Interstate riding question
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,618
Likes: 5,209
From: Green Country
The Big Slab with light traffic can be very enjoyable, just set the cruise and go. But would agree that an hour or so in heavy traffic calls for a break and maybe a little diversion in the route.
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: NY
If you are riding 5 feet next to a big rig with someone tailgating you, you aren't doing it right.
I always hold back when overtaking a semi until I have enough space to completely pass him in 1-2 seconds. If you are in pretty steady traffic, the cars behind you will figure out what you are doing after a couple times and will give you space when you do so the next time.
If you've ever witnessed a semi blow a re-tread or tire at 70 miles an hour, you will never, ever allow yourself to be trapped next to one ever again.
But yes, highway riding can be very stressful at times.
I always hold back when overtaking a semi until I have enough space to completely pass him in 1-2 seconds. If you are in pretty steady traffic, the cars behind you will figure out what you are doing after a couple times and will give you space when you do so the next time.
If you've ever witnessed a semi blow a re-tread or tire at 70 miles an hour, you will never, ever allow yourself to be trapped next to one ever again.
But yes, highway riding can be very stressful at times.
I Second that, riding next to those big rigs is very intimidating on my bike. I can say that when I started riding on the highways I was worried about it, but the more you do it the easier and more relaxing it gets.
Just don't let yourself get too relaxed because you never know when vehicle in front is going to turn into your lane because they failed to see you in their mirrors.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
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.
Not to mention things like this.
My theory is, they try to cross in the dark, and get confused by the headlights.
.
Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 297
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles County
My daughter loves to ride with me, but on the all day rides she goes to sleep and bonks her helmet against mine. I don't mind, but she has issues with it, for some reason.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,878
Likes: 1,075
From: Utah
Most metro interstates bother me bad and I'll figure an alternate route most of the time. Other than that, I like'em.
I do prefer 2 lanes but from MO to CO, 2 lanes suck. Cattle trucks are everywhere. Either the oncoming blast ya damn near off the road or ya get pissed on following them. Interstates through the Heartland are awesome!
I do prefer 2 lanes but from MO to CO, 2 lanes suck. Cattle trucks are everywhere. Either the oncoming blast ya damn near off the road or ya get pissed on following them. Interstates through the Heartland are awesome!
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 779
Likes: 31
From: Earth
Western NY to Missouri and back last fall. Our group had a die hard riding a Yamaha V-Max (somewhere between a crotch rocket and a sportster) who had to stop every 100 miles or so for fuel. I grumbled at first but, you know..... stopping on a fairly fixed schedule like that allowed the rest of us to pace ourselves better and it worked out really well.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 353
Likes: 7
From: East Tennessee
I can go about 180 miles before I get too figity and need to stretch my legs. Ear plugs and ff helmet helps. At gas breaks, fill one tank empty the other and rehydrate. Hot sun and 75mph winds dehydrate you more than you realize. Loud pipes may be cool for short rides but definitely wear on you for all day rides. A back rest and cruise control will extend your riding range considerably. All day rains can chill you even in warm weather and they will definitely cause stress fatigue. Relax, go at your own speed, watch your passenger that she does not go to sleep. I can tell when my wife's helmet bumps mine that she is sleeping. Most of all enjoy, its about the ride not the destination!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
What is happening, beerlover, is that you are out of your "comfort zone." There's a big difference between riding at low speeds on county roads, and riding the interstate with big rigs, motorhomes, and Hemi Dodges.
You are probably tensing up. Teach yourself to relax, and "go with the flow" of traffic. Your reflexes are quicker when you are relaxed, then when you are tense. When your are tense, you first have to "relax" before you can react.
To relax, try this: Open your hands, and just let the palms of your hands rest on the grips. This will relax your arms and shoulders. You may find your tongue tight to the roof of your mouth. Make a conscious effort to relax your tongue....once you do that, your neck muscles will relax, and the relaxation will pass down into your upper body. (This technique also helps you to sleep, btw).
Watch a Nascar race with the cockpit videos. Those guys (and gals!) are going 200 mph and are more relaxed than many of us are at 80 mph.
You are probably tensing up. Teach yourself to relax, and "go with the flow" of traffic. Your reflexes are quicker when you are relaxed, then when you are tense. When your are tense, you first have to "relax" before you can react.
To relax, try this: Open your hands, and just let the palms of your hands rest on the grips. This will relax your arms and shoulders. You may find your tongue tight to the roof of your mouth. Make a conscious effort to relax your tongue....once you do that, your neck muscles will relax, and the relaxation will pass down into your upper body. (This technique also helps you to sleep, btw).
Watch a Nascar race with the cockpit videos. Those guys (and gals!) are going 200 mph and are more relaxed than many of us are at 80 mph.