Long distance slabbing tips?

[dan88z]

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.

[malbojah]

I don't think there is anything wrong with the OP asking questions prior to doing something for the 1st time.

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

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

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

 
Staying hydrated is key for long distance riding.  

Got that covered:

[DangerMoney]

What tips am I forgetting that will keep me sane and or awake the entire time?

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.
 

[coho]

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.  

[hovmaven]

Got that covered:

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

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

I used a water line.  

[county]

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.

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

[malbojah]

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

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.

[Mr.Black]

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.

[naustin]

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.

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!

[caddydaddy]

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

[malbojah]

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.

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

[Mr.Black]

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?

[malbojah]

Whoa. Bummer.  Where did you end up?

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

[Mr.Black]

GO!

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

[catskillcougar]

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

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

I used a water line.  

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

[miles]

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.

[falconati]

oh my god  

[Bushwickklr]

Crampbuster.

+1  

[Alien VFR]

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.

[miles]

oh my god  

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.