| Author | Message | ||
     Okc99 |
I think anyone that says they can hop of the Uly after +7 hours of driving and feel "perfectly normal" is not telling the truth. Or maybe it's just me. But I have found that after mile 400 or so, my body starts to change physiologically due to the wind (even with plugs), vibration, and intense focus on the road. So this thread is for metaphors or stories about how you feel when you hop off at the end of a all-day ride, regarding appetite, preference in tastes, and overall feeling. For me it goes like this, after mile #400 or so it takes this long for each sense to come back to normal: Hearing: About 30 mins. I don't get any ringing, but it is hard to hear normally in the sense that my own voice sounds faint. Talking: I am never out of breath, but I have feel horse anyway and while in gas stations I find myself having to muster up to talk at a normal volume. Odd! Appetite: I am always thirsty, but in terms of food, nothing sounds good until about 1 hour off the bike. That is not to say I am not hungry...I just can't picture anything appetizing for that long. Libido: Haha, I haven't ridden two-up yet, but 2 yrs ago I remember this area being put on the back burner for both of us. Maybe it was the smell of road? Haha Taste: My taste buds cravy a good IPA (maybe this is all the time, however). Vision: Pretty unaffected Overall body: I feel numb for about 45 mins. I don't ache, but I get that feeling like you are so tired that you can't sleep. So I'm not sleepy, but I feel "dead" at the same time. One might say, it feels like I'm stoned, but not in a happy-go-lucky way. More in a zoned-out way. But all-in-all, it's all good! I wonder if there is an MD amongst us who will chime in with his opinion. Was the human body meant to be strapped to a vibrating stead for hours on end @75mph with virtually no wind protection? Maybe it will take many generations for our children to have evolved into beings who pop out ready to ride, already practicing short shifting in the womb. (Message edited by okc99 on November 12, 2008) | ||
| Johnboy777 |
""Hearing: About 30 mins. I don't get any ringing, but it is hard to hear normally in the sense that my own voice sounds faint."" Are you wearing proper ear plugs and are they installed correctly? That has never happened to me no matter how long I ride. John  | ||
| Froggy |
Rode 1000 miles in 2 days coming from Georgia to NY last fall for Buelltoberfest, then I just rode 1000 miles each way for Buelltoberfest 2. Last year I had a Uly, this time it was a Lightning, no windshield and no space to move. I had no problem doing the 500 mile days. I could of done more, but I liked stopping so I can browse the web. Ever since they took away my Blackberry I can't browse while riding anymore  Hearing: I wear earplugs, never had any issue other than occasional ringing. Talking: I don't talk to people while riding, and if I stop to make a call I have never experienced anything. Appetite: I would love to stop at every exit and eat, so many good places on the way! Libido: Whats a Libido? Never heard that term, and your answer didn't clue me in. Taste: Food tastes the same as it did before the ride Vision: As long as I don't ride visor up I am fine when the bugs hit  Overall body: After 500 miles in the saddle I do get the numbness too, but it has never bothered me. | ||
| Dr_greg |
Interesting question. Overall, I find that at age 61 I have a fair bit more "endurance" for long rides than when I was, say, 21. And I mean "endurance" in a very wide sense. But as to specifics, my bottom gets tired every so often (even though the '06 standard seat is THE BEST), so I stand and stretch now and then. After a 700-mile day, (longest for me), I'm a little stiff, but not exceptionally so. Hearing is fine, throat not hoarse, etc. Hands maybe a little tired, but that's about it. When I'm at home that's the perfect time for an IPA (excellent choice, BTW) and hop in the spa! In fact that's exactly what I'll be doing on Saturday, but only 530 miles... | ||
| Okc99 |
Dr. Greg, my hat is off to you. Apparently I am still going through an adjusting period. But to sum it up, I basically feel like I have the flu for a good hour after 400 miles. I find it inspiring that you feel you can handle miles more easily at 61 than 21! Point the rest of us toward the magic pills you must be taking. | ||
| Etennuly |
I'm not a Doctor, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express a couple of years ago, which qualifies me to say; I think you may be allergic to riding!  On the old TV show 'Hee-Haw' their doctor would have hit you on the head with a rubber chicken and said "Don't do that!".  When I take off for a Saturday romp in the twisties, I will often leave at 7:00 am and arrive back home at 9:00 pm. Usually that will cover about 400 miles or so with several breaks for gas, bathroom, meals, pictures, or just to look at something. I can do this kind of long time in the saddle day after day without physical detriment. If I get on the slab and hoof it for twelve hours to get in 700 miles I will be exhausted and suffering from what you describe along with a good case of 'numb-butt'. I have never had a problem getting back on for a couple more hours of riding after a nap of an hour or so. | ||
| Treadmarks |
