I'm headed to Florence, KY this weekend for a visit with my mom. I'm seriously thinking of taking the Spyder, but it would be the longest I've been on her in a single ride (about 500-550 miles). So far, the longest seat time I have had was about 250 miles. While that hasn't been too bad, the butt know when I've gone over about 200.
So, how long does it take to get used to riding long distance? Also, any pointers as to what to take along for those "Oh :cus:" moments?
I read most everyones comments to also pick up any tricks of the long distance trade.I have gone 750 miles the furthest with ease and struggled to go 550, thought I was gonna die of exhaustion. So preperation is key, and can say that to avoid monkey butt which I got riding to Spyderfest the first time was because I had a blown rear-shock and thought it was normal. Even with the corbin seat I still didn't enjoy a ride over 400 miles. While at the fest I asked the other more experienced riders what they did for this. Some used bicycle riding shorts, and others as previously mentioned non cotton underwear. I also went and bought baby powder (cuz my tush was very sore) and the best relief and avoidance for pain was applying "
Neosporin antibiotic/ pain relieving cream" That did the trick, and now that my shock is fixed and have the corbin seat, my biggest obstacle to riding 12-13 hours a day, is staying focused the last 1/3 of the trip. Becoming hydrated the day before is extremely important, along with getting a good nights sleep. (which is easier said than done, usually cause of all the anticipation for the fun ride :yes

I usually ride 100-125 miles the the first 3 legs with 15 minute breaks, and the the last or next 350-400 miles I stop more frequently about every 70-100 miles.
I looked at your trip on mapquest and you have 3 routes to go, between 479- 518 miles depending on your choice to travel. All 3 routes are about the same time distance of just over 8 hours. For me I would add 15 minutes for each stop for gas and 30 minutes for lunch. So depending where the gas stops are if you went 120 miles then 100 miles then 100 miles then lunch, then 70 miles ,70 miles , and then 25-50 miles for the last leg to your destination you should be fine. With this calculation leaving at 6 am you will arrive at 4pm, unless you stop to sightsee

hyea:
I buy a box of granola bars, and keep in my trailer cold water & gatorade (much cheaper to purchase ahead of time if you are able to.) If you are just on the RT then Granola bars to snack and keep alert. Oh have a banana too in the morning for potassium, don't want to get a charlie horse riding. I also chew gum and it lasts for about 25 miles. I listen to satellite radio and "Howard Stern "helps keep me awake and the miles fly by, (not for everyone but the shock jock works for me)
Have a great ride and let us know how it goes
TicketBait