Long Distance Interstate Riding

[wymple]

"Iowa interstates have full-service rest areas every 30 miles"

As long as you avoid I-80 east of Des Moines. Simulated moon surface.

[phydeauxmutt]

Long Distance Interstate Riding ... Omaha is about a 750 mile ride ... I am planning on a few training rides ...

OK, you have the "training ride" planned, where are you going on the long trip?

[themess]

"Iowa interstates have full-service rest areas every 30 miles"

As long as you avoid I-80 east of Des Moines. Simulated moon surface.

Wasn't bad in October. At least not compared to other states I had driven in.

[subforry]

Practice standing on the pegs (if you don't already do this). At speeds less than 40 mph it's easy. Keep you knees against the tank. It really makes a difference being able to stand for a minute while chipping away at the highway miles.

Get a bladder style backpack. There are small ones that only hold a few items and the water bladder. Being able to sip water while riding on warm and hot days really makes a difference.

[cowboyup3371]

Practice standing on the pegs (if you don't already do this). At speeds less than 40 mph it's easy. Keep you knees against the tank. It really makes a difference being able to stand for a minute while chipping away at the highway miles.

Get a bladder style backpack. There are small ones that only hold a few items and the water bladder. Being able to sip water while riding on warm and hot days really makes a difference.

Although I like the idea of the backpack and use one when I hunt, I can't see being able to easily fight with getting the hose behind my full face helmet

[salty_monk]

I use a camelbak. Mine sits in the jacket but I used to wear a pack. The fanny pack one can be adjusted so that it sits basically on the seat behind you & doesn't pull on your back.
The bite valve in helmet is a knack but not that hard.
I like my Sena connected up for music & GPS (especially on the slab).

I really like my AIRHAWK seat for long days, on my KLR I can do 150-180 miles between stops when I use that thing...

[RichDesmond]

Although I like the idea of the backpack and use one when I hunt, I can't see being able to easily fight with getting the hose behind my full face helmet

It's not hard, give it a try.

Doing this in July, the biggest piece of advice I can give you is start early. Just as it's getting light in the east. That way you have the bulk of your miles in before the heat of the day.

And for god's sake, use ear plugs. If you're listening to music and have it up high enough to overcome the wind roar you're decimating your hearing. The ear plugs will make the music sound better and clearer.

[earlfor]

I use a camelbak. Mine sits in the jacket but I used to wear a pack. The fanny pack one can be adjusted so that it sits basically on the seat behind you & doesn't pull on your back.
The bite valve in helmet is a knack but not that hard.
I like my Sena connected up for music & GPS (especially on the slab).



I really like my AIRHAWK seat for long days, on my KLR I can do 150-180 miles between stops when I use that thing...

I dished out the foam on my stock seat and inset a 2'' thick medical gel pad and reinstalled the stock cover. The seat looks 100% stock, but it is comfy with no soreness for a 1000 mile day.

[mrbill5491]

Start doing some back work outs.

[earlfor]

Start doing some back work outs.

That and move forward or back on the seat for various speeds to find where you need to sit so that when you hold your hands, palms down, over the handle bar grips, they just float there without your having to put any effort into keeping them in position. It's the point of aerodynamic equilibrium. There will be zero strain on your back at that point. My distance riding position is what I call a relaxed flop with minimal effort.

[Charlie G]

https://www.walmart.com/ip/CRAMPBUSTER-CB2-WIDE-BLACK/29356722?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=649&adid=22222222227019484524&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=55382395569&wl4=pla-87885041529&wl5=9032624&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=112354411&wl11=online&wl12=29356722&wl13=&veh=sem

Inexpensive way to install cruse control. I used mine on a 6400 mile trip in 2016. +1 on the water I use a Camelback and slip under my full face helmet while riding, for a quick drink. I'm always hydrated.

[Steve]

https://www.walmart.com/ip/CRAMPBUST...&wl13=&veh=sem

Inexpensive way to install cruse control.

And a VERY easy way to lose control.

I absolutely DETEST those contraptions. Yes, they take the strain away from the wrist, but they still require constant attention to hand/arm position. And by the time you finally get it set up in the right position for cruising, it's sticking up too far when you slow down in town. With it sticking up like that, it's WAY too easy to accidentally bump it down, adding a lot of throttle. And I believe that bike has pretty good throttle response.

The only way one of those will end up on my bike is if it's in the trunk or saddlebags. I will NOT put it on the handlebar. And for a few bucks more (~$25 vs. ~$10), you can get the Vista Cruise Control throttle lock. That one will actually let you remove your right hand (momentarily) to scratch your right leg, which is something the Cramp Buster won't allow. The Vista unit does not lock the throttle so hard that it can't be moved, it just keeps it from moving on its own.

.

[storm 64]

Slim Jims or Beef type sticks are convenient to snack on when riding. I tried peanuts, the result was 50/50. 50 percent in your pie hole 50 percent blowing down the road...☺

[Downs]

I'll tell ya what the corpsman always told us. Stay hydrated and change your socks lol. Oh and 800 mg Motrin cures all.

I keep a few of the single packs of motrin on me and when I'm getting really uncomfortable later in the day I'll stop and have a snack at the next gas stop and take 600 or so mg of Motrin.

[wymple]

https://www.walmart.com/ip/CRAMPBUST...&wl13=&veh=sem

Inexpensive way to install cruse control. I used mine on a 6400 mile trip in 2016. +1 on the water I use a Camelback and slip under my full face helmet while riding, for a quick drink. I'm always hydrated.

I hate those things. You can't take your hand away and shake it out or rest it at all. I use these...https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEP-Motorcy...UAAOSw2PtaoVFi...

Adjustable tension, I can shake my hand loose or hang my arm down. Ten times better.