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.

 

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.

 

Not to mention things like this.







My theory is, they try to cross in the dark, and get confused by the headlights.









.

 

Something I hadn't seen here yet ... If your wife is new to riding with you, try to get in a few all day pleasure rides first, to make sure she is good over a day.

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.

 

I found the windshield made a bigger difference to me than which seat I use. Ear plugs reduce fatigue from exhaust or wind noise too.

 

that is one thing I don't use is ear plugs -- my bikes aren't that loud and my modular helmets (Nolans) are really quiet

 

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!

 

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.

 

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!

 

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.