Health issues related to long term riding

moto.monk

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So I have ridden 180k miles over the last 6 years. First on a cb750 then a, 2008 zx6r, fz09 and finally a Yamaha super tenere which I just hit 50k after 15 months.

What I have noticed is that I recover much faster as a younger man and now as 36 year not so much. After being in the service and carrying 120lb artillery rounds, body armor/gear weighting 45lb for training and deployment my body is no longer the same.

Now I am suffering back, neck and hand issues after riding long distance touring on a motorcycle. I have been a tons of short rides, day and some week long rides. But now i can't do anymore and it feels weird. I have learned that time waits for no man and that we must enjoy every moment on two wheels. For those who don't understand this post/thread comment what you have learned being on two wheels and what health issues you have gone through. For myself I have learned that as a young man I felt indestructible and now that time is a gift20191229_080003.jpg
 

tntmo

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The military artificially aged me, as well. I just try to do what I can, which is still more than some can do and not as much as others. Enjoy the gift we have called life.
 

moto.monk

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If I didn't have hiway pegs, cruise, backrest and bar risers. I couldn't ride very far either. I have hand and back issues. Check out Utopia backrestsView attachment 67815
Had a back rest didnt help because the bars are still too far forward since the st is not a cruiser. I got rid of it after a few weeks since it didnt make any difference.
 
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moto.monk

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Rox risers, Russell day long seat, grip puppies, highway pegs, windshield spoiler, and cruise control, have it so I can still put a 800 mile day on when I have to. More if it’s a serious situation.

So far I have been able to compensate for getting old with Patience, money and better tools. The think that annoys me is my eyesight. Needing readers and dim lighting is a real bitch,
I have riser and a better seat though not as good as the day long. I do wear glasses however not the issue as my body cannot keep up. But I still have not found a fix for highway pegs as I do not have crash bars or the DIY mentioned since I have the tools or patiences.
 

EricV

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Two things help. A neutral ergonomic riding position and moving around to keep circulation flowing. Sure, we get older, but ride smarter, not harder. And maybe the Super Ten is not the bike for you. But ergos are a progression of small changes that cumulate in comfort, not a one fix solves everything kind of process.

Consider just getting a set of Givi crash bars so you can mount highway pegs. Moving around and having more than one spot for your feet/legs makes a big difference.

There are other factors too. Hydration plays a larger part than most people think in being comfortable and less beat up on a long ride. Ear plugs help reduce fatigue as well, because noise is a stressor and white noise like wind can really take a toll. Not to mention permanent and cumulative hearing loss.

@Fennellg - Long distance riding is what first made me go get bi-focal glasses. I didn't need them for day to day, but for riding it was a huge improvement. That was maybe 15 years ago, now I wear them all the time. My far vision is ok and I can get by w/o glasses for that, but near vision requires corrective lenses. Being able to see the instruments and the distance is much less stressful. CostCo or Walmart are the cheapest, even if you have Insurance. Sucks that the insurance price for a good pair of transitions safety rated no line bifocal glasses was $600 and the Walmart price was under $200 w/o insurance at all.
 

moto.monk

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The military artificially aged me, as well. I just try to do what I can, which is still more than some can do and not as much as others. Enjoy the gift we have called life.
Agreed never though my military service would effect me. I was like this no big deal let's just move on to the next thing. Well....
 

moto.monk

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Two things help. A neutral ergonomic riding position and moving around to keep circulation flowing. Sure, we get older, but ride smarter, not harder. And maybe the Super Ten is not the bike for you. But ergos are a progression of small changes that cumulate in comfort, not a one fix solves everything kind of process.

Consider just getting a set of Givi crash bars so you can mount highway pegs. Moving around and having more than one spot for your feet/legs makes a big difference.

There are other factors too. Hydration plays a larger part than most people think in being comfortable and less beat up on a long ride. Ear plugs help reduce fatigue as well, because noise is a stressor and white noise like wind can really take a toll. Not to mention permanent and cumulative hearing loss.