4000 miles in 7 days, a few 700+ mile days, 2 up through alaska, pavement 80-100mph, gravel 40-60mph dirt-pretty damn slow......no problems. This was on an 08 uly rental fully loaded with bags and a stock seat with a cee bailey windshield. Hearing: Wear earplugs, good ones, seated deep. My ears ring all the time so I can't comment on the ringing. Talking: Dehydration will make you hoarse and dust will add a scratchy throat. Hack up a good loogie and you be alright. Appetite: No problems with appetite yet, but I usually like a beer or two after a good long ride. Libido: Sounds like you're riding on yer taint. Get yer O/L to rub yer taint and you will be alright.....Ahh mean..no problems there. Taste: Once you get a beer or two in ya, it's all good. Vision: I wear high definition prescription yellow lenses behind a dark tinted shield and also have a very dark internal flip up visor inside my scorpion exo 1000 so it really helps prevent the sunrises and sunsets on long days from frying my retnas. Overall body: I like the uly for travel because it has a big seat that lets you move around alot. The movement to and fro also helps change the knee angle which can be a problem with some folks. | ||
| Okc99 |
Maybe I'm riding at 7 to 10mph faster than the average joe and that extra wind fatigue is having an effect. But I agree with everyone here, I don't get physically sore, it's more "wiped out" from a holistic stand point. (Message edited by okc99 on November 12, 2008) | ||
| Danger_dave |
I find The Uly is one of the least tiring bikes to ride a long distances that I've tested. Goldwings Concorse and FJR Included. The buffeting, noise and dirty air that comes of the bodywork and screens I find far more tiring. I'm good to hike after 7hrs on the Uly. | ||
| Jkelly |
Rode 700 miles and arrived home and visited with family. Felt a little tired but normal. (Message edited by jkelly on November 12, 2008) (Message edited by jkelly on November 12, 2008) | ||
| Danger_dave |
A lot of this stuff comes down to where and how you ride too. There isn't 100 miles of superslab in all of NZ - eg. | ||
| Chopped58 |
Maybe try hydrating while you ride. I use a 70 oz. camelback, and just drink it while I ride. May account for the "hoarseness" you experience. | ||
| Ironhead1977 |
okc99 I feel the same way you do after 6-7 hours in the saddle at interstate speeds. For me the XT is the perfect all around bike, but an Electra Glide is the perfect interstate touring bike. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
500 miles of asphalt in a day. 300 miles of dirt, mud, muck and gravel. Usually any more than that on either and I am not having fun Food is always good, I didnt get in the shape I am in and not enjoy food. Sex is a always very nice, (best said in Borat accent) Ride with a Camel pack and water in the tank bag. That cell phone in my pocket is NOT for you to call me. I will never turn down a swedish massage from a sexy co-ed after a ride, So really all the ride changes gas through the motor | ||
| Rwven |
11 hours on the Uly, no problem. The '08 seat is very comfortable for me, the '06 standard seat I bought sucks (for me, I'll be listing it in classifieds soon...) +1 on the Camelback in the tankbag, dehydration could account for many of the symptoms you experienced. | ||
| Bienhoabob |
(Message edited by bienhoabob on November 12, 2008) | ||
| Okc99 |
Please look at the title of the thread. It's not about your mileage and how your butt feels. We know that no one dies from riding, so please just comment on how you feel after high mileage. It's not a bravado thread on how long you can ride. | ||
| Rwven |
How do I feel after a 7 hour ride? On a sunny 70 degree day? On a rainy 50 degree day? On a scorching 95+ degree day? Riding in heavy traffic on the super slab? Touring through the countryside? Blasting through the twisties in the Smokey's? The answer is "depends".... | ||
| Paulync |
I understand you comments, but I feel it is relative, I have rode high mileage in a cars, trucks, multiple types of motorcycles, any of them can make you feel "wiped out" but I have found it easier to get back on the Uly the next day then, my electraglide, my old sabre, later model ventures. Even the mini van with 3 small kids. For me it has always been the next day after the long ride. I have never felt, "I do not want to get back on that thing" with the Uly. I can't say I felt that way with others p | ||
| Prowler |
Many 5-6 hour trips on the Uly this past summer. No ill effects other than a sore butt for 15 minutes or so after I get off the bike. I'm convinced it's the seat (not me!) as a few years back I made a run from Sturgis to Milwaukee (960 miles in 12 hours) on my Dyna Superglide and felt great after the trip other than the ringing in my ears which hasn't stopped since. (wear your ear plugs or you'll suffer the same fate.....) | ||
| Choyashi |
I don't mean to brag, but once my grand pappy and me rode 1,000 miles in one day without even as much as a drink of water. But, grand pappy did keel over dead as we rolled into the driveway. Must have had some "OKie" blood in him. Hell, my TEXAS butt wasn't even sore!! True story, "Not on Topic" though. Sorry! | ||
| Tootal |
Please look at the title of the thread. It's not about your mileage and how your butt feels. We know that no one dies from riding, so please just comment on how you feel after high mileage. It's not a bravado thread on how long you can ride. Wow, everybody is trying to understand your problem and this is what you have to say? Get over yourself and grow up!  | ||
| Firstbatch |
Sigmund Freud popularized the term and defined libido as the instinct energy or force, contained in what Freud called the id, the largely unconscious structure of the psyche. I like Wikepedia.......} | ||
| Florida_lime |
