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Trip Tips 2002
An informative article on riding and the effect of fatigue! International Travel Tips and Help
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2005 (June through December) Thursday, June 2 For Bev who has a trip coming up with lots of mountain riding: I ride a 2003 Suzuki Volusia (800cc) up in the mountains here where I live in So. California. I live at 3500 ft elevation, and the mountains we ride in go up to 8500+ feet in elevation. My bike doesn't have fuel injection either, so when I first started riding up in the higher elevations it would backfire a lot. But as I have ridden more, I have learned how to throttle better, and if I never fully let off the throttle it hardly every backfires, so that is my advice! I have also learned to ride in the right gears for the incline and that helps to eliminate the backfiring as well. In the beginning I was upshifting and downshifting all over, but now I am learning how to manage my gears better. Good luck and happy riding! The best rides are in the mountains! Dana V. in Apple Valley, CA (note from Mama: it's true that a steadier hand on the throttle will make a difference when negotiating up and down altitudes. Let's remember that one cause of backfire is more gas entering the carb in relationship to air, and in higher altitudes, that's much easier. First you have thinner air and second, if you're in too high a gear and compensating with the throttle, you're adding a lot more gas than usual. Ugh. Still, as you note, pay attention to the details and it will all iron out!) Sunday, June 5 For Amy who seat is not comfortable on longer rides and may be setting up UTIs: My friend and I attended the Thunder Run Rally Day at Bull Run Park, Manassas, VA. The first vendor we came across was Brooklyn Butt Buffer. The vendor had a motorcycle seat set up with a pad over the top and asked my friend to sit on it and bounce around. We thought he was joking and attempting to get a boob bouncing show. After a few seconds of bouncing and twisting, he asked her to stand up. Under the seat cover was a handful of metal U-clips, completely undetectable under his amazing gel seat cover. We were so impressed we bought three. I also have a Sportster with a stock seat and the gel pad is amazing! I took it on a 200 mile ride on Sunday and was totally comfortable. His prices are extremely reasonable and the product is really amazing. Hope this helps. Denise (note from Mama: looks divine and the bounce test was ingenious . . . the pads come in different colors and I love Phil and Rosie's motto: "Our Polymer Cushions = Happy Heinies") Wednesday, June 22 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Amy, You might also hop onto the Road Runner Motorcycling site . . . this is a magazine, but there are a number of links of "tours" that people like and are noted. This might give you some ideas. You also might want to quickly order some back issues for destination areas that appeal to you. Why not join one of the women's motorcycle organizations (check my Women's Sites page) . . . then, as a member, you could contact regional coordinators in advance and meet people along the way! Sure, you could do this without joining, but I think doors would be more open if you were a member-sister. Don't forget to read my Trip Tips page and my Tips/Precheck page for previous postings on all sorts of interesting points that will help you organize your gear, etc. Hope this helps you get started . . . it sounds just awesome! Mama Tuesday, June 28 Dear
VTwin Mama, I am so excited for my trip, but at the same time sad as I will miss you at the WITW Summer Nationals in Atlantic City. Have a great time there, they're wonderful gals! (thanks!) Hope you're settling in well in your new home and enjoying your beautiful bumblebee! BTW, any BMW quirks? I'll be picking up a Montauk in about two weeks! Ride Safe! Jennifer in Wisconsin Dear
Jennifer, No quirks on the BMW . . . although I'd definitely check your downshifting ratios . . . on my friend Cindy's 1986 750 there was a nasty change from third to second that would have thrown me if I hadn't put some riding time in and discovered it! Other than that, the quirk of shaft drive bikes has that little left kick when revving in neutral that's weird if you're not expecting it. I haven't been on Bumblebee since moving because I've had so much to do just to get the basic household running and the office set up . . . but hope to do some riding this weekend, despite it being a heavily traveled holiday weekend! Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, My husband and I rode Rte. 6 up in northern PA this weekend. Went out to Wellsboro and were going to the "Grand Canyon" of PA. The ride was fantastic. We put on over 250 miles getting there. Made several stops along the way to stretch, rest and get refreshments. Not bad. The ride is an easy 40-55 mph two lane highway that stretches and curves on and on. Hardly any traffic and very relaxing. We hadn't made reservations for a place to stay, so when we arrived in Wellsboro, after an eight hour ride we couldn't find a place. (note: make reservations) Pulling into a driveway of a motel, my hubby leading, he decides to stop to let pedestrians cross the driveway. I guess I was following a little too closely because he stopped then started and then completely stopped. I did the same except the second "stop" for me didn't happen and I plowed into his rear. The coordination from my head to my throttle hand was not working since I was too tired. First mistake! Then I accidentally pushed the throttle more and kept going into him. Second mistake. I watched in what seemed slow motion as he went over on his left side and then it was my turn. Oooops! Over I went and the bike (Silver Wing) went spinning on it's side into the street with me. Well, to make a long story short, we were fortunate and weren't hurt. I was mostly embarrassed lying there on my side and thinking that I shouldn't have pushed myself to exhaustion. We did manage to find a place for the night and did get to see the Grand Canyon that same late afternoon. I figured I should just get back on (after a rest of course) and face the fear of "carelessness" on my part. From now on I will make sure I am well rested, well fed, and feeling good about riding before doing something as unnecessary as that again. I will try to remember my true belief of "Ride your own ride" and be safe. Thanks for letting me share this nightmare with you and everyone. By the way, our ride home the next day was so much more relaxing and enjoyable. I recommend Rte. 6 to anyone who lives near this area and gets the great opportunity to see some really pretty scenery. Safe riding everyone! Marie, aka Scootergal Dear
Marie, Each rider has different limits . . . and on my Harley I found that 300 miles a day was the most I really wanted to do, while on the newer BMW, I can easily stretch that to 450 miles a day, with proper rest stops along the way. I've talked with some women riders who can easily do 600+ miles on a big touring bike, day after day. Not me! Yup, it's one thing to say "ride your own ride," and another to fully practice what you know to be true. A great wake-up call to everyone reading this! Thanks for sharing your ordeal . . . it's important stuff to remember! Mama Wednesday, August 10 For Marie who wrote in about an oopsie she had while riding when too tired: First, let me say that I also found out the hard way that motorcycling takes much focus, and that trying to reach beyond your limits may be hazardous to your health. I've been down twice with my Honda VLX600. The first time was because I had just received some serious family health news that caused me to lose focus for just that split second needed for that bike to "bite" me. For days afterward I kept telling myself "you should not have been out there!" The second time I was riding the back roads, which they had recently resurfaced with that annoying and patchy oil/shale mixture. Well, not only was that distracting and unnerving, but it was tiring as well. So, instead of getting off the bike when I should have, partly due to the stubborn genes I've inherited, I continued to ride and before I knew it I was you-know-what over tin cups in a curve - a curve I've ridden so many times before but for this split second just simply forgot how to negotiate. So after some road rashes, sore muscles, cracked ribs - I'm also wondering if I'll be able to get back on that "monster." Somehow I know I will and perhaps, actually for sure, I'll take my own advice and stay attentive and alert at all times while riding. "Never get too comfortable and stay on your toes" is what I try to tell myself any time I go out. And I will not go out if I'm not feeling well, haven taken ANY medication that may cause drowsiness, or if I have something serious on my mind that I cannot let go for a while. So I may be off to the parking lots for a while, just to get my nerve back up, and of course to practice, practice, practice. And I'm staying away from those resurfaced back roads too! By the way, since I'm in PA also I may just have to check out the Rt 6 route you pointed out. Sounds wonderful and right up my alley for a cruise. Shiny side up to all! Kris, aka Lawls VLX (note from Mama: so, it's a two-fer lesson . . . but in sharing your experiences you'll help other readers who also have that stubborn gene understand the very real consequences of inattentive riding. Heal fast and get some short practice rides on the beastie and you should be back in good riding form. You're a brave sister for sharing!) Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Don and Sue, Tuesday, August 30 For Don and Sue looking for hints about the Blue Ridge Parkway ride: I rode the BRP last year, and the main thing I'd note is that the opportunities to buy gas can be few and far between on some stretches. Don and Sue should be sure to note ahead of time where they plan to fuel up, and then stick with the schedule. A MSR quart-sized fuel canister with extra gas would not be out of line, either. I hope they plan to be there during the color change. The area is just spectacular! Marina (note from Mama: thanks for the tip!) Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Kathy, For Kathy H. who is headed for the Bear Mountain, NY area and needs some tips: It's me, annieb! My little Suzuki GZ250 and I have shared 1,500 miles now, and we have shared many with my husband Michael (formerly Attila the Husband). Our stomping grounds are the Palisades Parkway and Bear Mountain, although we usually end up going there a different way. Here is what Kathy H has to look forward to: The Palisades is a beautiful 2 lane road, the landscaping is great and no commercial vehicles are allowed. There are some hills, and a lot of curves, but not really twisty scary ones. There are only a few really steep hills on your ride up, but only one that I can recall is enough to slow cars down and invite some downshifting - even if you are in a car. I have not approached the park through the entrance described on the website for the ride, but there are parts of that park with Very Scary Twisty Curves. I still take them at 35-40 max, but I am still a newbie as far as I am concerned. They are not terribly steep though. As long as you are not crossing the Bear Mountain Bridge - and it didn't seem like you would be - then your ride is not going to be more than even I could handle. (I don't even like the mountain after that bridge in a car!) The main reason I moved to this one-horse town (aka Rockland County) was the beauty of the Palisades Parkway - I figured out a place with a parkway that gorgeous had to be a great place to live. Enjoy your ride Kathy - maybe I'll see you out there! Love, Annie B. (note from Mama: how great to hear from you again and glad to know that you continue working on your riding skills. Thanks for sharing some insights into the area!) Wednesday, September 21 For Annieb who offered input on riding the Bear Mountain area: Thank you Annieb. Very much appreciate your knowledge of Bear Mountain. Just a note, I just sold my GZ250 last night. I loved that little bike too and helped me gain confidence for my Sporty! Once I got on my Sportster I just never got back on it. But it went to good parents. Hope to see you there. I will look for the GZ. Kathy H. (note from Mama: glad someone reading this site was able to help out a bit!) Dear
VTwin Mama, It was one group of biking males that harassed me relentlessly and didn't want to take no for an answer that i wasn't interested in partying with them. I tried explaining that we were there to see the bikes and the vendors and enjoy the camaraderie of other bikers. I was so disgusted by the male machismo and harassment from this one group that I changed my entire plans and came home early rather than spending the night in the cabin we had rented. I really assumed that my daughter and I would be safe but we didn't feel that way. I am writing a letter to ABATE on this subject as well. It is a real shame that men who are supposed to be our biker brothers think that they can humiliate us and treat us with such disrespect. Do I not have a right to enjoy biking rallies without harassment from men with small brains an even smaller errrr . . . ? Well you get the idea. If ABATE is interested in attracting women into their organization, then they need to take huge vocal steps in stopping sexual harassment. Pissed Off Purple Pony Gal Dear Purple
Pony Gal, I'm glad you'll be letting ABATE know about your experience at one of their rallies. I'm just not sure that they can control how anybody, man or woman, conducts themselves. My thought is this: was there some sort of rally organizing group on site? These would be the people who handled registration, coordinated events, etc. Something like the host/hostess for camping sites (who are tasked with handling camping complaints). At camping sites, these people are clearly identified, but at the rally, that may not be the case. For future events, should you decide to attend another one, it might be useful to identify these people when you arrive and ask who you should go to if you need an official to intervene on your behalf. As I do not have children, I am not going to venture an opinion on whether rallies are considered a family-oriented event. Readers, if you're going to chime in with opinions on this specific point, please make sure they are well thought out and offer insightful information. Mama For Purple Pony Gal who had a horrible rally experience with her young daughter: I will definitely be watching to see what sort of response you get from ABATE. Im assuming you are speaking of the big ABATE rally held annually at Lake Perry in Kansas. I have lived in the area my entire life and have always heard that this is a wild rally and to not go anywhere near the area when it is going on. I also have not attended since I started riding motorcycles. How sad that your plans with your daughter had to be ruined in this way. I attended Sturgis last year, and then attended the BBandB Rally in Fayetteville, AR this year. In my opinion the rally in Fayetteville is much more family-oriented, and if we had young children would not hesitate to take them! There were lots and lots of motorcycles and we had a good time. Please keep us all updated on any response you get from ABATE. Kansas Gal (note from Mama: hmmmm . . . makes me wonder if one can contact rally coordinators in advance and get their thoughts about the "wild" level. Readers, what other ways do you think someone could find out if a rally is more family-oriented?) Thursday, October 6 More for Purple Pony Gal who had a horrible rally experience with her young daughter: In my
