Ladies.......How far are you riding these days?

[blues2cruise]

I managed a 12 hour 500km ride on Saturday. It has taken me a long time to gain back enough strength and stamina to do a good day trip. Although very tired at the end of my day, I felt very satisified with my adventure. It was a solo ride for me. It felt great!

Next month I plan to do an overnighter. That will be 2 long days of riding.

What do you have planned for long rides this spring and summer? Solo or otherwise?

[dr_bar]

Next month I plan to do an overnighter. That will be 2 long days of riding.

So, where are you planning for this trip???

[blues2cruise]

Not sure..maybe Lillooet overnight....or maybe the Okanagan overnight.

I am committed to spending a couple of days with Jeff....

I'll know closer to the time next month.

Other than that I have no other committments so I may do another one or two solo or with friends this summer..but on a weekend.

[sunshine229]

Soooo jealous... I'm still bikeless at the moment! Will be getting a bike REAL soon.

[blues2cruise]

This past weekend I rode over 500km and was gone from home 13 hours.

I think ten hours would have been better. I was so tired the next day at work.

[Gina]

I love your V-Star. It's beautiful! Last month I rode the Tail of the Dragon and went a few other places. I too was worn out when I got home. If it hadn't been so hot, I would have enjoyed it more. My brothers are talking about riding down to Daytona next year but they're saying we should put our bikes on this big trailer and only ride part of the way. My youngest brother went by himself last year and said he almost froze to death before he got very far south. What's the fartherest you've ever ridden your bike?

[MmeMagpie]

I never understood the trailer thing. I always thought one of the reasons to go is to brag about how many miles you rode to get there. Whatever was I thinking?

Here's some solutions cold weather riding:
1. Go to an army store and look for the brown poly-pro thermals. They're wonderfully warm and lightweight. I stole all of my husbands
2. stick Target in the fall or winter for the leather mittens with thinsulate gloves inside. I've never seen them anywhere else and I absolutely love them.
3. Snow machining mittens work well, too. They're more or less weather proof and come with little pockets for heat packs. I don't like how bulky they are - makes 'em a bit clumsy.
4. Fleece neck gaiter. Keeps the drafts from going down the back of your neck, too.

I have a 50 mile round trip to work and I ride through all seasons The above keeps me warm enough for 40 miles at 35 degrees F and 65mph.

Now, if it's spring/summer/fall and the days call for riding in mesh, just throw on your rain gear when it gets cool. It cancels the wind chill factor

[blues2cruise]

Last Sunday me and a friend did a day trip....I left home at 6:45 am and got home about 9:30 PM.

I now know that is too long of a day.

I think 12 hours is my max.

[RocketGirl]

Hi Ladies,
Not much activity on this topic, but it might have some value if it picked up again. I'm back in the saddle after a long break. Life is pretty full and hubby and I can't seem to find the time for a long ride on the weekends. I mostly put miles on my bike commuting and running errands.

A couple of factors that make it difficult for me to recover from riding often is getting overheated and getting dehydrated. I always ride with full gear so combine that with making a dozen decisions on every commuting mile all that brain activity also requires me to eat well and to get restful night sleep.

It's been a while since this topic was started. Does anyone have any riding or lifestyle tips that would help us ride longer or recover faster?

[blues2cruise]

Put a water bladder with a drinking hose in a tank bag. Then you can sip as you ride. I also have a tendency to get dehydrated so this option works well for me.

If I've been out and starting to feel fatigued due to needing fuel for me....I'll drink an orange juice. It gets the blood sugar up quickly.

Carry a couple of protein bars for such times.

I also wear my gear all the time...but in hot weather my mesh jacket makes a big difference.

[Lion_Lady]

Earplugs! They help tremendously with cutting stress related fatigue.
I wear a hydration pack for hot weather or day long trips. Look for a super basic pack (with few pockets, etc.)
Stopping, getting off the bike every 60-90 minutes for a stretch and walk-around (5-15 minutes, depending on weather/traffic).
I prefer to stop and get gas, THEN find someplace less busy to do my stretch/walk.