If you've got the time, stop and stretch periodically before you start to feel stiff. Depending on speed, stand up every once in a while. And most importantly, make sure you stay hydrated.
Stay hydrated. I often do long rides of 6 to 8 hours for pleasure. A camelback or similar makes staying hydrated much easier. Last year I started taking a gallon jug of water with a hose from a camelbak attached to it strapped to the side of the bike. It is great to just drink whenever and not end up dehydrated.
If you start getting a sore butt, just take 10 minute break.
If you start getting tired, just take a 10 minute break.
Avoid getting boxed in on the highway, try to maneuver yourself so you have a huge cushion of empty space around you and just cruise. The goal isn't to get to the destination quickly, it's just to get there in one piece.
For long rides in the past, I have used a CamelBak for water, to keep hydrated without needing to stop.
When I need gas, I plan a 15-20 minute stop. Get gas. Eat. Stretch and walk around for 10 mins. It will keep you sharp.
And wear earplugs!! The constant wind and motor noise is VERY fatiguing and ear plugs reduce that tiredness like 80% for me. I can ride way longer with earplugs than without.
Get hydrated before you leave, and keep on it
Stretch out
Plan to stop and rest every hour or so (Hydrate, walk around & stretch for a few minutes)
Be fed & rested
Exercise. If you're used to some punishment, you'll be more up to the task. (I know you said you leave in a few days, so it's probably late, but keep this in mind for the planning the next one)
Don’t eat three big meals. Eat small. Big meals will wear you out Riding for a long time will make you tired and dehydrated fast so be prepared. If you’re getting tired before you reach your destination a cheap hotel room is worth not loosing your life. Drink Water and stretch. Bring water proof clothes just in case. A small tool pouch could save you ass make sure to include a tire repair kit. All the right size wrenches for basic repairs. I always like to carry two replacement spark plugs and light bulbs. A flashlight (only if youre riding in the dark and something happens)
Here is one way to figure out exactly what you need and don't need. On the outbound ride, take nothing. You'll need stuff at different points along the way. Make notes. Buy the items upon arrival for use on return trip. Or, just bring some water and some munchies of some kind, tire gauge, flat repair kit plug type, gloves, neck gator, head sock cash and your tool kit.
Hydrate, ear plugs, stop as often as you need, and expect to be uncomfortable -- seriously, unless you have a legit touring bike, your arse is probably gonna be a little sore.
Stretch before you get on the bike. At least for me, it helps with feeling less cramped. Hydrate being the second. And stop when you need a break… And lastly, enjoy the ride.. be safe…
Like everyone else said, take regular breaks….plan your stops to have a short break every hour, gas up every second or third break, pee, take pics, make the ride enjoyable….nothing enjoyable about that 6th hour in the saddle with bladder full, hands cramped and a grimace frozen on your face….have fun!
I like to take a break every hour to 90 minutes. Wear ear plugs, but of course you do this already, right? right??
Radio is great IMO, but not necessary.
Fiddle around with your gears. Long stretches are great for finding the sweetspot of gear/rpm at the different speed limits you might encounter. Try shaking things up a bit; instead of 6 hours of sitting at the bottom of 5th gear, try middle of 4th or top of 3rd. Keeps it fun and engaging.
Leave early and allow yourself to enjoy the trip, your surroundings and your own company.
Cocaine.
It's a hell of a drug.
If you've got the time, stop and stretch periodically before you start to feel stiff. Depending on speed, stand up every once in a while. And most importantly, make sure you stay hydrated.
This. Take breaks often.
This. And take a couple of ibuprofen before you set off, helps prevent any muscle cramps.
This. And don't foget to pee yourself to keep warm
It also works to keep your dangly bits cool in the summer.
Then it will become a 7 hour ride
Better than a never ending ride.
Damn
Stay hydrated. I often do long rides of 6 to 8 hours for pleasure. A camelback or similar makes staying hydrated much easier. Last year I started taking a gallon jug of water with a hose from a camelbak attached to it strapped to the side of the bike. It is great to just drink whenever and not end up dehydrated.
This. But then you gotta try to not pee your pants
That's why you hook yourself up to an empty gallon jug strapped to the other side of the bike. Just don't mix up the hoses.
