Managing fatigue on long rides

To the uninitiated, feeling fatigue on a motorcycle might seem hard to believe, given how engaging and fun two wheels can be. But add in some long distances, plenty of seat time, and various other external factors, and it’s easier than you might think to suffer fatigue while riding. In addition to ensuring you're getting a good night’s sleep, there are plenty of things to consider before you head off and during your trip that can help prevent and stave off fatigue. Tiredness and a lack of focus can significantly impact your reaction times and decision-making abilities, so understanding these causes and taking proactive measures will help you stay safe and enjoy your ride. Because let’s face it, the consequences of falling asleep on a motorcycle are not even worth thinking about.

Poor hydration is one of the quickest ways to bring on fatigue. Because it occurs more rapidly while riding a motorcycle compared to driving a car—even in perfect riding conditions—it requires plenty of pre-planning for long trips.

Environmental factors like wind increasing evaporation from your skin, sun exposure accelerating sweat production, and even colder weather masking the fact you might feel thirsty all increase your risk of dehydration. This leads to fatigue and a lack of energy. The physical limitations of taking on fluid while riding also contribute to this risk.

The key to staying hydrated on long rides is to take on small amounts of water frequently. If you’re planning a long-distance ride, invest in a hydration pack, which you can carry on your back or keep in a tank bag. This allows you to hydrate without having to pull over, remove your helmet, and take off your gloves. Taking on large amounts at each break stop will only lead to more stops, which you’ll tire of quickly.

Depending on how much time you have to get to your destination, avoiding long, straight stretches of road can significantly reduce your risk of fatigue. It’s amazing how quickly fatigue can set in on monotonous highways—the lack of engagement leads to drowsiness, and the unchanged riding position, along with constant wind resistance and noise, causes sensory fatigue. After just an hour on a stretch of highway, your eyelids will likely start to get heavy.

Where possible, stick to B-roads. Even relatively straight ones will demand more focus, and you’ll find the trip not only feels quicker but is much more enjoyable too.

If your available time—or your route—dictates a decent stretch of highway riding, be prepared to recognize the signs of fatigue and take proactive measures to stay alert.

Much like hydration, the food you eat and when you eat it plays a big role in the onset of fatigue. Every body is different, and each rider knows how their body reacts to certain types of food. However, avoiding stodgy and heavy foods that take a lot of energy to digest can help, as your body requires more energy to break them down, leaving you feeling sluggish and tired.

Highly refined or processed foods should be avoided if you want to stay alert for longer, as should anything deep-fried. Foods high in starch, such as pasta or potatoes, are better consumed at your evening meal. While many people recommend carrying a bag of lollies for a quick energy spike, refrain from eating too many at once to avoid the inevitable crash in energy levels that follows the spike.

Regardless of how roomy your bike’s ergonomics are or how much room you have to move around, the reality is most riders find a comfortable seating position and stick with it. Sure, you might stand on the footpegs or stretch your legs forward or below the ‘pegs from time to time, but most of the time, you remain locked in a particular riding position. Spending a little time making your seating position more comfortable will improve blood flow, reduce strain, and ultimately minimize fatigue on long rides.

Most bikes have either an adjustable seat or different seat height options in the accessories catalog. While most riders base this decision on how comfortable they feel when they’re stopped—i.e., how easy it is for their feet to reach the ground—it’s also important to consider how the seat height affects comfort while riding.

The reach to the handlebars is another important consideration. If they’re too far away, you’ll feel strain in your neck, shoulders, and core muscles, bringing on fatigue earlier than it should. If your bike has a one-piece handlebar, you might consider installing risers or slightly rolling the handlebar towards you. This small adjustment can make a big difference, especially if you’re smaller in stature. If you move your handlebars, be sure to check that all cables retain the required slack to remain fully operational.

Taking regular breaks on long trips is a no-brainer when it comes to managing fatigue. The relatively small fuel tank on a motorcycle means you’ll be forced to stop more frequently than if you were driving a car.

Make the most of these breaks by staying hydrated, encouraging blood flow, and eating clean, healthy food that will help maintain your focus and reduce the onset of fatigue.