I have done 12 750 mile days. Six round trips from Fl. to NC, with anywhere from 2 days to a week between legs. Weather is the biggest determining factor for me. Hours of pouring rain seem to physically wear me out more than nice weather. High ambient heat can do a number also. If I had Ft Bstrd's photo collection, I'd include a picture of a fried right cheek !  | ||
| Sekalilgai |
I've the same experience Etenully/Vern described. A constant 80mph drone on the superslab will tire me faster compared to 3rd & 4th gear twisties between fill-ups. I love the 06 seat but for my fat butt, it starts to wear after about 6 hours. On warm days I pretty much 'chug' a bottle of water at each gas stop, dehydration can be sneaky.... Ditto on double-checking fit on your earplugs, cos I've some noisy helmets and the plugs do make a big difference. One other thing I found by chance was that in stock configuration, I was enjoying some bufetting. Not too bad but enough to have a cumulative affect. For me either lower or no windshield kept my head in 'clean air'. Experiment a little at your cruise speed by straightening up or 'scooching down'...you may discover a sweet spot that may appear insignificant but can add up over the hours. I think Strada still makes those mounts... (Message edited by sekalilgai on November 13, 2008) | ||
| Rotorhead |
I've done allot of long days on the ULY. a few ss1000 days and a few multi day+ 700 mile days. After day 3 it gets easier to get back on in the morning. It does take me about a half a day to "feel" normal after the 1000 mile days but as for the 700 mile days or less it takes me about a half hour to really want to do anything. Hydration is a huge key to feeling good on the move. This is how I feel on a normal 400 mile day hearing: WHAT! I WORK ON HELICOPTERS talking: No effects that I know of Appetite: hungery as hell all the time. Libido: never waste a chance if you get one. Taste: no change it all Smell: is where I found to have a huge change. After riding on superslab I can't smell a thing but exhaust fumes. Now last weekend after riding in more remote areas it seemed I could smell bar-b-que about 5 miles out. Maybe that goes back to appetite. Overall feel like doing anther tank of gas. | ||
| Jlnance |
I ride long distances semi-regularly. It definitely gets easier with practice. I assume that's both because you build up the necessary muscles, and you learn tricks. One thing I learned was to get off the bike before you get worn out. If 400 miles seems like a long trip, go 200, then pick someplace nice for lunch, and hang out for an hour or more. Then do another 200 after lunch. If you try to do lunch in 10 minutes to "save time" you just wear yourself out. It just in my nature to get up early, but I do find it helps to get started early. If I don't have to take anyone else's schedule into account, I'll leave about 5:00 am, ride for an hour or two, and stop for breakfast. I usually have pancakes and sausage. I'll be on the road again by 8:00, and already have 100 miles done. By lunchtime I've done another 200. On the road again around 1:00. It's easy to do another 200 miles by 5:00. 500 mile day, no problem, and I don't even have to ride after dark. If I had started at 10:00 it would have been a lot more rushed to do that. But then again I like the mornings. Some people hate them. | ||
| Skyclad |
Just did a 550 mile day yesterday, and have several other 500+ mile days behind me. Afterwards, I always have that satisfied tired feeling. My usual routine for a long riding day is start early in the morning. Not Jlnance early, but before 8am anyway. Get some sort of breakfast fairly early on in the day. Each time I stop to fill the tank, I also grab something small to eat, like a hot dog or bag of chips, along with a non-carbonated drink like apple juice or Hawaiian Punch. No lunch on days like this, but I will stop for a sit down meal if I am continuing into the night. Night riding is the most tiring for me just because of maintaining that ultra-alert attitude for long periods. Gotta do this as I live and ride in pretty serious deer country. Also, I will usually ride slab after dark, and as others have pointed out, slab is far more tiring on the Uly than twisties are. | ||
| Bearly |
How my butt feels. Although I usually feel things with my my hands first... sorry I've notice that it depends on where I'm riding. When I'm on a highway, or long flat straight roads, I tend to fatigue more easily. After just a few hours, you'll see me draped over the Buells in some weird way. How ever, even with 400 miles behind me, get into some twistys and I'm not thinking about my butt feels anymore. Moving around and sliding a cheek off for each corner gets the blood flowing I guess. Even those Half cheek corners do pretty well. Okc99, OK is flat and straight for the most part. I guess the Arbuckles would be ok (pun). To deal with that if you a dirt biker, stand up for a while when you get tired. I find myself, (with no one around) doing little exercises to get the blood flowing. Stand up and do leg lifts! That will help on the long ride to Arkansas. As far as your eyes, and throat being irritated by riding, that happens to me from time to time, in different seasons. I think that I have some small allergy that is aggravated by taking in more spores and or more pollen. That's just my theory. If I don't wear effective ear protection (especially with the Micron System)  I fatigue faster as most people do. If I was any more comfortable, I'd be riding in a cage!!. | ||
| Armymedic |
I always carry sour lemon drop candy for long rides to keep my mouth from drying out, helps break up the monotony some when slabbing it and helps with alertness. The only thing buggy about the Uly to me is the vibrating footpegs when on long rides. Anyone have any solutions? |