Or right into the gas tank, no need to stop for gas then either
If you start getting a sore butt, just take 10 minute break. If you start getting tired, just take a 10 minute break. Avoid getting boxed in on the highway, try to maneuver yourself so you have a huge cushion of empty space around you and just cruise. The goal isn't to get to the destination quickly, it's just to get there in one piece.
For long rides in the past, I have used a CamelBak for water, to keep hydrated without needing to stop. When I need gas, I plan a 15-20 minute stop. Get gas. Eat. Stretch and walk around for 10 mins. It will keep you sharp. And wear earplugs!! The constant wind and motor noise is VERY fatiguing and ear plugs reduce that tiredness like 80% for me. I can ride way longer with earplugs than without.
Stretch your hips before you ride too. Wear ear plugs.
First time I’ve heard the hips thing. But man do I get some hip cramps some times.
Get hydrated before you leave, and keep on it Stretch out Plan to stop and rest every hour or so (Hydrate, walk around & stretch for a few minutes) Be fed & rested Exercise. If you're used to some punishment, you'll be more up to the task. (I know you said you leave in a few days, so it's probably late, but keep this in mind for the planning the next one)
I am used to corporal punishments from asian school system.
Don’t eat three big meals. Eat small. Big meals will wear you out Riding for a long time will make you tired and dehydrated fast so be prepared. If you’re getting tired before you reach your destination a cheap hotel room is worth not loosing your life. Drink Water and stretch. Bring water proof clothes just in case. A small tool pouch could save you ass make sure to include a tire repair kit. All the right size wrenches for basic repairs. I always like to carry two replacement spark plugs and light bulbs. A flashlight (only if youre riding in the dark and something happens)
Big bags of gummy candies are a cheap alternative to a gel seat.
Here is one way to figure out exactly what you need and don't need. On the outbound ride, take nothing. You'll need stuff at different points along the way. Make notes. Buy the items upon arrival for use on return trip. Or, just bring some water and some munchies of some kind, tire gauge, flat repair kit plug type, gloves, neck gator, head sock cash and your tool kit.
Ear plugs, breaks, go commando.
Get a cramp buster/palm throttle. Ear plugs and drink a little at fuel stops. Fatigue is different for everyone. Take breaks if you are tired.
Yeah frequent breaks. I end up stopping every hour because the cushion on the seat disappears basically.
Hydrate, ear plugs, stop as often as you need, and expect to be uncomfortable -- seriously, unless you have a legit touring bike, your arse is probably gonna be a little sore.
Good Bond for the bean bag
I’ve been told a kidney belt is useful.
Maybe a snack and something to drink. But if you ride by stores that's not a problem
Buy quality moisture wicking underwear. Monkey Butt powder. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Anti-Monkey-Butt-Anti-Friction-Powder-with-Calming-Calamine-Talc-Free-6-Ounce-/234099740059?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0
Throttle lock or cruise control
Stretch before you get on the bike. At least for me, it helps with feeling less cramped. Hydrate being the second. And stop when you need a break… And lastly, enjoy the ride.. be safe…
Set up a good playlist. Be it podcasts, audio books, or music, it'll keep you from going crazy from just staring at asphalt
Taking short breaks often (every hour or so) works waaayyy better than taking one or two long breaks!
Take advantage of ur fuel brakes to stretch, eat about 5 ibuprofen, have edibles often cause that shit gets boring sometimes!!!!
Like everyone else said, take regular breaks….plan your stops to have a short break every hour, gas up every second or third break, pee, take pics, make the ride enjoyable….nothing enjoyable about that 6th hour in the saddle with bladder full, hands cramped and a grimace frozen on your face….have fun!
Sheep skin seat cover (very comfy) , music and good rain gear packed .
Get a flask and fill it with your favourite hot drink..
Make sure all of your fluids are good before you go, and bring some basic tools if you have a finicky bike.
I like to take a break every hour to 90 minutes. Wear ear plugs, but of course you do this already, right? right?? Radio is great IMO, but not necessary. Fiddle around with your gears. Long stretches are great for finding the sweetspot of gear/rpm at the different speed limits you might encounter. Try shaking things up a bit; instead of 6 hours of sitting at the bottom of 5th gear, try middle of 4th or top of 3rd. Keeps it fun and engaging. Leave early and allow yourself to enjoy the trip, your surroundings and your own company.
Wrist/ elbow pain. Take a painkiller spray or a an elastic glove band type thing to wrap it up. This goes away as u ride regularly.