Freeway Riding

[JC039]

I just rode long distance on the freeway today for the first time. 40 miles. Traffic was cool.
I was going like 65 to 70mph the whole way. I just can't see myself getting to 100mph. That must be crazy!!! Theres this part on the 805 going North right after the bridge over the 8, that the surface changes and its like bumpy!! Plus the wind was hitting me hard. Maybe its normal but I dunno. And my right hand was getting tired. Any tips on preventing throttle hand fatigue???!!!!
Anyways it was cool and I enjoyed myself.

[gixxerx8]

Ask the guys at Buymoto if they sell the lock that holds the throttle open for long freeway rides. I'm sure those guys would know what I'm talking about. I haven't bought one personally, but I know these things exist if you're interested.

When my hand gets tired of holding the throttle open, I change my body position to take some of the weight off my hand and/or tuck in. Either that or I just start going through different gears so I don't have to keep it at the same position for a long time. I ride 70 miles one-way to work sometimes, so anything to keep your body from going stiff from not moving around too much helps. Lastly, relax your grip. I know the freeway makes you wanna white knuckle it, but let your mind do the work and let your body just come along for the ride.

[JC039]

Thanks for the sweet tips. I should try that gear shifting trick. I forget what gear I'm in though!!! LOL.

[godofspeed]

hey JC039, your hands will get condition the more you ride and pretty soon your hands and wrist will stop hurting.

[Jae]

Just keep riding... One day you can be like me:

[Hellbound]

dont worry you will start to go faster, its the way it is. You might deny it but you will pick up. Just ride a lil longer and your wrists will hurt less.

[EvilKawi]

I take the 805 N from Chula Vista to Mira Mesa splitting lanes all the way during the morning commute. When my hand gets tired I usually press on the clutch and release my right hand on the throttle and relax the hand for a few seconds. However, be careful when applying the throttle back again. Just another tip to consider.

[JC039]

Nice tip Kawi. I come from Chula Vista also, maybe we can go riding around some time.

[HURLEYfyed]

I take the 805 N from Chula Vista to Mira Mesa splitting lanes all the way during the morning commute. When my hand gets tired I usually press on the clutch and release my right hand on the throttle and relax the hand for a few seconds. However, be careful when applying the throttle back again. Just another tip to consider.

From San Marcos the 78 E to 15 S to Mira Mesa Blvd was the worst for me!!! I'm glad I live off of MM blvd now :) Anyhow, don't worry, your hands will become stronger and you'll be riding faster sooner or later...

[cbrsmurf]

ebay "throttle rocker." It isn't as great as I thought it'd be, but it helps a lil.

[shichyea]

congrats on your first highway ride!! pretty exciting stuff headin onto the hw for the first time :thumbsup:

[LIF]

hey jc, i've been riding for less than a month. i bought my bike in LA and i had to right it on the freeway right off the bat. i rode for like an hour in LA splitting lanes. my arms and shoulders were sore as a mother. then i rode from LA to irvine for about 40 mins, n when i felt my arms getting tired, i'd tuck more or i'd have my gut hold my upperbody to take some of the weight off. i don't know if this is the proper way, but it worked for me.

we should ride together sometime. i'm a newbie too. i go to UCSD. let me know!

[JC039]

Right on LIF. Send me an email to jc039@mac.com

[kawboy]

Here (http://www.sportrider.com/ride/146_9508_skill/) is a good article done by Sport Rider magazine. It gives tons of good tips on commuting. I had to learn most of that stuff the hard way.

[LiN Mae]

Theres this part on the 805 going North right after the bridge over the 8, that the surface changes and its like bumpy!!

When I first went on the freeway up the 805N, I noticed that too. I thought I was gonna get thrown off my bike. Yah, you get used to it after a while though.

I remember I was bringing cookies to work one time and decided to try and take the 5 instead so that my cookies wouldn't be reduced to rubble. It's just as bumpy as the 805 comin' of the 94. Oh well... wheeeeee!

[Cyanide41]

One think I learned early was to relax. One of the best pieces of advice I recieved was to flap your elbows a little bit to insure you are relaxed. The works with knees too. Relaxing will help reduce the pain. After a while you will not notice it anymore.

[rondre3000]

...might wanna try lightening up the suspension.

I know the first time I tried some fwy riding, I had my suspension set up waaaaaaay too stiff. I was white knuckling and tense the whole ride! I was practically an accident waiting to happen.

After lightening up the suspension, it was almost a night and day difference. Traffic still bugs me out, but at least I'm not getting tossed by my suspension!


-r.