to when I get there, how I'm going to get through traffic and not crash.

Crampbuster works on the Oxford Grips.

This is why my wife and I do NOT have intercoms ;-}

ENjoy the ride, Mal!

Lots of good advice above about hydration and using a throttle lock.  I like to start early, about 0530, so that I get in a lot of riding before traffic gets too heavy and it gets hot.

I would allow at least 10-11 hours overall for a 600 mile ride because by the time you factor in gas, pee and stretch stops its hard to average more than 65 mph.

You will find that you will make great time until about one or two pm then the effects of riding all day will start to catch up with you and your stops will be longer as the day goes on.

For 600 miles on the interstate you need an FJR...with it's electrically adjustable windscreen....  

If you have low mile 07 for cheap I'd be interested.

If that works for you in interstate traffic at speed, more power to you.   Maybe your bike is more aerodynamic than mine.

I have a Chatterbox, so I play music from my phone.  Great at keeping me awake and it takes away some of the boredom of the superslab.

The Go Cruise was great because I could take my hand off the throttle and not slow down!   :cool:

I agree. I have one, and love it. Way better than the Crampbuster.

Connie's stock grips are too thin for the crampbuster. I'd have to take a torch to the plastic and bend it in a bit to fit tighter around the grip. Or get a thicker bar grip set.

Lots of good advice here in the thread. Rare case where jackassedness turned into intelligent conversation.  :thumbsup:

Jeez.  How skinny are those grips?  Crapmbuster does come in a few sizes.  Perhaps you had the one for the cruiser crowd.

Or try the Throttle Rocker with the adjustable velcro. I don't like it as much as the original all-plastic one, but it gets the job done.

(http://throttlerocker.com/media/models/TR2.jpg)

Preparing for Long Distance Motorcycle Touring (http://carl.schelin.org/?p=377)

Edit: I was reading it after I posted and made a few updates including adding some links to external sites and especially the paragraph on throttle lock tools adding the crampbuster and vista cruise links.

:)

Carl

I don't know about anybody else, but when the voice in my head starts speaking to me with a cartoon Mexican accent, it's time to call it a day.

Nope....it's just you.

(http://www.cartoonspot.net/looney-tunes/images-looney-tunes/speedy-gonzales-A.gif)

I keep reading the title as "Long distance stabbing tips?"
 

     :crazy:

I believe that would be a pike.

Maybe you already have one, but for me one important option for a long ride is a comfortable seat.  Some people like to add a piece of sheep skin to sit on to keep your butt from getting sore.  I got a Rick Mayer saddle to ease the pain in the ass caused by long days in the saddle.  

Yeah I just grabbed one off the shelf at Deals' Gap for the continuing trip, which I knew was going to be a lot of slab.
It worked, but kept spinning on the grip and was a pita.







Now that looks like a good alternative. Might have to get one of those. Thanks DD. :thumbsup:

Get the original one. Much better, stays put on the grip.

(http://www.sierrabmwonline.com/images/Crampbuster.jpg)

Come to the WV meet and I'll give you an original one.  (The short wide one in the pic) I've got one taking up space on my workbench.

Speed.

Worst part of this part of the trip: no soda (New Years resolution, still sticking to it) and no fast food (last years resolution, still sticking to it)

+1  

just get some fresh fruit to put in your tank bag.  I don't understand all this complex camelback horseshit.  Just get some fresh fruit and buy water when you stop for gas.

Well, horseshit might be a bit strong. When riding on 10 through Arizona, I was staying hydrated by drinking from a camelbak and knew when to stop riding when I didn't need to pee at the stop in Yuma. More was being sweated out than I was taking in in water.

It might not be necessary all the time, but a drink of cold water when riding does perk you up.

Carl

The camelback allows you to drink a little over a period of time.  If I drank a bottle of water at a gas station I would be pissing it back out within 10 miles.

That's my problem; so you tellin me I need a Camelback to complement the 5.7 gallon tank on the Wee  :thumbsup:

Thing is I have to remember to fill it before I leave home.



