Packing,Eating And Staying Cool
Commonsense Ways To Improve The Ride
We’re Not Backpacking
Unless your hauling a trailer, your entire gear load is probably 40 pounds or less. Don’t get caught up what the backpackers do. When it comes to weight distribution. Instead pack very sensibly, placing items you’ll want to get to at any time during your riding day in very easy-to-access areas. Overnight items -coincidentally the heavier items are best stowed near or at the bottom of your top case or side saddlebags. Your regulars such as rain gear, sunglasses’s, sunscreen and water are best stowed on top near compartment openings.
Eat Light, Eat Whole
A rigorous 300-500 mile a day motorcycle tour is not the time to gorge. Eating lighter will keep your mind in a better place on the road and throughout the day. Eat more whole foods, such as nuts, dried fruits, meats, eggs, whole grains, veggies and fruit and fewer processed foods. I always carry with me power bars as you can eat them as you ride.
Mountain Pass Mentality
Have you ever noticed when your navigating your way up and over a mountain pass, how everything changes once you’ve ascended and start riding down the other side? No longer are you using mostly throttle to work your way up into the pass, but now you’re more focused on using your engine compression ( no throttle) and braking to work your way down the mountain. If you find it uncomfortable to make such an abrupt adjustment, consider pulling off to the side and stopping at the top of the mountain pass for a breather. This break makes it easier to reset your riding awareness and comfort level.
Evaporative Cooling-What is it?
Evaporative cooling is so essential to keeping your mind focused during hot weather riding. If you ride with just a T-shirt instead of long sleeves on a very hot afternoon ride. Sun exposure and wind evaporate perspiration too quickly, leading to dehydration and the build up of excess heat in the body. Wearing a full-coverage riding jacket with the air vents open allows you to control the wicking perspiration and heat from your body. I like to ride with moisture wicking shirts as an undershirt which keeps me completely cool while riding on very hot days. You can also soak a T-shirt in water or use one of those cooling vest or cooling head bands to keep your body cool. Remember to always Hydrate. Wear breathable riding gloves. Wear light colored clothing.
Michael Theodore
National Road Captain
The following two tabs change content below.
Michael Theodore is married to Laureen, and both are devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Michael serves the Azusa StreetRiders Motorcycle Ministry as both National Road Captain and as Ohio District Coordinator. He is passionate not only about riding, but also using motorcycles as a witnessing tool to affect souls for the Lord Jesus.
Latest posts by Michael Theodore (see all)
- Happy New Year 2024 - December 31, 2023
- Letter from the Pres. - December 31, 2023
- “17 INCHES” - December 30, 2023