experience, motorcycle shows are family oriented, but rallies and
runs are for bikers and unless it is put on by a family group (such as our
Southern Cruisers) with an open invite for family members, probably not a good
idea to take children to. My husband
and I have been attending the Oyster Run in This run is
a one-day deal and in a small town over 80 miles from Check out
motorcycle shows in your area. These are usually sponsored by the
various dealerships in the area. Ours happens in Friday, October 7 For Kansas Gal who offered rally thoughts and whether they are family-oriented: Thanks so much for your input, but it was an ABATE rally actually in Oklahoma. If what you say is true I am so glad I didn't go to the Kansas ABATE rally. I appreciate your support and will more than likely skip anything ABATE related in the future. For my family and I, motorcycles are a huge part of our lives and we almost always include our children which consist of a 15 year boy an a four year girl. I went to Sturgis this year to check it out, was a first for me and see no reason not to take my kids next year. My son rides as am sure my daughter will when she gets old enough. I would consider it a shame to keep them away from all the great bikes and activities going on that are family oriented and feel competent enough to shield them as a parent, should the need arise. What part of Kansas are you from?? It is such a small world, Petra's (VTwin Mama) hometown is Junction City. I see few women riders in this area and in my small town I am viewed as a novel eccentricity buzzing up an down the roads in my purple camouflage riding gear!! Purple Pony Gal (note from Mama: my own experience at Sturgis was this . . . I limited my town visits to daytime as too many riders were drinking throughout the day and then riding at night, so while I was being a "good girl," others could cause problems on the road for me, and who needs that?! I also realized that there was a greater chance that something could get out of hand quickly at night. As a single gal, and traveling by myself most of the time, I keep these things in mind.) Friday, November 4 Fatigue and the Effect on Riding Ability VTwin
Mama here! http://members.cox.net/bmw-ldrider/Fatigue.pdf Dear
VTwin Mama, I am a new motorcyclist. Hubby and I have had our bikes about three weeks now. Might I mention Hubby has more experience riding than myself. I am new new. We both have Honda Shadow Aero 750s. Sunday we went out on a long ride through the central hill country of Texas. We left at 9a.m. and returned at 5:45p.m. We did many stops to rest, to eat, and for gas but they were not long stops. I was so fatigued when we got home I didn't know if I could make it off the bike. I do believe those are just uncomfortable seats to be sitting on for very long. Now it was more than "saddle sore" for me. Seemed like all my muscles were so tired and I was so sore the next day. My question . . . is this going to get better with time or am I to expect this when we go on long rides. We were wanting to take a trip to Alabama for Thanksgiving to see our family but I am definitely having second and third thoughts on that subject. We have looked at some replacements seats on the web but they aren't cheap by any means. These seats look like they would be comfortable but believe me, it felt like I had been sitting in a horse saddle all day long. Again, it wasn't all saddle soreness but total soreness. I hope I can build up my stamina and won't have to worry so much about being so tired after a few hours riding. We kept ourselves hydrated and it was a beautiful day for riding. Again, I just love this website. I wonder how you make the time for riding and tend to this site as well as you do. There is so much information here and it is about questions I am interested in. Thanks again Mama! Nikki from Dallas, Texas Dear
