Confession - Advice About Distances

[Old Bear]

Okay, I confess. I haven't rode a bike more than a hundred miles in one sitting in decades. And that trip when I did nearly resulted in serious trouble with my boss at the time (US Army!). Now I am considering riding to Houston, TX for the annual convention in May. That would be about 770 miles. I was thinking () that if I split that over two days (close to 400 miles a day) it would be reasonable. In the cage, I know I could still push that in a single day, but I'm gonna guess that isn't practical on two wheels. My question is, for you riders that get to do long rides, what is your common routine?

[manban9888]

Originally Posted by Old Bear

Okay, I confess. I haven't rode a bike more than a hundred miles in one sitting in decades. And that trip when I did nearly resulted in serious trouble with my boss at the time (US Army!). Now I am considering riding to Houston, TX for the annual convention in May. That would be about 770 miles. I was thinking () that if I split that over two days (close to 400 miles a day) it would be reasonable. In the cage, I know I could still push that in a single day, but I'm gonna guess that isn't practical on two wheels. My question is, for you riders that get to do long rides, what is your common routine?

If you have the time split it into 2 days or however long it takes for you to enjoy it.

[nomadtom69]

Break it down to 150 (gas stop) stops streach out get a drink go again you will feel when its time to lay it down for the night 300-450 a day should be easy on Interstate.

[george james]

I do 100-150 miles then stop for gas, drink, snack and walk for a few minutes. If i see something interesting i'll stop for that as well. If you allow 2-2 1/2 hours per 100 miles you'll do fine.

[ringadingh]

Two days is no problem to do a trip like that, like the others said, stop for gas, and a stretch, have lunch and you should still be done the days ride well before dinner.

[cnc]

The butt is the first thing to go on a long distance ride. Changing foot position or sitting back on the front edge of the passenger seat for a few minutes helps.
I switched to a full coverage helmet from a half a few years back and have noticed that I am a lot less tired at the end of a day on the interstate, than when the wind was whipping in my face all day.

[coacha]

You can do the trip in two days easy. Like everyone else has said, take your time, enjoy the ride. Take breaks as you need them and for as long as you need. You're looking at around 5-7 hours wheels turning time each day, depending on the route you take.

[cactusjack]

770 miles in 2 days is not hard to do. I try to ride around 400-500 miles a day when I'm touring, but have done as much as 600. One thing I would suggest is to get some seat time and condition yourself to riding for extended periods. Go rack up 300 miles on a Saturday and see if you can do it and how you feel afterwards.

Add: you need to find out if you can be comfortable on the bike for several hours in a day. I know that with the original seat on my Nomad I couldn't stand it after about an hour of steady riding. I ordered a Mustang seat a week after I bought my Nomad which was a great improvement.

[Monkeyman]

It's all about what feels good for you. Some riders feel comfortable riding 200 miles a day, others can do a bit more and still feel comfortable. I know a guy who rode 1600 miles (MN to Key West, FL) just so he could start his "trip" (from Key West, FL to Prudoe Bay, AK)......all in 11 days.

[VulcanE]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

One thing I would suggest is to get some seat time and condition yourself to riding for extended periods. Go rack up 300 miles on a Saturday and see if you can do it and how you feel afterwards.

Scott's statement can't be understated, You won't be able to just jump on your bike and ride to the sunset, (if your not used to it), you will need to do some "Butt Conditioning". Like he said, "Go rack up 300 miles on a Saturday and see if you can do it and how you feel afterwards." If you have time between now and then, do it a couple of times, the more you do it, the longer you'll be able to ride without discomfort, you got to get your body used to riding. 700+ miles in 2 days should be a doable ride, but remember, yo do have to come back. Good luck, and get in a little saddle time for practice, and with a few breaks along the way, you won't have any problem.

[Byron]

my last ride of the summer with the wife we made it 26 miles befor she had to pee

she does really good though

[MAS Tequila]

How is your bike setup?

There are a couple of things that have made longer distances easier for me.

A drivers backrest and highway pegs are invaluable when going the distance. Larger lowers come in handy also.

Make sure you're comfortable. A long ride is not a good time to break in new boots.

MT

[jlreeves]

Originally Posted by cnc

I switched to a full coverage helmet from a half a few years back and have noticed that I am a lot less tired at the end of a day on the interstate, than when the wind was whipping in my face all day.

I second this. If I'm planning to be doing highway speeds for over an hour or so I use my modular. It really helps reduce neck strain, eye fatigue and hearing effects. If you don't have it add a throttle assist to reduce pressure needed to maintain speed for longer time. Large lowers help reduce buffeting a lot and are pretty cheap to add.

[Old Bear]

Originally Posted by Byron

my last ride of the summer with the wife we made it 26 miles befor she had to pee

she does really good though

Ah, is there any guy on the planet that hasn't been there?

[GIBBY]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

770 miles in 2 days is not hard to do. I try to ride around 400-500 miles a day when I'm touring, but have done as much as 600. One thing I would suggest is to get some seat time and condition yourself to riding for extended periods. Go rack up 300 miles on a Saturday and see if you can do it and how you feel afterwards.

Great advice.