I have to be careful what kind of fruit I eat.  I've experienced cramps after eating grapes, which I thought would be the perfect blend of sugar and water.  [Pickles are better.]  Grapefruit are messy, and stimulate my bladder.  Cherries beget gas.  Apples, oranges and bananas work well for me.  I'm thinking a wine-flask [no foolin'; in the days before camelbacks I would tuck a wineflask under my left armpit; pop the top  and squeeze it when I needed a drink] camelback filled with 50/50 Gatoraid & water might be a great solution

I was just joking - obviously I don't have the same kind of conditions in Wisconsin that there would be in Nevada or Arizona.  But up here, I do think it's overkill.

Edit: I'm surprised at the reactions to fruit!  I guess that my body doesn't have issues with fruit because I try to make it a large part of m ynormal diet, so even if I had issues I wouldn't be able to discern them (because I'm always consuming it)

I eat fruits and vegetables pretty regularly (every day) and I get allergic reactions to things like apples, peaches and carrots. Oranges are good for me. Grapes and raisins act like a laxitive. I can't even eat trail mix unless I'm close to a bathroom.

That doesn't even consider things like keeping them intact while riding and eating them in the saddle when you have a full face helmet. Heck, even chewing gum causes me to bite my cheek or tongue when riding so I avoid that.

I put a camelbak in my mini Joe Rocket backpack, thread the hose over my shoulder and it's handy when I'm riding. Throw some ice in it along with a liter of water and it stays cold for a couple of hours, something fruit won't do without some sort of cooler on the bike. Which makes it difficult to access when riding anyway.

Carl

2 must have items: 1. LD Comfort shorts 2. Bag Balm( a butt saver)

Bike shorts, water source, call credit card company ahead of time and ride -- sometimes multi-fills throughout the day will cause the company to place a hold on the card. . ..

I used a coleman cooler and some clear tubing for water on a rather long ride last summer:

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/hovmaven/photo1.jpg)

If I was taking a trip that was all interstate, I'd take a car. Period. I don't ride to endure, I ride for adventure and pleasure. Sucking it up is not high on my list of activities.

Monster Energy drinks and Valero gas station hot dogs are your friend on long, long days in the saddle.

 :lol:

I'd still rather ride the bike, even if it's just on the interstate. Heck, if I'd checked real quick, my flight to Dallas a couple of weeks ago would have been on the bike instead of that crazy plane.

Carl

:withstupid:

+many

I would rather travel by motorcycle than any other conveyance.  :thumbsup:

Now that's a cool device.

A camelbak to sip on on long rides is certainly not overkill, it's essential and refreshing and depending on the conditions maybe mandatory to avoid dehydration.

It ain't overkill unless you're taking a nice little day jaunt. A distance ride through some heat is a different story. That steady sip over the hours is much needed if you ask me.

I'm in Minnesota and the CamelBak is the single most important thing I bring with on the bike.  I literally do not go without it - even on trips as short as 1 hour.

It didn't start out that way - I haven't always had one.   But since giving it s try, it has grown on me that much in the last several years such that its now a mission critical price of gear.

It's worth your $20 to give it a try.  I bet it will make a bigger difference in your stamina that a $500 saddle, UA shorts, and a new windscreen - combined!

I bought a Camelbak from the guy that invented them back in the '80s.  I used it all the time while mountain biking, and my mountain biker friends all gave me a hard time for that ridiculous Tri-Geek thing.  Eventually, though, they all started using Camelbaks, too.

Fast forward a few decades, and now I only occasionally use the Camelbak while bicycling, and never at all on motorcycle rides.

I use cheap 2 Qrts.  bladder from Walmart . It works well  enough , about 10 bucks . I normally put it in the tank bag because I hate to have 4-5 unnecessary pounds  on my back .  

Other then that 600 miles on Intestate is  no biggy . I like to start early - kickstand up by 6 am - so by the time I`m fully awaken (10 am ) half of the job is already done .

Going faster then speed limit ( ticket but no jail velocity ) keeps your mind occupied by the cat and mouse game  with local revenue collectors .

