Long Distance Riding Tips:
I've written this in 3 sections...the following is section 1. More to follow later.
People who ride long distances are often asked, “What tips
do you have for riding long distance?” Wow,
those answers are a mouthful; I’d like to write a few hints each month/week to
help you along the way. Here are the
topics for discussion:
·
The Motorcycle
·
Riding Style
·
Seats, foot placements and other considerations
for the long haul.
·
Scenic
roads, or Interstate
·
Route planning
·
Rest stops: refueling both you and your
motorcycle.
·
Clothing choices for the long rider.
v
The Motorcycle: What type of motorcycle you
choose for the job is important. How you
set it up is also an important and decisive factor in your abilities to ride
the distance you are hoping for each day.
Most folks who are riding long distance do so with the “TOURING”
motorcycle. As such, they have a motorcycle that is heavy in nature, has a
rather large engine displacement, and is outfitted with a fairing, saddle bags
as well as several foot placement choices.
There are very good reasons for this choice.
a)
A heavy bike with a large displacement engine is
easier to maneuver down an interstate and is more forgiving as well as stronger
in a wind situation. Don’t forget, in
interstate riding, you have the crosswinds of the empty spaces the road travels
through; you have the wind currents from passing traffic, be they large semi
trucks, or a long line of cars. A large
displacement engine can move you away from hazardous traffic situations, or
power you through a strong head wind.
b)
If you are choosing a lighter motorcycle, you
should keep in mind that a smaller engine works harder to travel on Interstate
roads. The higher speed limits, the truck traffic, the vibration of the engine
and road are all elements that cause a rider to fatigue faster. Of course, you do have options such fairings,
and foot peg placements. Being able to
move your legs reposition the feet forward and back allow the rider to change
how he/she sits in the saddle, stretch the back and legs and generally get some
blood moving in extremities that need it.
v
Riding Style
a)
There sure are a lot of preferences out here for
the style of riding. Sport bike, adventure bike, duel sport bike, touring
bikes. Each one of these bikes comes with a specific life style and
adventure. Plan your routes with your
bike choice in mind. For bikers, the
beauty of riding is NOT so much getting to point B from point A. It’s the
encounters, the scenic beauty, the hum of our motorcycles under us and the
adventure that comes in between A and B! Arriving alive at point B is the whip
cream and cherry on top!
b)
Let’s face it; most of us aren’t riding an Iron
Butt adventure. We are riding because we
love the motorcycle. We want the
adventure of daily riding coupled with seeing and experiencing new places and
things. So a long distance ride could mean going 500 miles away from home to
visit the Smoky Mountains and ride The Dragon. Or it could mean putting in 1200
miles to see the new grand-baby. I’d use this to plan my 2 week vacation and
ride the Grand Tetons. Whatever your
style of riding, be sure to plan accordingly. Touring bikes usually allow a
rider to take high mileage tours each day, while the smaller motorcycle is
better suited for the rider with a leisurely and flexible schedule. No matter how you plan to tour, do yourself a
favor and train for it. Ride your motorcycle on your days off as far as you can
each day. Building yourself up to riding 10 hours a day with the most mileage
possible. Train like an athlete, that’s how you will make the best of your trip!
