Wanted: Strategies in staying in the saddle longer

[ironmorph]

Trying to spend greater time in the saddle is challenging and requires planning. I thought we could gather up some tidbits of knowledge and post it here.


I'm adding just a few I know work:

1. Wear synthetic underwear, they work.
2. Change foot positions frequently.
3. Get a good throttle lock, to rest your hand from time to time.
4. Have an Aux fuel tank, lets me get gas when I want to.


Please feel free to add, I know there is a bunch of wisdom out there. 8)

[N-Abnormal]

Best way to spend more time in the saddle is to quit ur job... :lol:

[VTProf]

Get a Roho Airhawk seat cushion! You'll never ride LD again without it.

Jim

[ironmorph]

Get a Roho Airhawk seat cushion! You'll never ride LD again without it.

Jim

Hey Jim, are these really that good? I know spinal chord injuries use these to sit on all day, since I work in the business, I see it for myself. I was wondering, do you move around on it, or do you feel relatively stable on it?


thanks,

Clem

[VTProf]

Hi Clem,

I've ridden about 18K with mine and it's very stable. You put so little air in it that you hardly notice it's there . . . except that you can easily shift pressure points around. Make sense?

I got the medium cruiser model from Derbycycles.com. I use a stock seat with a small backrest (purchased from on of the vendor on this list) and I smile all the way.

Jim

[ironmorph]

Hi Clem,

I've ridden about 18K with mine and it's very stable. You put so little air in it that you hardly notice it's there . . . except that you can easily shift pressure points around. Make sense?

I got the medium cruiser model from Derbycycles.com. I use a stock seat with a small backrest (purchased from on of the vendor on this list) and I smile all the way.

Jim

OK, I ordered one. Now I will know. I sat on one at work, and I can tell you it felt fine, the real test will be the next BBG April 8th 8)

[Sgt Rock]

Don't start out with a LD run. If I'm planning an IBA or LD run, I plan it for later in the season after I've had LOTS of riding time and conditioning trips to get ready for it.
One guy I know planned a 1000, got 5 hours out, stopped, ate lunch, got a motel, watched TV, slept 10 hours then rode home. He covered 553 miles and said his back hurt for weeks after.
He wasn't ready for a long trip, just wanted the IBA decal. Vanity will beat you every time.

[Todd2]

Sgt. Rock,

Good advice for most riders, especially those up north. But Ironmorph lives in Florida - lucky ^%$#@ :wink: and has a never ending year long riding season! :D :D :D :D But you are right, good advice, you have to condition yourself for the long rides. I'm working on that right now. BTW - I think that's why the IBA requires someone to complete a 1000/24 ride before they will recognise the 1500/24. It definitely will be an extreme ride. We both have individual BBG rides planned for the same day, different part of the country - what a coincidence!

Todd

[Jackal666us]

Best way to spend more time in the saddle is to quit ur job...






hehehe. that's what i did. now i "work" for myself.

[jeburnside]

Todd,
I know the feeling about having to end a riding season up north, I lived in Maine for 3 years...but I'm like Morph now...moved to Fl...ride daily :)

Jimmy

[TTT]

proper footrest placement and learn to RELAX

when riding...it makes all the difference in a ride being a chore or a pleasure...your results may vary...MIKE(TTT)

[ironmorph]

Yes it's true, I live in the sunny south and ride everyday. The hurricanes provide an interesting challenge at times, but the way I see it, I ride in hurricane force winds everyday I put the key in the ignition 8) .

I am adding a few more to the list:

5. camelbak hydration systems
6. MP3 player with Shure ear buds ( this has been the best mod made to my bike or any bike I have owned, allowing for hours of riding with awesome tunes, less wind noise.)
8)

[BillF]

Hi Clem,

I've ridden about 18K with mine and it's very stable. You put so little air in it that you hardly notice it's there . . . except that you can easily shift pressure points around. Make sense?

I got the medium cruiser model from Derbycycles.com. I use a stock seat with a small backrest (purchased from on of the vendor on this list) and I smile all the way.

Jim

OK, I ordered one. Now I will know. I sat on one at work, and I can tell you it felt fine, the real test will be the next BBG April 8th 8)

So you guys w/ the Airhawk cushion, how has it helped? Does it work out better than a sheepskin cover?

[ironmorph]

Hi Clem,

I've ridden about 18K with mine and it's very stable. You put so little air in it that you hardly notice it's there . . . except that you can easily shift pressure points around. Make sense?

I got the medium cruiser model from Derbycycles.com. I use a stock seat with a small backrest (purchased from on of the vendor on this list) and I smile all the way.

Jim

OK, I ordered one. Now I will know. I sat on one at work, and I can tell you it felt fine, the real test will be the next BBG April 8th 8)

So you guys w/ the Airhawk cushion, how has it helped? Does it work out better than a sheepskin cover?

Hey Bill, I have not tried mine yet, but I will give you an update when I do my first long ride with it. I have heard many reports of folks who have had complete success with it. I work in the business, and see injured patients sit in them all day without a hint of skin breakdown, which is outstanding considering most of these seat values are easily recorded as "hot spots" when performing an evaluation of ergonomics of a seat cushion. 8)

[BillF]

Hi Clem,

I've ridden about 18K with mine and it's very stable. You put so little air in it that you hardly notice it's there . . . except that you can easily shift pressure points around. Make sense?

