Long distance slabbing tips?

[still kickin]

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

[hovmaven]

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:

[JonS]

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.

[miles]

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

[falconati]

 

[dm_gsxr]

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.

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

[coho]

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

+many

I would rather travel by motorcycle than any other conveyance.  

[Squidbuzz]

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.  

Now that's a cool device.

[ConPilot1]

 But up here, I do think it's overkill.

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.

[naustin]

But up here, I do think it's overkill.

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!

[miles]

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.

[tomek]

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 .

[nferr]

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.

[mellow_gold]

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

...with a car tire on the rear  

[Silverbird]

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.

[Oxblood]

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.

[ConPilot1]

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!

Yep he's right.  

[hovmaven]

 

Staying hydrated is key for long distance riding.  

[wibornz]

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.

[Cablebandit]

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.