Advice for fighting fatigue? - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

QuacktheDuck · 07-31-2005, 03:36 PM

This morning I did my longest straight ride ever, by straight meaning no real stops...a little over 100 miles without a break. All I know is when I got home, my wrists had that "needles" feeling, u know like if your foot falls asleep type of thing. Plus my back felt a lil stiff and my butt was a little numb too. How do some of you guys do long road trips on the m50? It wasn't that I was gripping the handlebars tight, on the contrary I had a really light touch on em. Also I have a national shield street shield so windblast to my chest wasn't a factor, and with a full face, the wind up top didn't matter too much either. Maybe I'm just weaksauce.

chadrob30 · 07-31-2005, 05:45 PM

I think that before a long road trip stretching is probably a good idea. Get good and loosened up and relax....I've only went 50 miles so far and I felt ok...

sundude · 07-31-2005, 07:38 PM

I'm out almost every Sunday and usually go about 150-200 miles round trip and I find that when my fingers start to get "tingly" I usually will put my gloves on. That seems to help. As far as "numb butt", all I do is make a 5 minute stop every couple of hours to stretch or at least stand up if I get to a long traffic light. A couple of beers, a comfy chair and some ibuprofen when I get home always works, also.

QuacktheDuck · 07-31-2005, 08:18 PM

Hmm maybe i should wear knit gloves under my leather gloves since they're perforated. It did get a bit cold going 80 ish early in the morning. I've got to devise some stretch routine while riding. I was flexing my hands open and closed, but people around me prolly thought I was waving to someone...

blackie1491 · 07-31-2005, 09:15 PM

I find ISO grips with throttle boss really help to relax my hands.
As for the M50 seat, the Alaska sheep skin seat option may help.

Gixxerdale · 08-01-2005, 01:08 AM

Hope you don't mind a non M 50 crashing this post. Just wanted to put my 2 cents in. I do a lot of long distance riding, so I thought I would tell you what works for me.

Longest ride to date has been 1050 miles in one day. On that ride I was riding my Gixxer with the company of one CBR, one ST 1300, and one VFR. I made the ride with little discomfort, as did the CBR rider. The other two riders had the more "comfortable" bikes but didn't apply a few tricks that the CBR rider and I put to use.

Here is what works for me.
Wear cycling shorts under your clothes or gear. They breath and absorb moisture and wick it away from your skin. There is very little friction and they offer some additional padding if you purchase a good pair.

Ride with empty pockets. Don't sit on a comb or wallet. Even change or keys in a front pant pocket gets uncomfortable on a long ride.

Use every portion of your seat. Move forwards, backwards and side to side every few minutes. It helps with your circulation and relieves the constant pressure from being in one position for hours.

Find as many foot positions as you can and keep moving them every few minutes. It will relieve pressure on your knees and ankles. I even use the passenger pegs on the Gixxer during long straight aways.

Throttle Rockers and or Throttle Boss are a great help to the right hand. In addition vary your wrist and from time to time as well as moving them in and out using the full length of your grips.

A lot of pain and fatigue can also be avoided by staying properly hydrated and snacking during the ride. I sometimes wear a Camelbak, or just toss the bladder in my tank bag for on the go hydration. I keep snacks in a pocket and the tank bag for on the go nutrition. This will also help you to stay alert and focused on a long ride.

If you become so uncomfortable or fatigued that you can't stay focused, pull over and take a break. Don't push yourself into long distance riding over night. It does take some building upto, to do it safely.

Just my 2 cents.

Dale

chadrob30 · 08-01-2005, 01:10 AM

Great tips Dale...

QuacktheDuck · 08-01-2005, 02:10 AM

wow thanks dale, i concur that's a great list. Btw, 1050 miles...I honestly will say I can't even drive a car that far in one day let alone ride a bike that much in one day. That's really darn impressive.