Just slabbed 500 miles from Connecticut to Williamsburg VA on Friday and 500 miles back on Sunday. On a Harley Wide Glide. No problem except for the cold weather and pouring rain for the last two hours on Sunday. Stopped every couple of hours to stretch, fill the tank, etc. Used an IPOD for some music, EZ-Pass worked fine in the fork bag. Could have used a throttle rocker, have one but forgot it home.

...with a car tire on the rear  :couch:

Depends on how serious you are.  Aerodynamics play a huge role in fatigue, ask any Busa, Zx14 or XX rider that has ridden across the country.

When you stop to refuel, rest for a bit as well. Take a bit of time to chug on some water or an "energy" drink, have a small bite to eat, sit on a bench instead of the bike, and smoke if you are of that inclination like me. If you start noticing your attention drifting while riding, hit the next exit, get off the bike, and relax a bit.

Yep he's right.  :thumbsup:

 :withstupid:

Staying hydrated is key for long distance riding.   :thumbsup:

Ok five pages of tips..... Come on it is only 600 miles on the slab.  In reality, get on the bike and ride.  It would be alittle different if you were doing multi-day 600 mile rides.  One 600 mile day.  Get on ride three tanks of fuel out get off the bike 9 hours later.

While this is true I think OP wants to be swaddled and coddled.

I don't think there is anything wrong with the OP asking questions prior to doing something for the 1st time. I never considered a camelback, now I am. ALMOST bought one in cycle gear yesterday, they had 20% off. Going to check Wally world too. I have a 650 miler coming up in July to SC, so the constant hydration thing in the July heat is much better than slamming a sport drink when I stop for gas.

But one thing I agree on- it's the saddle time, not so much the distance covered, so go out early and ride all day. Even if you only do 200-300 miles of back roads, if you are in the saddle for that long you'll get an idea of how it'll be.

Not the first time. First time I was wiped out at the end of the day and for most of the next.



Where's my bike taxi service when I need it.



Got that covered:
(http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/8974/dscf0195q.jpg)

Movement:
Stand on the pegs while riding. I'll do it up to 60 MPH. Stay standing as long as you can.

Swing your feet onto the passenger pegs.

Slide your butt up to the pillion seat.
 

This, but not all at the same time.  :lol:

Are you running a water line to your tank bag so you can sip while underway?   :headscratch:

Or are you wearing a 3/4 and just drinking from the container while underway?   :headscratch:

I used a water line.   :bigok:

That is pretty much it....I learned about distance from riding distance.  Although for a first time I would suggest leaving early. :D

I left early enough (5:30am) but mother nature was not co-operating (25* outside, didn't hit 30* till 2 hours later). That cold shot screwed up the hole day, got into the hotel around 8pm. Took 3 hours to do a normal 1 hour ride out of state.

Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to eat something.

I would like to see you get out of MA. in one hour from The Cape. Over the bridge maybe. Maybe Rhode Island but that doesn't really count as a state.

Part of the appeal of longer distance rides is simply surviving it - just ask the Iron Butt crowd (of which I am not a member).

Glad you are OK.  25 degrees is truly dangerous weather, especially without heated gear.  The cold numbs you body first, and your brain shortly after and can lead to poor decision making. Sounds like you stopped to warm up several times - which was as smart.

Hope you enjoyed yourself despite the cold!

I slabbed it for almost 400 miles yesterday. Gorgeous weather makes it that much easier!  :inlove:

From my house it's 30 minutes to I-195 then 40 miles to the RI border @ 75-80ishmph. RI is only 35-45 minutes from E.Providence to the CT border. CT is 1:30-1:45 (depends on New Haven traffic). Tappan Zee to Garden State Prkwy. Prkwy to I-95 south.

I won't talk about the bike dieing in the middle of the Jersey turnpike while stuck in traffic

Whoa. Bummer.  Where did you end up?

Winchester, VA. Got a route planned of about 390 miles and 9 hours today. Gearing up now.

GO!

I think I'll go kayaking and hang in the sun today myself. :D

Oh is that what the cooler was for?
I thought that was a "on the go" toilet, lol

A friend of mine tried to ride 100% non-stop from San Diego to Jacksonville.  He had a catheter rigged up.


