Joined
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651 Posts
67, 5'8", 150 lbs. I've done 5 documented Iron Butt rides. I can ride tank-to-tank. 600-mile days are typical. Comfort is the key to long distance riding and these are the things that you have to fix to get comfortable:
- Handle bars
- Seat
- Windshield
- Clothing
If any part of your body hurts, you'll be thinking about it and mental fatigue will set in.
I have Heritage +2 bars, a Signature Solo seat with backrest plus an Air Hawk Pad. I can just peek over the windshield. For cold weather I have a Gerbing jacket liner and for hot weather a cool vest. I wear a full face helmet, armored jacket, and kevlar jeans. The gear is for safety and to keep the sun off my skin. The gear also slows evaporation of sweat, so you stay hydrated longer. I use a Camelback to help stay hydrated.
My wife is normal size and can ride just as far as I can. Her bike is a Dyna Switchback. We made all the same modifications to make it fit her properly. The one thing she does differently is she wears deerskin gloves. They keep her hands from tingling.
I've ridden long distances with friends who thought 200 miles was a long day. They were surprised when they did 1000 miles. They also went out and got better equipment. Some things they bought before the ride, others they got after getting home.
The ONE item that has made the biggest difference for me is the Air Hawk pad.
- Handle bars
- Seat
- Windshield
- Clothing
If any part of your body hurts, you'll be thinking about it and mental fatigue will set in.
I have Heritage +2 bars, a Signature Solo seat with backrest plus an Air Hawk Pad. I can just peek over the windshield. For cold weather I have a Gerbing jacket liner and for hot weather a cool vest. I wear a full face helmet, armored jacket, and kevlar jeans. The gear is for safety and to keep the sun off my skin. The gear also slows evaporation of sweat, so you stay hydrated longer. I use a Camelback to help stay hydrated.
My wife is normal size and can ride just as far as I can. Her bike is a Dyna Switchback. We made all the same modifications to make it fit her properly. The one thing she does differently is she wears deerskin gloves. They keep her hands from tingling.
I've ridden long distances with friends who thought 200 miles was a long day. They were surprised when they did 1000 miles. They also went out and got better equipment. Some things they bought before the ride, others they got after getting home.
The ONE item that has made the biggest difference for me is the Air Hawk pad.
