How to ride long distance
The loneliness of the long-distance rider #motorbike #drivetribe #visordown
RIDING long distances on a bike isn't for everyone. Plenty of us are content with using bikes for short blasts on a weekend, trackdays, and the odd longer ride in the summer. On the other hand, the rise of the adventure rider shows that lots of folk like nothing more than piling on the miles day after day.
So if you're looking to develop one of those iron butts, or have your first mega ride ahead of you, here's our selection of top tips for marvellous mega-mile munching…
1 Plan
If you've never ridden 500 miles in a day before, it's worth building up rather than just diving in at the deep end. Consider dragging a mate along – it's more fun than on your own. And if you're thinking about taking a pillion, they need to do some training too. A thousand-mile day on the back of a bike is most folk's idea of hell, so they'll need to be tough.
2 Bike choice
It’s true to say that people have done massive tours on all sorts of bikes. Nick Sanders famously took the first Yamaha R1 round the world, and people regularly do Land's End to John O'Groats on 50cc mopeds. But the right bike can make life much easier. We're not saying everyone needs a Gold Wing to do more than 50 miles a day, but a sport-tourer or adventure bike will generally be better than a naked bike. A bit of wind and weather protection will let you stay in the saddle longer before you get weary, and a relaxed, comfy riding position will improve your mood too.
3 Bike mods/kit
A taller screen may improve the air flow over your head, heated grips will keep your digits toasty, and stuff like a sat-nav, intercom and music/radio helps pass the hours. If you're really keen, stuff like gel-seat pads or inflatable cushions will give your arse an easier time.
Obviously, make sure your tyres, chain, brakes and service intervals can cope with your planned trip. There's not much point heading out on a 3k ride to Bulgaria and back if your tyres only have a thousand miles of tread left and your chain is on the last adjustment notch. If you're going to be travelling far enough to need a new tyre, make sure they'll be available where you're going. Shipping tyres and parts out in advance may make sense.In terms of riding gear, you need to be warm if it's cold and cool if it's hot, so plan accordingly. If you'll be riding in day and night, a helmet with a built-in sun visor makes a lot of sense.
In terms of riding gear, you need to be warm if it's cold and cool if it's hot, so plan accordingly. If you'll be riding in day and night, a helmet with a built-in sun visor makes a lot of sense.
Find out the other tips here: bit.ly/2tW6Iz2
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