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I'm 61 years of age, 6'2", 220 lbs. I can ride all day and then some. I just rode 1037 miles in a little over 15 hours on Tuesday. Longest continuous ride was 1600+ miles in 22 hours. I take 600-800 mile day trips. I have done long rides on an RG Ultra, three different EG Ultras, a Heritage Classic and a Goldwing. All have had stock seats, but on occasion I've used a Gel Pad. Highway pegs and a backrest of some sort are a must. Hydration is key, also ear plugs, chap stick and sun screen. As some others do, I ride from one tank fill up to the next and seldom, if ever, stop in between. If you take a little break at each refueling stop, just enough time for a bottle of water, a snack and to use the restroom, you can ride very long distances, but you have to want to do it. I find long rides much more enjoyable alone or with one or two specific other riding buddies. Long trips with more riders than that usually do not go well. Everyone has different mileage capabilities, refueling stops, eating and lodging needs.

 

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Clothing is a good topic. I've seen a few other people mention ride-specific underwear for wicking away moisture. I'd like to hear what people have used in this regard. Two bikes ago I used to wear the lycra/spandex bicycle pants under my riding pants on long trips.

Keep 'em coming. Great info.

These are not meant to be endorsements. They are simply products that I find to be the most comfortable for long distance rides. For shorter I rides, it is a whole different set of circumstances and riding gear.

LD Comfort makes some of the best undergarment riding gear. I use their riding shorts and their short and long sleeve mock shirts. Very comfortable and they offer cooling capability under the proper jacket and pants.

http://ldcomfort.com/

I wear over the calf, scent free socks and waterproof boots from Bass Pro. Again, comfort is the key for me. I have several sets of riding boots, but these are very comfortable.

http://www.basspro.com/RedHead-Pro-Team-16-Socks-with-Scent-Control-for-Men/product/10202470/

http://www.basspro.com/RedHead-Bone...-Waterproof-Work-Boots-for-Men/product/97348/

My outer layers for distance riding, depending on the weather and temperature, are either HD lightweight rain bibs coupled with an Olympia Transition jacket or the Olympia jacket and Olympia pants for cool to colder weather. The Olympia gear offers a top shell layer over one or two light jackets that offer warmth and/or waterproof capabilities.

http://www.harley-davidson.com/store/rutledge-hi-vis-rain-suit

http://olympiamotosports.com/product/mens-expedition-jacket/

http://olympiamotosports.com/product/mens-motoquest-pant/

I have many pairs of gloves, but here are the two extremes in mesh and leather.

http://www.harley-davidson.com/store/skull-full-finger-mesh-gloves

http://www.harley-davidson.com/store/windshielder-gauntlet-gloves

If it is very cold out, I also use silk liners for socks and gloves. They make a huge difference in keeping hands and feet warm.

http://wintersilks.blair.com/p/men/...es&q1=235~Men&intl=n&q=*&sc=N&x2=c.t2&x1=c.t1

http://wintersilks.blair.com/p/men/...es&q1=235~Men&intl=n&q=*&sc=N&x2=c.t2&x1=c.t1

I won't go into helmets brands, but for long distance I usually wear a modular helmet because it makes it easier to take a drink of bottled water while riding. I also have a full face carbon fiber that is very lightweight, but requires removal at a stop to take a drink. I always wear custom fitted earplugs, too.

As I said, these are the things I use and wear for long days of riding. I believe it is much easier to ride long distances if your entire body is protected from the elements...wind, sun and rain. Good riding gear that offers proper ventilation will allow you to ride in very hot weather. That same gear with the right liners will keep you warm in very cold temps, as well. I have ridden in temps from 18 degrees to 109 degrees in comfort.

 

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Got home a couple of hours ago from a 849 mile day ride...twelve hours door to door. Ran up through Iowa and Nebraska into South Dakota then back home to Leawood, KS. Had decent, but overcast weather most of the day...wore my rain bibs throughout and kept the rain jacket at the ready...needed it twice all day. The worst of the rain started about 12 miles from my house and created a downpour the rest of the way home. Nothing like good rain gear to make a wet ride more enjoyable!