Episode 87: The Art of Long-Distance Motorcycle Comfort
Episode 87: The Art of Long-Distance Motorcycle Comfort
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Today we're tackling a topic that's near and dear to every rider's heart, or maybe I should say, near and dear to every rider's butt – a long and comfortable ride! That’s right, there is such a thing as a long AND comfortable ride! So what does staying comfortable have to do with Peace and Love that we so often talk about on this podcast? Well, if you’re feeling miserable when you’re out for a ride, it’s very unlikely that you’re going to find your Zen mindset of Peace of Mind, nor will you be in the mood to spread love to your fellow humans. That may be a stretch, but yeah I think it fits today's topic.
Today we're tackling a topic that's near and dear to every rider's heart, or maybe I should say, near and dear to every rider's butt – a long and comfortable ride! That’s right, there is such a thing as a long AND comfortable ride! So what does staying comfortable have to do with Peace and Love that we so often talk about on this podcast? Well, if you’re feeling miserable when you’re out for a ride, it’s very unlikely that you’re going to find your Zen mindset of Peace of Mind, nor will you be in the mood to spread love to your fellow humans. That may be a stretch, but yeah I think it fits today's topic.
Why would we want to ride all day in the first place? Well that’s an easy question to answer, right? It’s because we love to ride! Riding makes us happy! It’s in the saddle where some of us do find the ever elusive peace of mind, the primary topic of this podcast. So let’s move on from the fact that we ride all day because we love it.
Why would we want to ride all day in the first place? Well that’s an easy question to answer, right? It’s because we love to ride! Riding makes us happy! It’s in the saddle where some of us do find the ever elusive peace of mind, the primary topic of this podcast. So let’s move on from the fact that we ride all day because we love it.
So whether you're planning a cross-country adventure or just want to extend your weekend trips, staying comfortable in the saddle is key to enjoying the ride. So, buckle up (metaphorically, of course!), because we're about to dive into some pro tips and tricks to help you achieve iron-butt bliss! Or put another way, how to ride all day and keep smiling. Stay tuned!
So whether you're planning a cross-country adventure or just want to extend your weekend trips, staying comfortable in the saddle is key to enjoying the ride. So, buckle up (metaphorically, of course!), because we're about to dive into some pro tips and tricks to help you achieve iron-butt bliss! Or put another way, how to ride all day and keep smiling. Stay tuned!
OK, let's face it, after many hours on the road, even the most comfortable motorcycle can start to feel like a torture device. Have you ever heard the expression “monkey butt”? Ha ha, well, I think it comes from this certain breed of monkey that has a huge and very red rear end. Maybe that’s how some of us feel when we’ve reach midday during our ride and have struggled to find any remaining part of a relatively small seat that provides any degree of relief. Staying comfortable in the seat is just one factor right. How about your arms, your shoulders, your neck, your hands, even your feet? After 4, 8, or 10 or more hours in the same position, no matter how fabulous the weather or the scenery, can become, yeah, a pain in the butt! Well enough talk about butts, ha ha, let’s get right to it. That's where these techniques come in.
OK, let's face it, after many hours on the road, even the most comfortable motorcycle can start to feel like a torture device. Have you ever heard the expression “monkey butt”? Ha ha, well, I think it comes from this certain breed of monkey that has a huge and very red rear end. Maybe that’s how some of us feel when we’ve reach midday during our ride and have struggled to find any remaining part of a relatively small seat that provides any degree of relief. Staying comfortable in the seat is just one factor right. How about your arms, your shoulders, your neck, your hands, even your feet? After 4, 8, or 10 or more hours in the same position, no matter how fabulous the weather or the scenery, can become, yeah, a pain in the butt! Well enough talk about butts, ha ha, let’s get right to it. That's where these techniques come in.
First, let’s talk about the type of motorcycle that you chose to ride. I've had many conversations with people who see a poster from the movie Easy Rider where these two guys are on their chopper motorcycles hands way up in the air to reach the grips, and those inexperienced riders saying to themselves that's how I want to ride for days and days and days. Well you and I know the reality of that scenario, right? did you happen to notice how tiny the seats are on those bikes they're riding an Easy Rider? did you happen to notice how little the suspension is on those bikes? even in the scenes when they're writing together side by side by the way which is never a good idea anyway but even in those scenes the bikes are going down a relatively smooth road but bouncing like crazy. that my friends is not comfortable. And it's no way to have an enjoyable long ride. I guess it gets back to the old adage some people ride for show other people ride to go. Well today we won't get into the specifics of motorcycles brands are necessarily types of motorcycles let's just talk about the ergonomics for now.
First, let’s talk about the type of motorcycle that you chose to ride. I've had many conversations with people who see a poster from the movie Easy Rider where these two guys are on their chopper motorcycles hands way up in the air to reach the grips, and those inexperienced riders saying to themselves that's how I want to ride for days and days and days. Well you and I know the reality of that scenario, right? did you happen to notice how tiny the seats are on those bikes they're riding an Easy Rider? did you happen to notice how little the suspension is on those bikes? even in the scenes when they're writing together side by side by the way which is never a good idea anyway but even in those scenes the bikes are going down a relatively smooth road but bouncing like crazy. that my friends is not comfortable. And it's no way to have an enjoyable long ride. I guess it gets back to the old adage some people ride for show other people ride to go. Well today we won't get into the specifics of motorcycles brands are necessarily types of motorcycles let's just talk about the ergonomics for now.
