Confession - Advice About Distances

[waterman]

Some good advice here Old Bear. Get some miles on a weekend. Then see how you feel. You may find certain aches that you have not felt before. These may indicate changes you need to make to the bike but it is also like an athlete. They don't do 40 yard dashes and then run a marathon.

[ringadingh]

Having highway pegs also helps, it allows you to change your leg position so you don't go numb after a while.

[usranger74]

I can't think of anything that is not covered except to say stay hydrated and enjoy the ride.

[Bud2rat]

A good seat, highway pegs, and some comfortable boots. Also, a throttle assist to relieve the wrist.

[elvis]

All of the above. Don't underestimate how important it is to stretch and relax at regular intervals. And you have to find that interval yourself.

A few years back, my wife and I had to ride through some rough weather and pushed it harder than we should've. As a result, we had to find a chiropractor for her in Baker City, OR and got stuck there, I think, 3 days until she felt ready to ride again.

[nomadtom69]

It may sound weird but buy 2 pair of Bicycle riding shorts with the padding in them(wear them under you jeans) it draws the moisture off and offers a little extra padding a good set at a bicycle shop runs about 60 to 70 bucks but worth it.

[Loafer]

I've read all the good advice and will add my 2 cents.

1. I tried the bicycle shorts, they helped but for bathroom breaks I found them to be a pain.
I recommended them to a female rider, and she thanked me profusely. Worked for her.

2. At each stop, (in the bathroom) I rearrange the way my underwear fit. This I find has made the biggest difference in my day.
I buy the underwear with no seams on the butt side as well.

Have a good trip.

[flavor]

I've found the most important thing is back support whether it be some kind of luggage to lean back on or the bolt on types. I've done all day rides and I've found about 100 mile breaks, where you just get off the bike and move around a little bit, works best for me. If you can delay the butt getting sore long days are so much more enjoyable and 150 to 175 miles between stops puts me into butt sore territory. And once you're there, there is no return.

[ringadingh]

I bought a pair of LD riding shoerts last season, and they do help after a few hours in the saddle. Overall I find that the hotter the day the faster I get uncomfortable, with all the heat in the air and coming off the bike.

[nomadtom69]

The LD shorts work like the bicycle shorts and they do have a fly have a pair they just do not have the extra padding

[coacha]

LD riding shorts are a very good product. I wear them whenever I am doing a long ride. You can wash them out, hang them up and be ready the next morning to go again. I found that compression shorts (Under Armour type) are not as good as the LD shorts. LD wicks the moisture much better.

[fudd]

Monkey Butt Powder!!!! (also makes great Christmas gift!)

[Monkeyman]

Beaded or sheepskin seat cover helps. It's also helpful to wear both a jock and a pair of good boxer/briefs.

[Hillhouse]

Being what some would call a long distance rider (600-900 miles/day) on a 1100 V*.

Here is what I find works for me to be comfortable. Have highway pegs so you can change riding positions, something you can lean back against (backrest, backpack, passenger), stop for fuel / pit stop before you need to, have a plastic bottle of water/juice to drink while riding (stay hydrated). Don't eat excessively during the ride(wait until you're done riding for the day for that steak). Pay attention to your surroundings (slab riding can mesmerize you)

You can figure your overall average will be 50-55mi/hr on a slab trip. If I am riding with HD riders its even less.

Most of all ENJOY the ride, the experience of getting there is sometimes better than the destination.
Trevor

[coffey67]

Music. Must have music!!!!