Quick question for the seasoned tourers out there: when you're prepping for those long hauls across Europe, do you do anything special to get your body in gear? I'm gearing up for my maiden European adventure later this summer, and while I've been obsessing over packing lists, pimping my ride, and plotting out all the must-see stops, it just dawned on me, what about me? Should I be getting myself in shape too? I'm not trying to turn into a gym rat or anything, but at 60, I'd rather not be groaning every time I dismount. What exercises do you do to make those long days in the saddle a bit more comfortable?
An overall fitness plan at 60 years is probably a good idea. Without becoming a gym rat try to set out an organised routine I have a set weights routine at a local gym which can take just 15 minutes to complete I also play squash and badminton. I aim for three times a week, but like riding the bike life can often get in the way. You will benefit from overall strength whatever your endeavours
I try and get out on the bike more in the lead up to a tour. I'm 61 now, have a dog so walk quite a bit which helps general fitness. I do find that after the first couple of days of a trip I get into the swing of it and haven't had an issue yet. Don't push your distances, 350 miles maximum and aim for no more than 200 mile days when in the twisty, mountainous regions. Blasting down autoroutes for 800 miles to get somewhere is something I avoid like the plague. I'd far rather get off and onto some decent roads and make the journey part of the holiday rather than get there late at night and exhausted. Aim to get to your destination each day by 5pm. Time to shower, change and have a walk around before dinner. Stop for breaks and a nice lunch. If travelling two up with a partner consider having a day or two off the bike somewhere nice. I tend to plan in advance and book accommodation months before departure but maintain a degree of flexibility with cancellable hotel reservations. Involve the girlfriend in the planning so she has input and awareness of what we're doing. Stop around 10:00-10:30 for coffee and at this point look at the route and some lunch options.
I'm sure you’ve done your Euro Trip planning well, but I should just say that I know a few guys who have been way too ambitious with their predicted milages, and instead of seeing the wonderful sites of Europe, they are just on the road hammering out the big miles everyday. If you can, try to build some flexibility into your schedule so if you’re knackered you can have some rest time. Anyways, exercise... yes, the GYM! Ask gym staff to design a program to improve your strength, endurance & flexibility (all important stuff). I'm 60 and go to the gym 3 times a week... there is one regular, he's there every morning and he's 87!
For me,the trip it's all about research in advance,and as im a lorry driver by trade,it all comes pretty much second nature..... But physically,trips affect all individuals differently...... But as Bumpkin said,up your riding more prior to your trip,and don't push your distances whilst away.... My first day,I can easily cover 500-600 miles on the first day,but the following days I'm looking at 200/250 miles max per day. But depending how long your trip is,and how valuable time is to you,but a day off the bike is 100% essential... Not just for sightseeing/maintenance etc but also you will need to recharge your own batteries... I like to be on the road no later than 10am,and parked up by 5pm,but this is all flexible due to weather/places of interest etc Be brutal,don't over pack !!!! I've now got into a habit,of packing old socks,shorts,teeshirts etc and use once and throw them away... As this stops endless rotating clean/dirty clothes in your bag,plus no washing clothes when you get back home !! Definitely limit alcohol consumption if you've got a big ride the next day,and stay hydrated...... Also,at 54,im now on multivitamins,but also now started to pack Dioralyte,to put essential salts back into your body to prevent dehydration...... Update ya Satnav....... Take a photo of your passport (incase you lose it) Dont speed,so you can enjoy the views more....... AND ENJOY !!!!!!
Stretches every morning is enough to make a difference...it will take a few weeks to see the first effects, but the change with such a simple thing is a joy to see.
Some really useful tips from all. Some big ileages being quoted here, but I guess if your having fun time & the miles just fly. Good tip on the cancelable hotels, gives you flexibility if you stumble on somewhere more interesting to stay on route, & using old clothes is genius! I'm a bit disappointed in how poorly the Ducati satnav has been received, which following the wisdom here will mean a Garmin purchase or similar. I have tried iPhone maps but a nightmare with the sun behind you. The TFT screen would be perfect, I wonder why they can't seem to get the Nav right?
You are 60, f*ck the gym, there is nothing you cannot do to improve your overall flexibility and stamina from home. A good, brisk walk a couple of evenings a week and simple stretches when you wake up AND before you go to bed. In the week leading up to a tour, I increase the stretches to 3 times a day. I’m lucky, I ride most days but I also plan several 100+ mile trips for a bacon roll. Your plan should cater for a regular leg stretch and/or a pee break, it should also reduce the daily mileage towards the end of your trip. I ride with a load of geriatrics and if we are doing 1500 miles, I insist on a day of not riding. If you are with friends, you can pre arrange to meet at set locations during the day and do your own thing or ride together at the pace of the slowest rider. Andy
Good point Andy, but the gym is a good motivator. It’s all too easy to slip back to the couch when you’re home and forget the routine, plus the range of exercise machines available and classes to engage in works for a lot of folk.
I believe I ache because I don't ride long distance regularly, not because I don't stay fit. My DX is my first bike & maybe I ache after a couple of hours because I could be a bit tense & literally everything about the experience is new to me. I am however addicted to it & thoroughly enjoy the camaraderie other bikers bring to the experience. Iv'e arrived in the game late & I'm hungry to catch up
Yeah personally I try to put as many hours as possible in riding prior to a long trip This and visiting the gym helps.
I do the gym once or twice a week as a routine. Walking our mad border collie and grass cutting services also help keep me in shape. Best advice though, keep the weight down on the bike as much as possible. Euro trip in summer? Make sure you have gear that is well vented and comfortable. Heat (and alcohol) lead to extra tiredness.
Hopefully not the direct route? The west coast of France I'd say is probably one of the least interesting bits of the country to ride through.
As with many pastimes you need to do it to be prepared for it, hopefully you have been riding your motorcycle regularly. Obviously it’s helpful to be fit and healthy but if you frequent ‘biker’ stops you’ll notice that mostly they’re overweight so just how fit do you need to be to ride a motorcycle. Conditioned to riding a bike is about all you’ll need unless you are riding at great speed and subjecting your body to large braking and acceleration forces. It more about pacing yourself IMO.
Just do lots of core stability before you go, stick to the back roads with plenty of stops, have fun in the evenings, and don’t make it an endurance is my advice.
Press-ups against the kitchen worktop - 1 or 2 times per week. Do as many as you want, but remember you are not training to join the Paras. When you slow down on a bike - quickly - the weight gets thrown forward, so you need a bit of strength in the back of your arms. Actually you can do a pretty good core-stability routine against the kitchen work top - takes 5 minutes.