@Fennellg - Long distance riding is what first made me go get bi-focal glasses. I didn't need them for day to day, but for riding it was a huge improvement. That was maybe 15 years ago, now I wear them all the time. My far vision is ok and I can get by w/o glasses for that, but near vision requires corrective lenses. Being able to see the instruments and the distance is much less stressful. CostCo or Walmart are the cheapest, even if you have Insurance. Sucks that the insurance price for a good pair of transitions safety rated no line bifocal glasses was $600 and the Walmart price was under $200 w/o insurance at all.
So use ear plugs off and on. I do move around on the bike as much as possible. I have learned how much egros matter and it does make a huge difference. But to mount crash bars just to use highway pegs is ridiculous. Not that it might be the only route to go but that I might have to go if I want to continue riding on the st. Agreed on that the bike is not for everyone and might soon have to move on to a goldwing after doing much research it's an impressive bike. I looking at an 2004. I do hydrated and carry 1L of ice water on most rides. I love the super tenere it has taken me on so many adventures but if cant ride in future for health reasons there's no point. At least for now I can ride but cant do 500+ miles back to back for 10 days or riding hard in the canyons for 35 miles.
 
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Sierra1

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. . . . What I have noticed is that I recover much faster as a younger man and now as 36 year not so much. After being in the service and carrying 120lb artillery rounds, body armor/gear weighting 45lb for training and deployment my body is no longer the same. . . .
Bahahaaaa. . . . I'm NOT being mean, but. . . . DUH. My 23 yr old, half joking, half serious, talks about be too old for this or that also. Each person is different, some age quicker. . . . some age slower. When I went into the Navy, I was 22. . . . most everybody else in my company was 17-19. I went through Navy dive school when I was 24. My first "buddy diver" was a 53 year old Recon Marine Major. (By the way, there are Marines, and then there are Recon. . . . holy shit difference) Hardest school I ever went to, and have some fan-F'n-tastic stories. I have about the same miles as you on bikes, but it took longer for me. Mainly because for 19 of my 28 years in LE, I was on motors. . . . in Texas. . . . year round. I didn't have to lug the arty rounds, but I did have the Kevlar, and gear for 10hrs a day. I had learned, waaaay back, that fitness is not just desirable, but mandatory. Five days a week, whether I want to or not. . . . and trust me, I don't. The alternative is just not acceptable. Which is why at 57, I can still press 350+ lbs, four sets of 10. And, because of Satan inspired cardio, my resting heart rate is 60 bpm. So. . . . you're still young enough, that if you don't like the way you feel. . . . fix it. You won't regret it. :)

. . . . Long distance riding is what first made me go get bi-focal glasses. . . . CostCo or Walmart are the cheapest, . . . .
I found some "fishing" sunglasses about five years ago at W-M. They're bi-focal, and cost $14.96 (or at least they did) They're polarized, and must have a coating, because mine still are not scratched. But, as I got older, the task of looking far, and then down at a paper, became harder and harder. The first pair of bi-focal sunglasses I saw was at a bike shop. They were $75.00. Me being a cheapskate, I went to W-M. They are fantastic. Super clear. Try a pair, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. :)
 

EricV

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Life takes it's toll. 20+ years working graveyard has been harder on my body than my military years, but I was a weapons repairman, so pretty cush job in some ways. 13 hour shifts, 6 days a week aged me more than a lot of other crap. A 40 year old step son living with us for a year put some gray in my beard too, that's for sure. :oops:
 

moto.monk

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Bahahaaaa. . . . I'm NOT being mean, but. . . . DUH. My 23 yr old, half joking, half serious, talks about be too old for this or that also. Each person is different, some age quicker. . . . some age slower. When I went into the Navy, I was 22. . . . most everybody else in my company was 17-19. I went through Navy dive school when I was 24. My first "buddy diver" was a 53 year old Recon Marine Major. (By the way, there are Marines, and then there are Recon. . . . holy shit difference) Hardest school I ever went to, and have some fan-F'n-tastic stories. I have about the same miles as you on bikes, but it took longer for me. Mainly because for 19 of my 28 years in LE, I was on motors. . . . in Texas. . . . year round. I didn't have to lug the arty rounds, but I did have the Kevlar, and gear for 10hrs a day. I had learned, waaaay back, that fitness is not just desirable, but mandatory. Five days a week, whether I want to or not. . . . and trust me, I don't. The alternative is just not acceptable. Which is why at 57, I can still press 350+ lbs, four sets of 10. And, because of Satan inspired cardio, my resting heart rate is 60 bpm. So. . . . you're still young enough, that if you don't like the way you feel. . . . fix it. You won't regret it. :)