Pinhy · 08-01-2005, 10:58 AM

when i first read the 100 miles ting i laughed and thought to myself "wait till Dale reads this"! i myself did a 8 hour 410 mile trip from Tampa down around Lake Okeechobee and back on the M and aside from normal stiffness in the legs and butt, i was OK with just stops for gas, quick lunch, and a 15 minute photo-op at the lake. i frequently do 100-150 mile trips on weekends

i do move my butt around in the seat, change foot positions as much as possible, and put keys and wallet in my storage compartment.

i say keep doing some of the longer trips and you will get used to it.

.

Nateinc · 08-01-2005, 11:25 AM

Before I know I am going to be riding for a long time, I take Ibuprofin (sp?). Usually Advil. I make frequent stops, usually just to get gas, a mountain dew or have a smoke, and stretch. Did an 5 hour ride this weekend and I made atleast 6 stops. Check your gloves, are they too tight? Are there seams on the inside of the gloves or on the outside, it makes a difference. My uncle has changed gloves 6 times, searching for hand relief, finally going with a pair thats a little larger and gel padding in the palms with seam on the outside of the gloves. He use to wave his right hand trying to get the blood flowing/stop the tingling. I constantly gave him crap =)

QuacktheDuck · 08-01-2005, 08:21 PM

i'm thinking it's the position of my hand to keep the throttle constant that caused it to get tingly/cramped/etc. I think I am going to get one of those little throttle boss things for longer rides. My gloves are actually a year old Dainese firestarters and are really broken in nice so I don't think they were the at fault issue. Oh wells, ride and learn heh heh

.

tlwisner · 08-02-2005, 11:08 AM

I like my gel palm gloves and my sheepskin seat pad.

**intimid8er** · 08-02-2005, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlwisner

I like my gel palm gloves and my sheepskin seat pad.

I have a tough time getting my mind around the sheepskin seat pad. I just can't comprehend how that makes a difference if any. Yet, tons of riders swear by them. tl.....any insight on how they work?

Gixxerdale · 08-06-2005, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by intimid8er

I have a tough time getting my mind around the sheepskin seat pad. I just can't comprehend how that makes a difference if any. Yet, tons of riders swear by them. tl.....any insight on how they work?

It offers a softer padding than foam and eliminates the friction and tugging between ride gear, jeans, and the leather or vinyl seat. I just don't sit still that long, so no need for it.

One of my riding partners uses a gel seat pad on his cruiser due to a bad back. Yet on his FJR 1300 he has no need for it. Bike ergo's and riding style can make a huge difference in comfort.

Try the simple low or no cost solutions before you go spending big bucks to discover it doesn't work either.

Gixxerdale · 08-06-2005, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pinhy

when i first read the 100 miles ting i laughed and thought to myself "wait till Dale reads this"! i say keep doing some of the longer trips and you will get used to it.

.

I wouldn't laugh.

I remember when 50 mile rides killed me on the old school bikes. It's a matter of technique, equipment , set up, and lots of miles to get it right. Make small changes and test your theory with a lot of miles. Big changes are harder to decifer the pros and cons. Plus they usually cost a lot more!

This week I have a 700 mile day ride coming up. At the end of the month I have a 1000 mile day ride and it should be no different than my 60 mile commute. But I have worked at it for a long time with lots of trial and error. Just be patient.

JES883 · 08-06-2005, 12:19 PM

I did Cincinnati to Ypsilanti, MI last year on my 883. I started at dusk and got back about 12:30. I had to stop twice for gas. I was in a hurry so I didn't really hesitate. I was in bad shape on arrival. But I do follow many of Dale's tips. One other one that's pretty stupid but it helps me tremendously. On a smooth stretch, I let go of both bars and stretch my back and arms a bit. Only for a few seconds, though.

tlwisner · 08-06-2005, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by intimid8er

I have a tough time getting my mind around the sheepskin seat pad. I just can't comprehend how that makes a difference if any. Yet, tons of riders swear by them. tl.....any insight on how they work?

The sheepskin is a nicer surface to sit on than hot black vinyl. I find that my butt doesn't get as sweaty. Sorry, no pictures...

Gixxerdale · 08-06-2005, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlwisner

The sheepskin is a nicer surface to sit on than hot black vinyl. I find that my butt doesn't get as sweaty. Sorry, no pictures...