He would have made it, too, if it weren't for those meddling Louisiana state troopers.

oh my god  :lol:

+1  :thumbsup:

EARPLUGS!  I ride with them 100% of the time, but for long days at highway speed they are invaluable for keeping the noise out of your head.  Being isolated from the wind/exhaust noise makes concentrating on the road much easier.

Also, I pack my tankbag tight with clothing, etc. makes for a good place to lean & take the pressure off your wrists and back.

+1 on music, crampbuster/throttle lock, camelbak, & ibuprofen. I've done a couple 800 mile days on my VFR. The challenge makes it feel like a grand personal accomplishment. Ride safe my friends.

Seriously- he rigged up a BMW touring bike with a trailer for an auxiliary gas tank- no need to stop for fuel.  He rode non-stop from San Diego to Louisiana without even putting a foot down.  He got pulled over for a burned out tail light.  As soon as he was done with the state trooper, he rode the rest of the way to Jacksonville, again without stopping.  If it hadn't been for that tail light, he would have made it.

audible.com - I love to listen to a good book when I ride. Makes the time go by quick and you can listen to a book just fine and still focus totally on the road at hand. When you get tired of the book then just play some tunes.

Aspirin, Ibuprofen before the start of each day (start for a few days before you ride). Snack bars, nuts or the like for quick stops. I usually like to eat a bar or snack while I fill up. I hate the slab so I just try to put as many miles as I can be it in car or bike. However, I don't like to ride at night cross country due to animals but that's my personal choice, I simply ride from daylight to dusk.  

 :headscratch:

It's out of your system in 4 to 8 hours.  I agree with taking it in the morning, before you need it though.  Stay in front of the aches.

Hydrating a few days ahead of time makes more sense.

+1

Reach out and 'touch' someone!

I'm a gonna go out and do some testing on these tips tomorrow.   :p  Detroit to Lebanon, MO starting at 1PM Thursday.  I plan on sleeping NLT midnight till 4 AM in some fleabag motel, then riding back up to Casey completing a SS1000 with time for dessert.  

I'm surprised by all the people taking aspirin.  Maybe it's because I'm (relatively) young, but I think that if you're body is aching, it's telling you to take it easy.  I try to never take any pain killers because then I'm ignoring/exacerbating an issue.

Yep, some day you will understand :bigok:

If I cough hard my back cracks. Ibuprofen before a long ride is a good thing.

And a muscle relaxer at the end. :thumbsup:

Side note: Ibuprofen is a blood thinner and you might bleed more if injured,  But on the bright side it will not hurt as much  :rolleyes:

Meh, not really a blood thinner.  It may reduce clotting ever so slightly but it's not really worth mentioning.  Besides, with the amount of bacon this crowd consumes their blood is probably like maple syrup anyway.

When you hurt, "vitamin I" works.  I did my share of them yesterday and today.  Now to restock for the ride home Sunday.  

800mg Motrin FTW.  Just rode from DC to Orlando and back.  Throttle lock, Garmin 665 + XM Radio and Scala Rider G4 is the bomb.  My G4 will go for about 12 hrs.

Yup, I got 19 hours out of my Sena during my trip to Moonshine while using the mp3 player in the 660.  The battery died 30 minutes from the end of the trip and I got to entertain the voices.   ;)

I vote for a throttle lock/cramp buster- J&M motorcycle audio may carry the remote IPod controller.  A radar detector isn't a bad idea, either.  I take an extended break every other tank of gas. Common sense- if your tired, or sleepy, PULL OVER.   :rolleyes:

when you sense fatigue setting in, don't forget about Cracker Barrel.  There are plenty around & those rocking chairs are great for a much needed power nap.  Works for me. . .

I skip the radar detector and run trapster on my droid.  It shows were all the cops sit along the slab and is not bad at showing the speed limit for the road your on, your speed and displays a nice map with speed cameras, stop light cameras etc..

Frequent coffee and Poptart breaks.  Think I'm kidding don't ya?  Try it, does wonders.  Of course once you get to where you are going you can't fall asleep.  But who cares, you got there.