Thinking about first long trip -- tips?

[Amlethae]

I'm finally done with grad school and have a profession leaving me with ungodly amounts of free time days/weeks at a time.  So I'm thinking about setting out on my first long trip at some point before winter comes back.  I've been riding for 2 years in and around NYC on my Ducati 696 (first bike).  The longest trip I've taken was up to the Palisades in NJ with a friend when I first got the bike... it was rough for many reasons (fear being the primary one).

So now I'm looking into wanting to take trips that are on average 6 hours long and I'm looking for tips from other Ducati riders.  Or maybe someone to tell me I'm just crazy.  What are your thoughts?  How much does fatigue build up?  Even if I plan to stop at all the rest stops and/or every hour, will it be enough?  Should I be sure to have a friend with me (even if in a car)?  What are your thoughts on taking shorter "practice trips" in the range of 2 hours or so?  Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Slide Panda]

Well, how long is long? 

There's been some good discussions on long trip prep - like all day for multiple days.  So you might search a bit for those.

6 hours... good day but not super long. You're not crazy at all. You'll be stopping every couple hours for fuel in most cases - so that's give you some off time to stretch, take in some water and grub. Staying hydrated is a biggy, so plan accordingly.

Having a buddy along is never a bad thing, but not exactly necessary. If you are ready and your bike is in good order then you've hit the biggies - the rest is fate if you will.

As far as fatigue, that really depends on you. IF you're used to short hops, then it'll build up faster. Having a strong set of core muscles can do a lot to fight off fatigue. YOu won't be as prone to resting weight on the bars, which makes your arms tired and slow.

IF you're at all tentative, it's never a bad idea to start smaller. Perhaps pick a lunch spot 60-80 miles out. Ride there, take in lunch and back. Rinse repeat with a sport that is further each time.

My longest single saddle day was going from Deals Gap NC to Washington DC on my 900... way longer than 6 hours - so 6 can be done w/o much problem. That's my day trip sort of time.

[WarrenJ]

We've been riding for similar lengths of time.  I ride a 750 Monster and have done several 400 mile trips.  The thing I find most tiring on longer trips is long stretches of straight road.  For some reason, that causes me the most hip, leg and butt pain.  Driving on less traveled roads with some variety doesn't seem nearly as tiring to me.  I usually try to plan routes that avoid long stretches of straight, well traveled roads.  Researching a route and visualizing your trip down it can really help reduce the apprehension and will give you ideas on where to stop and rest or sightsee etc.  Also watch the weather before you leave so you can plan in the effects of rain, wind, heat, etc.  Use that information to modify your expectations of distance traveled, etc.  Our driving circumstances are considerably different, mine is very rural with very little to no traffic so your experience may be different. 

Being a relatively new rider  myself, I get a pretty good sense of accomplishment, completing a long trip.  Just plan well, have a positive mental attitude and don't drive beyond your abilities. Have Fun!

[ScottRNelson]

Six hours isn't all that long.  I would recommend that you try to stop at least every hour to stretch and walk around.  Okay, I don't always do that, but I usually wish that I did, especially after 8 or 10 hours.

Wear earplugs.  You will last much longer than without them.

Just go do it.  After a few six hour trips, work up to eight, ten, then multi-day trips.  When you get to multiple days, I would strongly recommend not riding more than 300-350 miles per day.  Otherwise you'll get too tired to enjoy the trip.  Even on my one-day trips, I don't enjoy much of the ride past the 350-mile mark.  Usually I'm in "survive until I get home" mode by then.

[Slide Panda]

Wear earplugs.  You will last much longer than without them.

Just go do it.  After a few six hour trips, work up to eight, ten, then multi-day trips.  When you get to multiple days, I would strongly recommend not riding more than 300-350 miles per day.  Otherwise you'll get too tired to enjoy the trip.  Even on my one-day trips, I don't enjoy much of the ride past the 350-mile mark.  Usually I'm in "survive until I get home" mode by then.

+1 on the ear plugs. Even if you don't have aftermarket exhausts (aka a loud bike) the wind and other ambient noise gets to you after a while and does wear you down. Scotts very right on this one.

And a +1 to the 300-350 comment. By the tail end of that you're getting saddle sore no matter what

[Buckethead]

And a +1 to the 300-350 comment. By the tail end of that you're getting saddle sore no matter what

Which brings up another excellent point.

Underarmor and/or leather riding pants will help keep you from getting saddle sore as quickly.

[He Man]

gel seat prevents alot of saddle sore. i know my stock seat made me want to rip my butt cheeks off.

[duc996]

Six hours is a breeze man...the enjoyment you get from riding is so beautiful! Like someone here said,take breaks,hydrate and you're good to go.

[sbrguy]

wear cycling shorts as your underwear, the padding in the shorts makes it so that you don't need extra padding on the seat itself, makes a huge difference.

also +1 on the going with a buddy always good to have someone else around if you can swing it. also since monsters at best get around 50-55 mpg at highway speeds, you will have to stop every 1.5-2 hours anyway depending on speed to fuel up good time to get a bite or just get off the bike for a bit to stretch you will need it.

also the earplugs are essential, without them you are pretty much screwed, the wind noise will have your ears ringing in 1 hour even in a "quiet" full face helmet it.  everyone is right get some earplugs the disposible kind you buy for shooting work great.

[EvilSteve]

6 hours seems a lot when you start out because you haven't done it before but in reality, you can ride all day, cruising around nice roads with your friends, hitting some twisties and that's going to be more than 6 hours.

[Markus]

Yep, all good advice above. 6 hours goes by fast when you're having fun.

You might want to try some anti-itch powder for your rear if you're concerned about saddle sores or pressure spots. Riding leathers can be pretty unforgiving if you're out riding on a long, hot day and get sweaty. Gold Bond powder works really well:

[Desmostro]

+1 on all that. When you stop for the day, loose the bike shorts right away and get into some loose pants. Getsome really good undies or spare no expense bikeshorts you can rinse and dry overnight. The good ones breathe well dry really fast and don't get funky easily. The cheap ones you will hate very soon.

Castelli, or Hincappi I would recommend.   

Funny how much of this thread is about ass 

[faolan01]

+1 on the gold bond. I did a 3-day trip last summer and it definitely helps! you basically want to give your whole body a dusting with it before you get dressed, and especially any parts that get sweaty and/or chafed on long rides.

Moving around in the seat and periodically flexing and relaxing your arms/legs/butt while riding keeps the blood flowing and helps with the soreness on long rides.

Stop often to take pictures. gives you a chance to stretch and remember, pics or it never happened!

[Mike Qube]

wear cycling shorts as your underwear, the padding in the shorts makes it so that you don't need extra padding on the seat itself, makes a huge difference.

also +1 on the going with a buddy always good to have someone else around if you can swing it. also since monsters at best get around 50-55 mpg at highway speeds, you will have to stop every 1.5-2 hours anyway depending on speed to fuel up good time to get a bite or just get off the bike for a bit to stretch you will need it.

also the earplugs are essential, without them you are pretty much screwed, the wind noise will have your ears ringing in 1 hour even in a "quiet" full face helmet it.  everyone is right get some earplugs the disposible kind you buy for shooting work great.

+1 on the cycling shorts. I recently did a 12 hour/550 mile day and wasn't sore at the end.

[Raux]

try not to carry anything on you. no backpack, etc. let the bike be your mule.