Thank You tlwisner!

07-31-2005, 03:36 PM	#1 (permalink)
QuacktheDuck Sprocket Pilot Joined: May 2005 Bike: 2004 FZ6 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 858	Advice for fighting fatigue? This morning I did my longest straight ride ever, by straight meaning no real stops...a little over 100 miles without a break. All I know is when I got home, my wrists had that "needles" feeling, u know like if your foot falls asleep type of thing. Plus my back felt a lil stiff and my butt was a little numb too. How do some of you guys do long road trips on the m50? It wasn't that I was gripping the handlebars tight, on the contrary I had a really light touch on em. Also I have a national shield street shield so windblast to my chest wasn't a factor, and with a full face, the wind up top didn't matter too much either. Maybe I'm just weaksauce.

07-31-2005, 05:45 PM	#2 (permalink)
chadrob30 Sprocket Pilot Joined: May 2005 Bike: 2008 B-King Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas Posts: 818	I think that before a long road trip stretching is probably a good idea. Get good and loosened up and relax....I've only went 50 miles so far and I felt ok... __________________ 2008 Suzuki B-King. Stainless Scorpion Slipons.

08-01-2005, 01:08 AM	#6 (permalink)
Gixxerdale Forensic Bug Splatter Analyst. Joined: Mar 2004 Bike: 02 GSXR 1k Location: The warm and twisty roads of SoCal Posts: 3,028	Hope you don't mind a non M 50 crashing this post. Just wanted to put my 2 cents in. I do a lot of long distance riding, so I thought I would tell you what works for me. Longest ride to date has been 1050 miles in one day. On that ride I was riding my Gixxer with the company of one CBR, one ST 1300, and one VFR. I made the ride with little discomfort, as did the CBR rider. The other two riders had the more "comfortable" bikes but didn't apply a few tricks that the CBR rider and I put to use. Here is what works for me. Wear cycling shorts under your clothes or gear. They breath and absorb moisture and wick it away from your skin. There is very little friction and they offer some additional padding if you purchase a good pair. Ride with empty pockets. Don't sit on a comb or wallet. Even change or keys in a front pant pocket gets uncomfortable on a long ride. Use every portion of your seat. Move forwards, backwards and side to side every few minutes. It helps with your circulation and relieves the constant pressure from being in one position for hours. Find as many foot positions as you can and keep moving them every few minutes. It will relieve pressure on your knees and ankles. I even use the passenger pegs on the Gixxer during long straight aways. Throttle Rockers and or Throttle Boss are a great help to the right hand. In addition vary your wrist and from time to time as well as moving them in and out using the full length of your grips. A lot of pain and fatigue can also be avoided by staying properly hydrated and snacking during the ride. I sometimes wear a Camelbak, or just toss the bladder in my tank bag for on the go hydration. I keep snacks in a pocket and the tank bag for on the go nutrition. This will also help you to stay alert and focused on a long ride. If you become so uncomfortable or fatigued that you can't stay focused, pull over and take a break. Don't push yourself into long distance riding over night. It does take some building upto, to do it safely. Just my 2 cents. Dale __________________ Proud Father of a U S Army Soldier... The key to life is to die young...at a very old age... Ride like you own the road...and...someday the road will own you.. My Favorite Ride? Tomorrows!

08-01-2005, 01:10 AM	#7 (permalink)
chadrob30 Sprocket Pilot Joined: May 2005 Bike: 2008 B-King Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas Posts: 818	Great tips Dale... __________________ 2008 Suzuki B-King. Stainless Scorpion Slipons.