I got the medium cruiser model from Derbycycles.com. I use a stock seat with a small backrest (purchased from on of the vendor on this list) and I smile all the way.

Jim

OK, I ordered one. Now I will know. I sat on one at work, and I can tell you it felt fine, the real test will be the next BBG April 8th 8)

So you guys w/ the Airhawk cushion, how has it helped? Does it work out better than a sheepskin cover?

Hey Bill, I have not tried mine yet, but I will give you an update when I do my first long ride with it. I have heard many reports of folks who have had complete success with it. I work in the business, and see injured patients sit in them all day without a hint of skin breakdown, which is outstanding considering most of these seat values are easily recorded as "hot spots" when performing an evaluation of ergonomics of a seat cushion. 8)

Excellent. I look forward to your report, 'morph.
Bill

[GroovInAZ]

Passenger pegs! The only reason the passenger pegs are even on my 1300R (have a solo seat and rack) is so that I can give myself an additional, leg-stretch position for long-range riding.

[ironmorph]

Passenger pegs! The only reason the passenger pegs are even on my 1300R (have a solo seat and rack) is so that I can give myself an additional, leg-stretch position for long-range riding.

Using the rear pegs is a great help, and is exactly why I would never remove mine. I love using my rear pegs! 8)

[longrider47]

It took me many years to really figure out how to ride a purist style cruiser motorcycle long distance and still be able to walk after finishing the ride. Yes, I said walk. Found after one such long day trip had to literally lay down on the ground for awhile before I could set up my tent. Really was exhausted. Had ridden from Chicago to Sturgis stopping for fuel and McDonalds only.
Yes it was on a Harley, but now even with my VTX1300R the results would be the same if I hadn't made some changes.
First you have to make sure you fit the bike. I had to change the seat to a Mustang saddle, add pull back risers for the bars, change grips and add an adjustable throttle rocker. This repositioned the bike to fit me. You must get your butt as much seating area as possible without looking goofy. If I can sit on a deer stand 4 hours at a time without getting hot spots on my butt, nor my back killing me, then why not on a motorcycle. Reason is seat, leg and arm positioning. I use the throttle rocker so not having to fully grip the throttle at all. Simply rest the palm of my hand on it keeps the throttle where ever I want it. No hand or wrist tention whatever.
Motorcycle manufacturers install seats that look good and feel good on the showroom floor. They (I found never) usually will not work for any long distance riding. Most people find they won't work even for the weekend warriors doing a simple 100 mile non stop ride. Hurts doesn't it. Its all about blood flow through the body. You don't want too much pressure on a small area of the butt and likewise don't restrict blood flow through poor positioning of the legs. For leg positioning I purchased the Retro model with floor boards. Can move my legs forward or backward just enough to relieve any cramping of the viens.
Also, you have to protect the body from all the elements. Wind, sun and sounds. Yes, sound is going to wear you down. I wear ear plugs on long trips with helment and visor on. Yes I wear a proper fitting wind proof jacket also. I went to the Chicago motorcycle show for the first time this year. The vendors selling ear plugs, the custom made type, were doing a bang up business. People were standing in line at the booths. Kind of tells you something doesn't it. My bike has vance/hines pipes on it and stopping not all, but a majority of this relentless noise (including wind noise) helps a whole lot. Hey, check out the guys on the super tourers with the full face Shoie helmets and proper riding gear. They get it on for many miles, ear plugs, proper outerwear and a good fitting helmet. Doesn't have to be an expenseive helmet, just good fitting.
I have also equipped my bike with the Honda line Windshield and lightbar. But tucked down on the lowers is a set of lower wind deflectors. Stops alot of the buffeting around the head area. Sounds strange but it really works. Got mine from Memphis Shades.
Lastly, I do get ready for riding distance by riding often. After winter fades alittle, I start riding often. Ride to work, round trip 45 miles. Doesn't sound like much but riding often gets you broken in again for the season.
Today I went for a leisurely saturday afternoon ride. Ended up with 315 miles added to the odometer. Must say I am a little worn out. Why??? Because I did not wear my helmet/ear plugs/jacket. Just a t-shirt and the wind in my hair. Sure it felt good when I started out, but coming back I realized the error of my judgment. Should of taken all of the above with me in the bags and been better prepared. Riding should be full of enjoyment and not being unplesant at all. Get comfortable and when you see the weekend warriors out there, on their way home, totally uncomfortable and wanting the ride to end, just smile and think how silly they are for just wanting to look cool.
Hope I haven't been too long winded on the subject, but this is just my personal observation and findings after 30 years of riding. And the funny thing is, it took changing to a Honda motorcycle and listening to the super touring guys to really figure this whole mocho comfort thing out.
P.S. I am tired but my butt is just fine. Sun/wind/noise ate my body up.

[ironmorph]

thanks for the great tips long rider, I am taking good notes...
take care 8)