Interstate riding question
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 703
Likes: 96
From: ayer,ma
Just get yourself a doo-rag, some fingerless gloves and a skull mask....Then flip off all of the cars that get within 100 feet of you and pull your pistol out and wave it at dump trucks.
Everyone will be so afraid of your badassedness that they will stay way far away from you, thus relieving you of the stress of close proximity to traffic and reducing fatigue.
No need to thank me for this advice....I'm just a natural born problem solver.
Everyone will be so afraid of your badassedness that they will stay way far away from you, thus relieving you of the stress of close proximity to traffic and reducing fatigue.
No need to thank me for this advice....I'm just a natural born problem solver.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 5
From: Central Calif
When I am headed some place -- its right around 180 miles for gas -- and back on the road -- I don't spend more than 10 to 15 mins including a water/candy bar -- I want to ride -- regardless if it is freeway or back road. They have different challenges
what many will tell you, its not the miles, its the hours.
then again when a group of us are headed out to lunch we spend a lot of time stopping for coffee and bs'ing all in good camraderie
what many will tell you, its not the miles, its the hours.
then again when a group of us are headed out to lunch we spend a lot of time stopping for coffee and bs'ing all in good camraderie
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,302
Likes: 274
From: Milton, Delaware
Just keep taking short rides on the slab and you'll find that you'll gradually build up your tolerance for it.
My rest stops while on the slab are pretty much my gas stops. My normal speed is 72-75, which gives me about 140 miles. That makes it 2 hours between stops. I usually take about 20 minutes for a break. If I have some type of luggage that I can lean against it makes a big difference in my fatigue level.
I find hiway riding less stressful than surface streets for the same reasons mentioned already. No side streets, no parked cars, no intersections, no traffic lights. When I'm riding in urban areas is when I get more stressed.
When I switched to a full face helmet I was surprised at how much less tiring an all day ride was because of the reduced wind noise (over a 1/2 helmet).
My rest stops while on the slab are pretty much my gas stops. My normal speed is 72-75, which gives me about 140 miles. That makes it 2 hours between stops. I usually take about 20 minutes for a break. If I have some type of luggage that I can lean against it makes a big difference in my fatigue level.
I find hiway riding less stressful than surface streets for the same reasons mentioned already. No side streets, no parked cars, no intersections, no traffic lights. When I'm riding in urban areas is when I get more stressed.
When I switched to a full face helmet I was surprised at how much less tiring an all day ride was because of the reduced wind noise (over a 1/2 helmet).
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 619
From: North Dakota & Minnesota
What could be stressful about having an 18 wheel truck 5 feet away from you at 75 miles an hour on the DC Beltway, with some idiot tailgating you at the same time..?
Interstate highways may be safer statistically, but that doesn`t mean they are less stressful to ride on.
Interstate highways may be safer statistically, but that doesn`t mean they are less stressful to ride on.
I'm from one of them big square states and I agree.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,855
Likes: 29,833
From: PNW
There are factors that exponentially increase as you ride faster. A lot depends on the bike and the rider, so no one answer fits all. The common factors are noise, turbulence, vibration, etc. Other factors are traffic density, temperature, among other things.
Somethings that may make you or comfortable -
Ear plugs - all that noise is stressful. Ear plugs really help a lot.
Fork fangs - reduces the buffeting that comes off the front of your bike.
Tires - are they balanced? Does the bike run out smoothly or do the bars vibrate?
Clothing - are you comfortable? Over heated or too cold? Does it protect you from the wind? The right gear for the conditions is critical.
Did you dress for the ride or the fall? If I know that I'm protected if the sh*t hits the fan, I feel more relaxed.
Other factors -
Where are you riding? Is it busy or empty? Is it a bumpy road or smooth. Lots of trucks? All that stuff can stress a rider.
In the end, you will come up with a formula that makes riding a pleasure on back roads and interstate. Like anything, you need to acclimate. With experience comes proficiency and then comfort. Logging miles will help. But, you must take steps to make yourself comfortable as outlined above.
For reference - I ride tank to tank - about 200 miles between stops. An 800 day is easy on the "I". Stress is my last problem. In fact, on some interstates, staying awake is the issue. I don't do anything special at gas stops like yoga, a hike, squats, Tai Chi, etc.. I gas up, ****, roll, period. I do stop for a short sit down lunch usually. No - I'm not hard ***. I like to ride. It's fun. I feel the way you do on country roads on every road. You can too if you eliminate the stressful factors from your highway ride.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 619
From: North Dakota & Minnesota
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.
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.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,218
Likes: 7
From: Eastern NC
The Best thing I've found to help me relax on the interstate is ear plugs. Wind noise, truck tires and the drone of loud exhaust will cause you to tense up, therefore you will fatigue faster both physically and mentally. I'm a smoker but I still ride tank to tank. I gas up, grab a drink, hit the head and burn one at each stop. Gives me a chance to take in my surroundings and get a feel for where I'm at