Not in the same shape i used to be.

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by Camp, May 25, 2019.

  1. Camp

    Camp New Member

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    Today was a wake up call about how in shape you really have to be to do 5 plus hours on the bike. I drive a truck 11hours a night 6 nights a week but being on home time and spending the day on the bike kicked me. Point is I started making stupid mistakes. Called it quits. Know your limits.
     
  2. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    but at least you know.. Did 4 & 1/2 hrs yesterday & it was fairly tough... Had a 30 min nap & was fine after that - lol
     
  3. James Bond

    James Bond Member

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    Age has something to do with it BUT, that can be overcome with some core muscle strengthening and overall body strengthening. A healthy diet helps too along with a GOOD electrolyte like HEED. No, I don't sell HEED but it makes a difference. Gatorade is just sugar and salt and water isn't enough. Stay hydrated....it makes you get off the bike more which most people don't do enough. It's a fair assumption that if one doesn't intentionally do resistance training in a gym or the like, that muscle and core strength will deteriorate. I go to the gym a couple of times a week for only 30 minutes and it makes a night and day difference in both bicycling and VFR riding. My VFR riding is in twisties only so a lot of moving around on the bike is nearly constant. That's where the gym helps tremendously. It's just a reality for me and others I suspect. I still feel it but can still ride a long ways. I'm just know my limitations. There's no downside to staying in shape and eating healthy. FWIW.
     
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  4. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    I can't argue against what JB just said. Seldom is there a reason not to maintain your physical fitness other than medical issues and more likely lack of motivation to go to the gym. I grew up hating exercise, and really still do except for the bicycle. But I did start a regiment may years ago. A new officer arrived and he and I became very good friends. He was formerly a trainer at the YMCA. He got me motivated and even when he transferred to the complete opposite shift, I kept going on my own for a few years. But the theft of an expensive bike sort of took the wind out of my sails for the gym. Haven't been back since.

    So what am I getting at here?...… Oh yeah. Exercise is one thing but getting out on your ride is just as valuable. I have been out of the gym scene since around 2000 or somewhere around that. I can still ride many, many hours a day. 8 - 10 hours is not a big deal for me. I did complete a Iron Butt Challenge in 2014. That is 1000 miles in 24 hours. I don't know if I would be able to do that now. I am 64 years old.

    What is important is to ride is often as you can. Build up the stamina. Get off the bike and do a little walk about when refueling. And if you can muster the will, get to the gym. Find a partner to go with. This makes a huge difference. Just keep riding.
     
    Last edited: May 26, 2019
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  5. Camp

    Camp New Member

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    Agreed on exercise however there's not much you can do as a full time OTR driver. Keeps me a pretty tight schedule. Big down side is going home only a couple times a year so I try to make the most of it.
     
  6. James Bond

    James Bond Member

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    Amen, Randy. Just riding the bike is good exercise if done enough. I would like to do an Iron Butt. I need to look around for one near me that takes place when my work cycle is good. That could be fun I think. Is there a place that has IronButt schedules and places? Thanks, JB
     
  7. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    Iron Butt Challenges are not necessarily an identified route. If you log into the Iron Butt Association, you should be able to find a Q &A that can explain. The basic IB challenge is to do the miles on any roadway so long as you keep a record via gas receipts and so on. My challenge was met when I tried for another which I did not complete, however did complete the "1000 mile Butt burner" or something like that. There are a few here who have accomplished one or two of these challenges for recognition by IBA. I have done a few of them only one recognized.

    And here is a good place to start for information. I did not do any of the rallies, I did one of their challenges. https://www.ironbutt.org/
     
    Last edited: May 26, 2019
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  8. JIMLARCH

    JIMLARCH New Member

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    Could have written this myself. Nothing to disagree on. For many years I rode without knowing the benefits of hydration. I can remember many times riding long distances and wondering why my suspension felt so harsh it was giving me a headache. Hydrating “cured” the headaches. The last long ride I had a few years ago was 1400 kilometres in a day. Took me 13 hours. Just stopped for gas, occasional bite, and a small bottle of water. Didn’t feel at all tired when I got home, and didn’t ache next day. I swear hydrating and exercise will get you through a long ride provided you don’t have physical health issues
     
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  9. VFR4Lee

    VFR4Lee Member

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    I need some kind of exercise program apparently.
    115 miles today with Rock Inn breakfast in the middle, and I am kind of tired and sore.
    Mowing the lawn takes about 2 hours and brings same result.
    Nobody told me rigor mortis starts while you are still alive. Oh, fak. :Ballchain:
     
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  10. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    Get a faster lawn mower
     
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  11. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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  12. James Bond

    James Bond Member

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    Maybe a faster bike too. Better yet, just move around more with resistance...i.e. a gym. 30 mins. twice a week does wonders.
     
  13. VFR4Lee

    VFR4Lee Member

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    LOL. The lawn mower goes as fast or as slow as I push it.
    I think I need stretches.
     
  14. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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    Pshaw, I'm in shape...round is a shape.
     
  15. James Bond

    James Bond Member

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    There's just nothing more to add to this reply. In summary, use it or lose it. Watching TV all the time won't help in riding a VFR or anything else that's done outside for long. First world society has morphed into obesity and a sedentary life style. There's a high price to pay for that...some day.
     
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  16. Big_Jim59

    Big_Jim59 Member

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    I still do the occasional long distance ride even though my strength and stamina are not at their peak. For me, I stop every 75 miles. I carry a thermos and get a drink, pee if necessary, walk around a bit, stretch and maybe have a snack cracker or two. It dosen't take long but it sure makes a different. If I push it and don't stop I will regret it.
     
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  17. James Bond

    James Bond Member

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    Try using something like "Heed". It's an electrolyte/ carb. drink used by endurance athletes. Carb gels help keep your alertness and energy up as well. When you get home, use a recovery drink which has both carbs and protein in it. I use "Hammer" stuff because it works and it's good for what it's made for. I use it when bicycling long distances which I plan to do tomorrow. It makes the difference in being able to do it or not and recovering quickly or not and, no, they don't pay me. Cross training is always good for any kind of activity requiring muscle, endurance, and alertness.....as in motorcycles. FWIW.
     
  18. Blackslide

    Blackslide New Member

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    Doing about 900km or 560mi in one day for transportation purposes, in a hurry. Is the most I've done on mine. A few times. Only mandatory refuelling and a few pee breaks, at a bus stop. And it does bite you, for the next few days...if you're lucky to get to your destination, that is.

    Just sitting on the bike for hours and hours, riding along, gets boring fast, even on the backroads, not to mention the highways.

    So take the occasional detour, take some time for extra stops and keep drinking, it will make the day, and next days, way easier. + It's waay more fun to explore new roads, service stations, cafes and stuff.

    Riding on the storm
     
  19. James Bond

    James Bond Member

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    Try riding 425 miles in a day in nothing but Smoky Mountain twistys 2 or 3 days in a row. Inarguably, some of the most challenging country in the country. I'm going to do it again this Fall. It will make me tire and hurt but so what. It's fun.
     
  20. VFR4Lee

    VFR4Lee Member

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    I doubt I could do 425 miles in 1 day at this point. My hands can't take it anymore. They start to ache in the first half hour. Applying some CBD cream helps. But nothing eliminates the pain, it just has to be managed, and dealt with. :cigar:
     
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