The next 3 things on our comfort checklist: gear, gear, gear! And I'm not just talking about safety gear, although that's paramount. I'm talking about comfort-specific gear. Let's all start with the critical helmet. My personal choice has for many years been a full face helmet and I recommend that to everyone. Yeah I know what you're saying, I feel like I'm too enclosed wearing a full face helmet yeah I get that but I've ridden a lot of miles on open Highway and spent a lot of hours and days in the wind and all kinds of weather. I've always found that my full face helmet is the most comfortable option. And don't make the mistake of getting a helmet that doesn't fit your head. Different brands of helmets fit differently. A size large helmet from one brand will not fit the same way as a large in a different brand. And don't let a helmet dealer try to convince you that one helmet will fit you better than another. I had a friend who was convinced by a salesperson that they really needed to have a helmet that in hindsight turned out to be way too small. He was absolutely miserable in that $400 purchase that he couldn’t return. A helmet should be like a pair of shoes. As soon as you put it on it should be comfortable. Don't try to think about a break in period. Yeah, the inside may loosen up a little bit over time, but again this is just my opinion but your helmet should feel comfortable from the minute you put it on and you should have no burning desire during the day to need to pull it off because it's uncomfortable in any way. One other important note, a good quality helmet should also be relatively light weight. Cheaper helmets are typically heavier because it’s made of less expensive material. A heavy helmet will not be as comfortable as a better quality helmet that is light weight. Basically, your helmet should feel great all day, every day.
The next 3 things on our comfort checklist: gear, gear, gear! And I'm not just talking about safety gear, although that's paramount. I'm talking about comfort-specific gear. Let's all start with the critical helmet. My personal choice has for many years been a full face helmet and I recommend that to everyone. Yeah I know what you're saying, I feel like I'm too enclosed wearing a full face helmet yeah I get that but I've ridden a lot of miles on open Highway and spent a lot of hours and days in the wind and all kinds of weather. I've always found that my full face helmet is the most comfortable option. And don't make the mistake of getting a helmet that doesn't fit your head. Different brands of helmets fit differently. A size large helmet from one brand will not fit the same way as a large in a different brand. And don't let a helmet dealer try to convince you that one helmet will fit you better than another. I had a friend who was convinced by a salesperson that they really needed to have a helmet that in hindsight turned out to be way too small. He was absolutely miserable in that $400 purchase that he couldn’t return. A helmet should be like a pair of shoes. As soon as you put it on it should be comfortable. Don't try to think about a break in period. Yeah, the inside may loosen up a little bit over time, but again this is just my opinion but your helmet should feel comfortable from the minute you put it on and you should have no burning desire during the day to need to pull it off because it's uncomfortable in any way. One other important note, a good quality helmet should also be relatively light weight. Cheaper helmets are typically heavier because it’s made of less expensive material. A heavy helmet will not be as comfortable as a better quality helmet that is light weight. Basically, your helmet should feel great all day, every day.
A good quality jacket and pants made from breathable materials can make a world of difference. Think about layers too. Being able to add or remove layers as the temperature changes will keep you comfortable throughout the day. On that note, keep in mind that if you are needing to shed some layers, you’ll need a good place on your bike to stow those layers away. That gets into the types of motorcycles discussion that we’ll come back to at another time, but yeah, you’ll need secure places on your motorcycle to put stuff, like the layers that you may need to pull off during a long day of riding.
A good quality jacket and pants made from breathable materials can make a world of difference. Think about layers too. Being able to add or remove layers as the temperature changes will keep you comfortable throughout the day. On that note, keep in mind that if you are needing to shed some layers, you’ll need a good place on your bike to stow those layers away. That gets into the types of motorcycles discussion that we’ll come back to at another time, but yeah, you’ll need secure places on your motorcycle to put stuff, like the layers that you may need to pull off during a long day of riding.
And speaking of comfort, let's talk about your seat. Consider investing in a custom seat or a gel insert. Your backside will thank you. Because I’m tall enough, I’m able to put two layers over my existing seat and not be on my tip toes at the stop light. The first layer is a relatively thin jell pad and the second layer is a very plush sheep skin. Since using this combination for a number of years now, I seldom if ever have monkey butt. Oh sorry, I was going to stop saying butt. That’s the last time, I promise.
And speaking of comfort, let's talk about your seat. Consider investing in a custom seat or a gel insert. Your backside will thank you. Because I’m tall enough, I’m able to put two layers over my existing seat and not be on my tip toes at the stop light. The first layer is a relatively thin jell pad and the second layer is a very plush sheep skin. Since using this combination for a number of years now, I seldom if ever have monkey butt. Oh sorry, I was going to stop saying butt. That’s the last time, I promise.
