Fitness & Riding

Scratchy · Scooby Slapper Joined: 30 May 2004 Karma :

Do you think about your fitness in relation to riding, or do you think it is irrelevant on the road?
Those that have done track days will know how physically demanding it can be, so do you prepare by training or don't you care? Do you consider a training schedule to be a fry-up and a strong cup of coffee before you go out?
I used to train regularly but don't really bother anymore. I do still try to watch my weight (i'm 12.5 stone) and if I feel physically prepared for a ride I will feel mentally 'sharp' as well.

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Milo · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Feb 2002 Karma :

I've never felt knackered from riding a bike and have never been on a track day so can't really comment.
My riding style varies with my mood a lot. Can be cruising along in 5th quite happily or be working the gears and taking very agressive corners so if I did start to feel tired I'd simply alter my style.
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G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

For the road, I've never really seen the need... though a decent level of fitness probably would generally help on long rides.

I am aiming to get fit for doing racing next year, if I can sort everything else out.

Though I suspect it's not going to be as physically demanding as doing a track day; ie 8 x 20 min sessions at lydden is a whole load more throwing a bike around than I'd expect to be doing in novice racing Smile

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byke95 · World Chat Champion Joined: 25 Mar 2004 Karma :

I don't pay too much attention to my fitness and it's impact on my riding - I keep pretty fit so I guess if it does have an impact I'm hoping it's a good one!

One thing I do is, if I'm going out on a long ride, I'll eat a banana (something high in complex carbs), something with some salt in it (most cereals) and plenty of water to combat all the water I loose from sweating in my leathers! Embarassed

ProXimaCore · Dougal Joined: 01 May 2003 Karma :

Muscle training could also help your body be stronger should you come off your bike. Eating properly will give you stronger bones. Less likely to break.
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Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

I also found that squirming into yogic positions to get my knee down was a bit sore, but I'm the world's least flexible person. Maybe I should take up yoga. Thinking

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

I've found alertness more beneficial than out and out fitness. Although I guess there's an arguement that the fitter you are then the more alert you'll be for longer periods.

I guess it's down to how often you stop for petrol, cigs, etc. and how often you fuel your body.

On long trips I've been known to do some breathing exercises, tightening the stomach muscles, shifting weight on the pegs and such. That's usually after about 400 or so miles when bits of me are aching anyhow and I'm also thinking where I can get a softer seat from Wink

Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

McJamweasel · BCF Junkie Joined: 22 Mar 2002 Karma :

Scratchy · Scooby Slapper Joined: 30 May 2004 Karma :

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

It was always a tad ironic.

Sparks! · Sir Tart-a-lot Joined: 30 Aug 2003 Karma :

I need to get fit Crying or Very sad

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izzi81 · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 24 Apr 2004 Karma :

I've been going to the gym regularly for about a year and a half now, but unfortunately as I changed bike recently I haven't been able to tell if it's had an effect on my riding or not! I do know that weight training int he gym helps with lugging the bike around when the engine's not going Laughing

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tgabber · Crazy Courier Joined: 03 Jun 2004 Karma :

Sparks! · Sir Tart-a-lot Joined: 30 Aug 2003 Karma :

Lugging bikes around isn't /that/ difficult really. I'm not exactly strong, but I can spin my bike 360 on the sidestand which makes for easy manouevers (sp) in tight places etc. And means parking is easier as it's much easier to turn the bike around..

Also has advantages if you can lift the rear wheel off the ground for turning the wheel around, lubing chain etc etc etc.

I'm not tookeen on pushing it backwards but otherwise moving bikes around isn't about strength, it's just technique more than anything.
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tgabber · Crazy Courier Joined: 03 Jun 2004 Karma :