10 Tips On Bagging The Miles
I’ve been known to put some miles on my bike. Often, people who are planning to take a trip ask me what I do before and during my rides to ensure smooth and safe roadway sailing during a trip. Everyone has their own routines, their pet peeves and wants and needs—some of which are more important than others. Everyone has their own riding “style,” but to keep highway hassles to a minimum, here’s a list of things I’ve been told and have learned the hard way:
- Set realistic mileage goals, but if you get tired call it a day. Don’t be a hero! It’s better to fall asleep in a bed than on your bike while it’s rolling down the highway.
- Put as many miles on early in the day as you can. Beat the heat!
- Ride hungry. A big breakfast will make you lethargic and drowsy. Have a granola or protein bar then pig out at the buffet later after you’re done riding for the day.
- Stay hydrated and carry a bottle of water with you! Even warm water is better than no water.
- Use heavy duty sun screen or wear a long sleeve shirt with a button down collar to avoid sunburns.
- Chew gum. It’ll keep your mouth and throat moist and it helps keep you awake.
- Don’t pack anything you don’t really need. An extra pair of dry socks is better than a hair dryer. Keep your meds in a clear plastic bag. Put your camera on top so you can get to it easily.
- At gas stops, take some time and stretch the legs and walk around. It’s better than getting cramps or clots. Plus it will build your appetite for that buffet later.
- Go with the traffic flow or find a spot where your riding skills let you feel comfortable.
- Be nice to truckers! Ride where they can see you. If they pass you signal them when they are safely past you. They appreciate it and it’s safer for you.
These are some of my travel tips. Pass along some of yours. The biggest tip is to Ride Safely!
12/08/2008 at 12:54 pm Permalink
# 11. Wear ear plugs. You will be amazed how much fresher you will feel at the end of a ride. This goes no matter wether you run nasty loud drag pipes or whisper quiet stock mufflers. The reduction in wind noise alone will “make your day” !
JKE
12/08/2008 at 12:56 pm Permalink
#12 Properly inflate your tires.
12/08/2008 at 1:04 pm Permalink
I need to wear glasses to ride.
I have had prescription goggles made- my first pair were made 30 years ago-they were Stadium googles and VERY heavy. The technology has only gotten better. my current pair are very light, bifocal and also photo gray. They really help keep the eyes from getting tired as well as protect them from grit etc..
12/08/2008 at 4:20 pm Permalink
Same here, I have to wear prescription glasses as well. I just ordered a new set here http://www.sportrx.com/order.asp?product_id=B013
12/08/2008 at 4:27 pm Permalink
My tip would be to travel with a friend. Riding with a friend or with a group can make the trip not only more enjoyable, but much safer.
12/08/2008 at 7:46 pm Permalink
Stop and read historic markers. You’d be surprised about some of the history that you’re otherwise rolling right by! I also keep a tube of chapstick in my riding jacket pocket; the dry Southwest air can be brutle.
13/08/2008 at 5:35 am Permalink
I’d recommend getting a quality GPS system for you bike. I’ve got a Garmin Zumo 550 and love it. I know not everyone can afford one or is tech savvy enough to use one, but if you can manage to purchase one, you won’t regret it.
13/08/2008 at 5:49 am Permalink
I should have mentioned this earlier…
I carry and use eye drops often, and I keep my stuff dry in my saddlebags by using trash compactor bags as waterproof storage.
Crazy Idea: (if you can afford it) SHIP your bike somewhere and ride it back! We all tend to ride to locations of a certain distance from base camp. This allows you to stretch that distance a little and go places you might otherwise not consider.
13/08/2008 at 6:27 am Permalink
#19 In addition to road rash protection full coverage garments will keep your body from becoming dehydrated due to the effects of the wind .
JKE
13/08/2008 at 6:29 am Permalink
Sam, you’re clairvoyant! This is the topic of the article titled Road Less Traveled coming up in the November issue. I talked to high-mile riders like David Willett who offered their insights on the subject. I’d be glad for further input about this after you all read what they had to say. The article also includes some great resources on places to ride - another topic that IW bloggers could opt in on.
13/08/2008 at 6:35 am Permalink
And Mike, that’s not such a crazy idea. I just checked out a new service called Uship, an online marketplace for shipping services where you can post what you need to move - your bike, for instance - and service providers come back with costs and turnaround times. Like other online services, you can get more info about individual bidders, some history about them, and ratings of their service. Learn more at uship.com.
14/08/2008 at 5:23 am Permalink
I have a few places I could mention. Should we just comment on them here or will there be a place designated for places to ride?
We will be doing a list of places to ride to in the near future - Snakebit Sam