Riding Shape
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Riding Shape
I know the feeling. I used to could eat like a pig, now I just look like one.
ORIGINAL: HDWG
I just have a speedy metabolism!!!!!! And some of the older than I am riders say: "Wait til you get older, I used to be able to do that."
I just have a speedy metabolism!!!!!! And some of the older than I am riders say: "Wait til you get older, I used to be able to do that."
ORIGINAL: Dr.Cool
Man, I saw you pics... your in better shape than I am.
Man, I saw you pics... your in better shape than I am.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,615
Likes: 31
From: Charlotte Area
RE: Riding Shape
The biggest key to riding shape is the muscle between your ears. There's not a lot of physical effort in riding but as others have said, lack of movement can lead to fatigue. Get some highway pegs, they help and a backrest is good to have. Mainly though, if you enjoy the ride, stop to look at scenery or visit HD shops and above all stop every 100-120 miles or 2 hours, take about 10 minutes to walk around, stretch and above all, take on fluids, you can ride as far as you want. Just remember to ride safely.
Good luck and enjoy
Bubba
Good luck and enjoy
Bubba
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,386
Likes: 0
From: Johnston County, NC
RE: Riding Shape
try to get your abs in shape... And believe it or not walking can help that. Take it from someone that broke his back 14 years ago. =( I need to stretch constantly but that doesn't always do it. I sit in this midevil torture device they call a chair all day at work and I just rot away...
Probably the best shape I have been in over the past 10 years was when I was in Amsterdam for a month on business... I had no car so I had to walk EVERYWHERE. As a result I dropped a ton of weight and when I got back riding the bike was a lot easier... Now that I am back to sitting on my @ss all day the bike takes a little bit more of a toll on me.
Just try to get out and walk more... My chiropractor recommends it all the time. We have a fitness center here in the building and I have taken to going down there and using the treadmills at lunch. My back feels MUCH better after that.
Results may vary...
Probably the best shape I have been in over the past 10 years was when I was in Amsterdam for a month on business... I had no car so I had to walk EVERYWHERE. As a result I dropped a ton of weight and when I got back riding the bike was a lot easier... Now that I am back to sitting on my @ss all day the bike takes a little bit more of a toll on me.
Just try to get out and walk more... My chiropractor recommends it all the time. We have a fitness center here in the building and I have taken to going down there and using the treadmills at lunch. My back feels MUCH better after that.
Results may vary...
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 447
Likes: 2
From: Sooner Central
RE: Riding Shape
ORIGINAL: 55Bubba
The biggest key to riding shape is the muscle between your ears...
The biggest key to riding shape is the muscle between your ears...
Stay in what for you is reasonably good shape (round is a shape for some riders) and get your bike adjusted for a comfortable riding position to lessen fatigue. Stretch and walk around at fuel and rest stops - a few extra stops can get you there in better shape than riding straight through. Know your limits and ride within those limits.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,968
Likes: 34
From: Lockport Township, IL
RE: Riding Shape
You've gotten plenty advise on fittness. For the fatigue in arms, try different handlebars, like maybe some mini apes. This will also affect body position and could help reduce lower back pain. For long rides, try using a confortable touring seat. Do you have highway pegs? If not, put some on so you can change the position of your feet/legs occasionally. If your hands are getting numb, try some gloves with gel inserts.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 1
From: Ocean Springs, MS
RE: Riding Shape
Hey...Round is a shape....right??[sm=icon_beat.gif]
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,127
Likes: 3
From: Boonville, MO
RE: Riding Shape
I'm not a 100,000 miler and don't work out but i did notice my neck doesn't get sore like it used to. The diffent muscles used riding seem to have gotten used to it. My first 200 mile day i was pretty sore and wore out, i forgot about that till this thread, doesn't seem to get to me anymore.