Nikki, I'm thinking that part of your overall fatigue is part and parcel of the very fact that you ARE a new rider. Your muscles are not yet used to holding what is really a fairly static position. I truly believe you'll find that over time this will lessen in intensity. In addition, while an experienced rider doesn't have to pre-think many basic maneuvers (traffic, turns, stops, etc.), you're mentally reviewing every single thing you need to do in order to successfully handle a wide variety of situations. This is normal and will take many more miles of riding before things shift to a more subconscious level of thinking where responses to what needs to be done is automatic. Yes, mental fatigue will affect the physical as well! Certainly the overall set-up of a bike, and the comfort and lack thereof, becomes more apparent on a longer haul. Still, over the years that I have ridden, I find that there is always a "break in" period of my butt and neck. Since you are just starting out, and hubby dearest hasn't been on a bike for some time, I'd give this a little bit more time as well. If you would like to do something short of changing out seats, but gain some comfort, check in a gel seat pad by typing in "motorcycle gel seat pad" in a search engine. Just be aware that this will raise your overall profile in the seat and affect your leg reach to the ground, etc. which may or may not be of concern. I'll also add that sometimes what translates to a sore butt can be caused by something else in your body position that is not quite perfect. So, sit on your bikes off the sidestand. Check your arm position. Are you reaching for your controls? This could be causing your shoulders to hunch and your back to curve. The addition of a pullback riser would bring those handlebars into better position for you and realign your body and butt seating position. Now, the reason that people add highway pegs, or engine guards with pegs incorporated, is so that on longer hauls you have at least two body positions to ride in, allowing you to shift every once in awhile! Some riders find that by adding full floorboards or mini ISO Wings provides more foot support, which leads to more comfort. In regard to your hopes for the trip to Alabama in two weeks, it's simple. How many miles did you do on that long ride? How many miles will it be to Alabama? How many days do you have allocated to the ride to your destination and then back? Do the calculations and then trust your gut instinct on this. Also, what if you run into a bad weather day? Trust me on this, riding 200 miles in pouring rain is as fatiguing as doing 500 miles in clear weather! If you encounter a high wind day/period, it will also need to be factored in. These considerations should not be taken lightly. I appreciate that you recognize the amount of time that has been poured into the creation and upkeep of this site! VTwin Mama will be 5 years old on January 29, 2006 and I estimate that there are 6,000 questions, responses and observation posted, as well as all the other information gathered over time. My day starts out with VTwin Mama and I usually spend between 3-4 hours a day with it. Although the site does generate enough money to pay the basic costs, it's not enough to draw a salary, so then my day proceeds to paying work from my freelance writing clients. The saving grace is that as a freelancer, everything is handled from my home office, so there is no commute and I can work in my underwear if I want! Throw in handling the house, spending time with the dogs, and doing things with family and friends, yes, it's a miracle I ride at all! As with everything in life, it's simply a matter of priorities and sometimes I have to make due with a 300 mile ride in a day and then the bike sits for a week Sometimes I do routine tasks on the bike to get my ya-yas out! Hee, hee, and sometimes I just "disappear" for a day or two when I simply can't look at the computer any more! Ditto for the bike . . . sometimes it's more important to take the dogs to the beach than ride. You'll find that the life balance becomes an interesting challenge, but the call of a beautiful day allows house cleaning to take a back seat, or is that the pillion seat?!?!?! Mama Thursday, November 10 For Nikki who is a newer rider and is fatiguing on her longer rides: In addition to all mentioned by VTwin Mama herself, I would like to add that you may have to condition yourself to longer rides. I used to worry about that too (will I ever be able to...?). Even with a comfortable seat/position/bike/etc., I couldn't go for long at first. When I surpassed my limit, I would get sloppy and rubbery with my control of the bike. The stress of being new didn't help either. Stops, turns, shifting, timing, alertness, all that was affected. The more you ride, time after time, longer and longer at a time, that subsides. Now, if I get very fatigued, the obvious things help, like having a cup of coffee, etc., etc., but the best thing by far has been to take a LONGER BREAK. I wouldn't have thought so, but I find that works wonders. Linda C. (note from Mama: aha, getting more blood flow from a longer break and shaking out those muscles! I'm finding lately that I like fewer breaks but longer ones, but the bottom line folks is that if you're tired, it's time to stop! Immediately!) What a long ride for a new new rider! I've only been riding my bike for seven months, and just now can feel that "floating feeling" while riding. I did get a nice Corbin seat, and pullback risers, it all helped, but I discovered the main reason I was coming home sore was because of the "death grip syndrome!" Now I naturally relax on the bike, but for a long time was not. I kept checking my arms, legs, butt, neck etc. while riding to see if they were stiff, and usually, they were. Relaxing your muscles sure