I found some "fishing" sunglasses about five years ago at W-M. They're bi-focal, and cost $14.96 (or at least they did) They're polarized, and must have a coating, because mine still are not scratched. But, as I got older, the task of looking far, and then down at a paper, became harder and harder. The first pair of bi-focal sunglasses I saw was at a bike shop. They were $75.00. Me being a cheapskate, I went to W-M. They are fantastic. Super clear. Try a pair, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. :)
I take no offence I do have some experience with law enforcement although only as a cadet. Thank you for calling as it is. Well I have been trying to adjust its been a battle and I just dont feel the same as a 26 year old man not by a long shot. I do agree with you 100% percent that fitness makes a difference I have made some progress with the VA so on my back so maybe is its time to kick up a notch. I still love how post and giving a fuck on what the admins think. Thanks man. On another another note Im thinking of my first track day here in CA. But im too fat to fit into a suit.
 

Sierra1

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. . . . I just dont feel the same as a 26 year old man not by a long shot. I do agree with you 100% percent that fitness makes a difference . . . . But im too fat to fit into a suit.
WE will never feel like a 26 year old again. WE can just make the best of it. The "fatness" thing? I heard it said once that is because of "too many square meals, put into a round hole." As far as your back goes. . . . common complaint. IF you have no actual/physical damage preventing them, do some hyper-extensions. They have worked for everybody that has worked out with me. Even the guy with some fused vertebrae. Talk to your doc first of course.
 

moto.monk

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WE will never feel like a 26 year old again. WE can just make the best of it. The "fatness" thing? I heard it said once that is because of "too many square meals, put into a round hole." As far as your back goes. . . . common complaint. IF you have no actual/physical damage preventing them, do some hyper-extensions. They have worked for everybody that has worked out with me. Even the guy with some fused vertebrae. Talk to your doc first of course.
Thanks man for calling it for what it is. But somethings remain unsaid and your point is your own. Thank you though
 
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SHUMBA

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So I have ridden 180k miles over the last 6 years. First on a cb750 then a, 2008 zx6r, fz09 and finally a Yamaha super tenere which I just hit 50k after 15 months.

What I have noticed is that I recover much faster as a younger man and now as 36 year not so much. After being in the service and carrying 120lb artillery rounds, body armor/gear weighting 45lb for training and deployment my body is no longer the same.

Now I am suffering back, neck and hand issues after riding long distance touring on a motorcycle. I have been a tons of short rides, day and some week long rides. But now i can't do anymore and it feels weird. I have learned that time waits for no man and that we must enjoy every moment on two wheels. For those who don't understand this post/thread comment what you have learned being on two wheels and what health issues you have gone through. For myself I have learned that as a young man I felt indestructible and now that time is a giftView attachment 67814
Well, all I can say i.s,
You are normal.
I turn 70 in a couple of weeks, and I'm certainly feeling it as well particularly after a long day of riding.
Cruize control is wonderful, ear plugs help reduce fatigue and proper clothing are helpful as well. Often overlooked, in hor weather is keeping yourself hydrated....drink plenty of water.
SHUMBA

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moto.monk

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Well, all I can say i.s,
You are normal.
I turn 70 in a couple of weeks, and I'm certainly feeling it as well particularly after a long day of riding.
Cruize control is wonderful, ear plugs help reduce fatigue and proper clothing are helpful as well. Often overlooked, in hor weather is keeping yourself hydrated....drink plenty of water.
SHUMBA

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done most of sort of, I hope to teach your age thoughI have my doubts. I dont keep up on wearing ear plugs however. Thanks though
 

moto.monk

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Also to clarify this is not a negative post this is positive one. Everyday I turn the key, feel the pegs and start off. I feel lucky to feel this freedom and for something might, can, maybe kill me. I feel life is life and no man is above it.
 
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