Triumphrat

bonniesaltrat · 10-30-2006

I have meetings in Phoenix this weekend. This afternoon, some buddies and I decided to ride our bikes, instead of fly. I bought Bonnie this summer, she's running great, and seems in good health and spirits. It's 700 miles from Salt Lake City to Phoenix, and we plan on leaving Thursday morning to arrive in Phoenix for meetings starting on Friday afternoon. 700 miles over a day and a half seems doable. This is the first ride of any mentionable length I've taken on Bonnie, or any bike, for that matter.

Any sage advice for a road trip greenhorn?

Colin_In_Ottawa · 10-30-2006

Earplugs.
They really help to avoid fatigue.

Billdozer · 10-30-2006

One word: IPOD

With a full battery. "Helmet Karaoke" is the only way to go.

You can do it easily, and will probably fall in love with the two-wheeled road trip.

Good luck.

clintd01 · 10-30-2006

Drink lots of water, stop frequently and stretch and drink lots of water.

Bhakti-rider · 10-30-2006

Earplugs for sure, yes - for me, they go without saying always; and my hearing has deteriorated and I need and have hearing aids.

Another point is be sure you can dress to be able to comfortably experience the lowest temperature you can be expected to encounter... you don't want to endure the unpleasentness of being too cold but having no choice but to continue. I don't remember specifics now, it was too long ago, but I remember the sensory stimuli, and you don't want to intentionaly (sp ?) subject yoursef to it!

HiVel · 10-30-2006

Take the Buick or fly.

tba-golfer · 10-30-2006

Ear plugs.
Layers of clothing to put on and take off.
Warmer gloves than you think you'll need.
Rowing or bicycle shorts- something that provides extra padding to your rump.
Drink water at every opportunity. Water, not soda. Energy bars.
You're doing this for fun, right? Well, don't over do it. It's not a contest of endurance or riding thru the pain.

guzzi · 10-30-2006

Take aspirin.

Normandy · 10-30-2006

You didn't say how old you are ? Deadline set at 1 1/2 days and 700 miles ? Even with good weather, you will want to nap before your meeting. Have fun or it ain't worth it. :-D

black-bonnie · 10-30-2006

If you have not ridden about 300 to 400 miles in a day just yet, I would not attempt a longer ride.

For me, taking small increases taught me what to add to my bike, clothing, seat mods, etc, to make riding farther more safe and comfortable.

But that's me. Some people like to take big steps quick.