helps, along with experience and practice. Penney from Iowa (note from Mama: aha double! I forgot the pesky death grip and have to admit that in rough weather, I find myself taking a tighter grip as well, which just heightens body tension. Yucko!) More for Nikki who is a newer rider and was getting sore after a ride: It does get better. Last March I started riding my 800 Suzuki 15 miles to work and 15 back every day. There are 21 stops or lights and one mile of gravel each way. I am 5' 3 and no leg to spare. I was so sore everywhere. I thought I was too old and not in good enough shape for this. I do have back and arthritis trouble. I do manual labor and thought I was fairly fit. The traffic was so scary that I stayed tensed up and still have to remind myself to loosen up and unlock my jaw and throttle hand. After 2,500 miles it is much better. The mental fatigue is better because my responses are almost automatic and I am better at staying focused on potential trouble. I still have to discipline myself to stay in the moment and not drift off for even a few seconds. I know I have a long way to go but I want to say to the ladies out there is will get better. Thank you Mama and Happy Holidays to all. Patricia in Florida (note from Mama: so she's not alone! Yesterday I rode a total of 4.5 hours and found myself body weary from head to tippy toes . . . it was a high wind day and it took more muscles (handlebar grip) and brain power not to get pushed off the road and those little extra gusts are enough to get the heart pounding. So even an experienced rider is going to have days when riding is a challenge!) Monday, November 28 To Patricia who offered Nikki "me too" thoughts about getting sore when riding: Thanks for the encouragement. When I read about you tensing your jaw . . . that is exactly like me. When I ride, from point A to point B, I have a click in my jaw because I have clenched it the whole way. We haven't had a chance to ride much in the past few weeks because of the weather. We did not take that trip to Alabama on the bikes because we both realized we just were not ready physically nor were the seats comfortable enough. We are going to purchase some "Mustang" seats eventually . . . sent for the brochure. We took the vehicle to Alabama and the whole way I was looking at the road and saying to myself, "Slow, Look, Lean & Roll." I know there will come a time when we do make that journey . . . just not yet. Thanks Patricia for your input. I know I will eventually get there. Mama, we ALL LOVE THIS SITE! I would like to meet you one day. Where again are the posts on where you will be appearing? Do you ever come to the Dallas area? Keep up the wonderful site! I come here every day because I have already read everything archived here. Waiting for all the new info appearing that is so helpful! Thanks again Patricia and Mama! Nicky (note from Mama: you're sounding very VTwin Mama sister smart about your adventure in riding! Here's my Meet VTwin Mama page . . . I'll note that I added more links to this on more pages so it can be found . . . you'll see I'm just doing local runs right now and will be at the AMA Women's Conference in June 2006 down in Athens, GA with a booth. My budget at this time isn't allowing for more travels . . it's sort of a "let's check the bank account and see! Glad you're enjoying your visits to the VTwin Mama site!) Note from Mama on this posting: Dr. I. had written in letting me know he and his wife really like my site, and when I realized he was an actual doctor, I asked if he would share thoughts on health and riding. Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Dr. Ian, Friday, December 30 In response to Dr. Ian's email about proper hydration while riding: Im glad you mentioned the Camelbak as a way to stay hydrated on the road. Ive had one for years and it is an absolute addition to my riding must-haves." The night before a ride, I fill it halfway with cold water and pop it into the fridge. The next day, just before hitting the road, I add ice till its full, sling it on my back and off we go! The H2O is accessed by a tube that hangs over your shoulder. You just put the end of the tube in your mouth, bite down and suck. Ive also found it to be a handy way to cool the outside of me, as well. I just pinch the end of the tube with my fingers, give the Camelbak a squeeze, and I have my own personal ice water spritz! Great for wetting down the shirt and/or bandana. The ice water in the Camelbak keeps my back cool, too . . . although staying cool isnt such a big deal right now . . . (well, our riding friends down under are in the middle of their summer right now!) The only teeeeeny negative to the Camelbak that I can think of is that when wearing it, I have a slightly disturbing resemblance to Quasimodo on two wheels. Oh well, if anyone dares to mention that, Ill just squirt em in the eye! Laurie (note from Mama: geez, I never thought about the cooling affect on one's backside! Thanks for pointing out all the versatile uses . . . planned and impromptu!) |
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