I take a short break at every fill-up. Practice makes perfect. Good luck.

 

I think your screen name tells a lot .... How long can you go without one? :>)

The ride is supposed to be enjoyable. 1.5 hours at around 70 mph is @110 miles give or take ... Do that 6 times in a day with breaks and you've got a damn good ride in if you like the super slab.

 

Just work yourself into the freeway riding slowly. A lot more concentration and stress on the freeway. But in time you will ride it like the back roads. Try to relax when riding don't be tense and all nervous... Taking breaks is normal.
Like lp said...
"Might put 12-14 hours in the saddle in a full day but I always take a break from anywhere from 80 to 125 miles."

Just ride smart man, be safe.

 

That works for me.

 

I've been riding touring bikes for over 10 years. Something to consider about being relaxed on the back roads, is that this is where you are most likely to have an accident in my opinion. Back roads are full of intersections and you are also more likely to run into animals that can be hazards. In addition, if you like the twisties on the back roads, there are more blind turns you encounter there than on the freeway.


The interstates, while there may be more cars, are safer in my opinion due to the fact that there are no intersections, and I think you are less likely to have the animal issues you find on the back roads. Also, I'm talking about the freeways out on the open road, and not city riding on freeways at rush hour.


When I first started riding, I felt exactly the same way as the OP does. However, as I gained more experience and started really thinking about where the safest riding is, I came to these conclusions. Honestly, for me, I am more relaxed on the freeways and more tense on the back roads because of the items mentioned above.


As always, these are just my opinions, and I'm quite certain there will be others that disagree

 

You need to ride, and take breaks, in a manner that suits you. You may get more comfortable with the Interstates over time and you may not. Whatever you do don't push yourself just because someone else says they can do it.

In this instance peer pressure could result in serious consequences.

 

I used to break up the mind numbing monotony of interstates with an occasional few miles at 100+; brings back your riding concentration immediately, and the discomfort just didn't get my attention till I slowed down again. Haven't done that in a long time, got old and wise enough to not want to risk the tickets and expense that kind of fun could bring. When I can, I like to break up the interstate ride with 2 lanes occasionally. I've got thousands of miles on interstates, and never got used to the boredom. If you're in a hurry to make miles in a day, hard to beat them, though.

 

Ya nothing wrong with taking some breaks. About what I do is take a break no gas next break time for gas.

 

First, nobody does 5-6 hours at a stretch. Gas tanks don't hold that much. 5 hours at 70 is 350 miles. 6 hours at 75 is...fuggedaboutit.

One of the key reasons for fatal motorcycle crashes is rider impairment. When riders hear the word "impairment", 99% of them think alcohol and drugs. Nope, it's more than that.

Yes, you can be impaired because of alcohol or drugs. Or too many hours in the saddle and you're flat exhausted. Or so hot your brain is frazzled. Or so cold you're shivering too hard to think straight.

Or, stressed by unfamiliar situations, like bumper to bumper with 18 wheelers at 70 mph.

As was mentioned above, if you spend some time on the interstate, you'll get used to it, and eventually you'll get more comfortable with it, and your stress level will go way down. I'm not saying you'll ever like it as much as a gorgeous 50 mph ride through the mountains, but you'll get used to it.

In the meantime, just be aware that you're stressed, and take mental breaks as often as you need to. It's a matter of survival.

 

Thanks for the replies. So it sounds like taking a break every 70 miles or so is common. I was just thinking a lot of you just go forever while I seem to wear out. I am sure that since my wife is on the back that I really make sure I am on my A game when riding and especially through fast moving traffic and that takes somewhat of a toll. Greezey I will for sure get the doo rag and fingerless gloves...ha!

I am acting like I get stressed but riding to me is just the opposite. A number of years ago I got psoriasis so bad I was prescribed a drug called Embrell. It was an injection and they run one of those commercials where the ending of the commercial explaining side effects is twice as long as the commercial itself. In any case I ended up with sepsis and came close to dying. For years I took creams and other meds to clear up my skin. Then I bought my 1st Harley. My psoriasis just went completely away! No creams or meds! My dermo asked me what I was doing. Told him I bought a Harley and he laughed, but I am damn serious! Riding gets my head right and I know that is why my skin cleared up!