08-01-2005, 11:25 AM	#10 (permalink)
Nateinc Where Am I ? Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: M50 Black; 900 Eliminator Location: Bellevue, Nebraska Posts: 46	Before I know I am going to be riding for a long time, I take Ibuprofin (sp?). Usually Advil. I make frequent stops, usually just to get gas, a mountain dew or have a smoke, and stretch. Did an 5 hour ride this weekend and I made atleast 6 stops. Check your gloves, are they too tight? Are there seams on the inside of the gloves or on the outside, it makes a difference. My uncle has changed gloves 6 times, searching for hand relief, finally going with a pair thats a little larger and gel padding in the palms with seam on the outside of the gloves. He use to wave his right hand trying to get the blood flowing/stop the tingling. I constantly gave him crap =) __________________ Nate

07-31-2005, 07:38 PM	#3 (permalink)
sundude Puddle Runner Joined: May 2005 Bike: Suzuki M50 Location: South Florida Posts: 378	I'm out almost every Sunday and usually go about 150-200 miles round trip and I find that when my fingers start to get "tingly" I usually will put my gloves on. That seems to help. As far as "numb butt", all I do is make a 5 minute stop every couple of hours to stretch or at least stand up if I get to a long traffic light. A couple of beers, a comfy chair and some ibuprofen when I get home always works, also.

07-31-2005, 08:18 PM	#4 (permalink)
QuacktheDuck Sprocket Pilot Joined: May 2005 Bike: 2004 FZ6 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 858	Hmm maybe i should wear knit gloves under my leather gloves since they're perforated. It did get a bit cold going 80 ish early in the morning. I've got to devise some stretch routine while riding. I was flexing my hands open and closed, but people around me prolly thought I was waving to someone...

07-31-2005, 09:15 PM	#5 (permalink)
blackie1491 I took the All Bran Challenge Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: C50SE Location: Aldergrove, B.C., Canada Posts: 7,335	I find ISO grips with throttle boss really help to relax my hands. As for the M50 seat, the Alaska sheep skin seat option may help.

08-01-2005, 02:10 AM	#8 (permalink)
QuacktheDuck Sprocket Pilot Joined: May 2005 Bike: 2004 FZ6 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 858	wow thanks dale, i concur that's a great list. Btw, 1050 miles...I honestly will say I can't even drive a car that far in one day let alone ride a bike that much in one day. That's really darn impressive.

08-01-2005, 10:58 AM	#9 (permalink)
Pinhy Doesn't think you're funny Joined: Dec 2004 Bike: 05 Boulevard M50 Black Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 5,210	when i first read the 100 miles ting i laughed and thought to myself "wait till Dale reads this"! i myself did a 8 hour 410 mile trip from Tampa down around Lake Okeechobee and back on the M and aside from normal stiffness in the legs and butt, i was OK with just stops for gas, quick lunch, and a 15 minute photo-op at the lake. i frequently do 100-150 mile trips on weekends i do move my butt around in the seat, change foot positions as much as possible, and put keys and wallet in my storage compartment. i say keep doing some of the longer trips and you will get used to it. .

08-01-2005, 08:21 PM	#11 (permalink)
QuacktheDuck Sprocket Pilot Joined: May 2005 Bike: 2004 FZ6 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 858	i'm thinking it's the position of my hand to keep the throttle constant that caused it to get tingly/cramped/etc. I think I am going to get one of those little throttle boss things for longer rides. My gloves are actually a year old Dainese firestarters and are really broken in nice so I don't think they were the at fault issue. Oh wells, ride and learn heh heh .

08-02-2005, 11:08 AM	#12 (permalink)
tlwisner Throttle Jockey Joined: Apr 2004 Bike: '05 Boulevard C50 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 3,208	I like my gel palm gloves and my sheepskin seat pad. __________________ Tim Wisner AMA, SCRC Happiness is something we create

08-06-2005, 12:19 PM	#16 (permalink)
JES883 TurtleWax Taster Joined: Jan 2005 Bike: K5 GSX-R600 & 2003 HD 883 Location: MI Posts: 573	I did Cincinnati to Ypsilanti, MI last year on my 883. I started at dusk and got back about 12:30. I had to stop twice for gas. I was in a hurry so I didn't really hesitate. I was in bad shape on arrival. But I do follow many of Dale's tips. One other one that's pretty stupid but it helps me tremendously. On a smooth stretch, I let go of both bars and stretch my back and arms a bit. Only for a few seconds, though. __________________ JES883

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