And don't forget about your hands! Comfortable gloves are essential to prevent numbness and fatigue. My pro tip is putting foam cushions on top of your grips. Grip Puppy brand is a very inexpensive option, running only about $20 for the pair. You just slip those on over your existing grips. Granted, I have long fingers, so even though it makes my grips larger, it’s what I love. It really adds to the comfort. If I would need to rent a motorcycle for any period of time, I would put these grips on, then just cut them off when I return the bike. They are that important to my riding comfort.
And don't forget about your hands! Comfortable gloves are essential to prevent numbness and fatigue. My pro tip is putting foam cushions on top of your grips. Grip Puppy brand is a very inexpensive option, running only about $20 for the pair. You just slip those on over your existing grips. Granted, I have long fingers, so even though it makes my grips larger, it’s what I love. It really adds to the comfort. If I would need to rent a motorcycle for any period of time, I would put these grips on, then just cut them off when I return the bike. They are that important to my riding comfort.
Now, let's move on to some often overlooked aspects of long-ride comfort: hydration and nutrition. Many of us forget to drink enough water when we’re riding. Here in Colorado, the humidity is very low which makes for cool air most all year long even in the summer, so it’s critical to be drinking a lot of water all day. Staying hydrated is absolutely vital. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, and decreased concentration – all things you definitely want to avoid on a long ride. Carry plenty of water with you and sip on it regularly.
Now, let's move on to some often overlooked aspects of long-ride comfort: hydration and nutrition. Many of us forget to drink enough water when we’re riding. Here in Colorado, the humidity is very low which makes for cool air most all year long even in the summer, so it’s critical to be drinking a lot of water all day. Staying hydrated is absolutely vital. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, and decreased concentration – all things you definitely want to avoid on a long ride. Carry plenty of water with you and sip on it regularly.
And don't forget to fuel your body! Pack some healthy snacks like nuts, fruit, or energy bars. You’ll most likely need to stop in order to eat and drink, so yeah, stop when you need to. It’s not a race, remember? It’s about staying comfortable and keeping a smile on your face.
And don't forget to fuel your body! Pack some healthy snacks like nuts, fruit, or energy bars. You’ll most likely need to stop in order to eat and drink, so yeah, stop when you need to. It’s not a race, remember? It’s about staying comfortable and keeping a smile on your face.
Let’s talk about that, yeah, taking breaks. Don't try to be a hero and ride for hours on end without stopping. My motorcycle of choice for long trips is the BMW GS Adventure which has a very large capacity gas tank. Depending on my speed, the range on a tank of gas is around 300 miles. I can tell you that I’m not riding 300 miles between rest stops. For me, that’s just too many hours. So even when I don’t need gas, I’ll stop to stretch, drink water, have a snack, etc… That keeps a smile on my face.
Let’s talk about that, yeah, taking breaks. Don't try to be a hero and ride for hours on end without stopping. My motorcycle of choice for long trips is the BMW GS Adventure which has a very large capacity gas tank. Depending on my speed, the range on a tank of gas is around 300 miles. I can tell you that I’m not riding 300 miles between rest stops. For me, that’s just too many hours. So even when I don’t need gas, I’ll stop to stretch, drink water, have a snack, etc… That keeps a smile on my face.
Finally this point for staying comfortable. A positive spirit. Stay positive, focus on the road ahead, and enjoy the journey. Think of the possibilities of meeting a stranger on the road and maybe making a new friend. As for me, one of the great joys of riding my motorcycle is that I’m not working. I’m not in business meetings, I’m not trying to dig through dozens and sometimes hundreds of business emails. Nope, instead, I’m just enjoying scenery, taking my time, and enjoying the feel and the sound of that wonderful machine underneath me. I’m reminding myself that, at least for now, all is well with the world. I’m at Peace and I’m happy. That’s why I ride.
Finally this point for staying comfortable. A positive spirit. Stay positive, focus on the road ahead, and enjoy the journey. Think of the possibilities of meeting a stranger on the road and maybe making a new friend. As for me, one of the great joys of riding my motorcycle is that I’m not working. I’m not in business meetings, I’m not trying to dig through dozens and sometimes hundreds of business emails. Nope, instead, I’m just enjoying scenery, taking my time, and enjoying the feel and the sound of that wonderful machine underneath me. I’m reminding myself that, at least for now, all is well with the world. I’m at Peace and I’m happy. That’s why I ride.
So, there you have it, my friends! A few tips to help you stay comfortable on those long rides. But most importantly, ride with a smile knowing how very fortunate you are to have the mental and physical capabilities to ride and being grateful for a community of riders, who really care.
So, there you have it, my friends! A few tips to help you stay comfortable on those long rides. But most importantly, ride with a smile knowing how very fortunate you are to have the mental and physical capabilities to ride and being grateful for a community of riders, who really care.
As always, thank you for listening. Until next time, I wish you peace. I wish you love.
As always, thank you for listening. Until next time, I wish you peace. I wish you love.
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