300km too far for newish rider?

**magicmonkey** · 20th October 2011, 16:28

I'd only been back on 2 wheels for a couple of weeks before I did a 500k journey in a day, it really helped me to get back into the swing of things. I was only on 2 wheels for about 9 months before that as well. I'd say go for it, just make sure that you take plenty of breaks as you can lose your attention to detail without noticing it pretty quickly when you're getting a bit sore

**martybabe** · 20th October 2011, 16:32

Originally Posted by Stirts

I don't think it is all about the distance either...depends on how "technical" the roads that you will be riding. More challenging roads take it out of you quicker. I would plan my stops around that.

Precisely, I did 200k on the main highway today and about 60k up and down a tight twisty back road with an awful patched up surface. The 200 was a breeze, the 60 was knackering on wrists and arse. Sound advice above.

Originally Posted by bogan

+1

I'd say get the car to follow you instead, you set the pace, and decide when to stop for breaks.

More sound Advice, with the car behind you can travel your own pace and any mishaps 'punctures, breakdowns' or just your need to stop and help/company will be just a few minutes behind you.

Do it mate, you sound like you've got it pretty straight in the planning department, enjoy.

**zmlam** · 20th October 2011, 18:41

Wow - thanks all the excellent advice and insight! REALLY appreciate them all! Will certainly take those pointers onboard, and I think I will go for it!

Getting excited thinking about it!

Haven't had too much problems with the seat, comfy-wise. Though at times I've had the odd cramp on my left leg (for seemingly no apparent reason).

Have a safe long weekend and thanks again!

**FJRider** · 20th October 2011, 18:50

Originally Posted by BuzzardNZ

depends on how comfy your ride is. I can't stay too long on the SV as the stock seat is as hard as a rock and my (__!__) gets numb after too long on it!

Get a sheepskin ... and you might be able to do 300 km's too ...

**FJRider** · 20th October 2011, 18:56

300 km's ... a tad over ONE tank of gas ... just go DO it ...

**Daffyd** · 20th October 2011, 19:03

Originally Posted by FJRider

Get a sheepskin ... and you might be able to do 300 km's too ...

Or an Air-Hawk

**FJRider** · 20th October 2011, 19:10

Originally Posted by Daffyd

Or an Air-Hawk

Don't need one ... got an FJ ... SKY hawk ...

**xXGIBBOXx** · 20th October 2011, 19:30

Go for it man , you will learn the feel of the bike by the end of it . I did palmy to welly and back a week after i got my bike . my mate came with me on a CBR1000. just take your time , watch ya mirrors and let the dicks passed when they taill gate . no need to get hot under the collar and going faster that you want to be going .

**\m/** · 20th October 2011, 19:49

If you can do 100kms without problems, then you should be fine for 300. I was doing 400km+ rides not long after going on the open road for the first time.

**The Singing Chef** · 20th October 2011, 21:56

Easy as bro, on the third day of having my bike i rode from Auckland to Taraunga, killed me but if you can do a 200k ride you can do a 300k ride, just remember to take all weight and pressure of your upper body and arms, if you feel your legs cramping or your ass gets sore stand up on the pegs while you ride, adds a new feeling to cornering. Good luck mate

**KoroJ** · 20th October 2011, 22:08

Different strokes for different folks!

As I recall, one special little lady, known in these parts as Sweetpea, rode the Capital 1000Km Cruise in 2007 on her FXR150. At the time she had only been riding about 5 months and she finished with a grin from ear to ear!

Just get on ya bike and ride it as far as you can. If you feel a bit tired or sore, have a break.

As for straights vs twisties, my personal experience is that one will get a sore arse way quicker on the main highways because when riding on curly roads, there's lots of subtle weight shifting going on (and I'm not talking about lame arse hanging off the seat and trying to scrape knees). Fatigue on a curly road is caused by pushing too hard.

If you want to see some hard arse riders, there will be 200 odd at Turangi next weekend, some doing 900Km on Friday and all doing 1600Km starting 1pm Saturday.

**KiWiP** · 20th October 2011, 22:28

Originally Posted by zmlam

Haven't had too much problems with the seat, comfy-wise. Though at times I've had the odd cramp on my left leg (for seemingly no apparent reason).

As has been said "just do it"

Cramps, check your clothing particularly if it's tight in places with leathers. If you have compression points this can affect large areas. Took me a while to connect loss of leg function with boxers riding up!

**Brett** · 20th October 2011, 22:29

300 aint that bad, I think you should be fine. As said, take regular breaks and just take it easy. With biking it really just about getting to your destination, it is the whole experience along the way. Treat it as such. I know a few blokes that would clock up 1200km rides in a day, I never managed to do that myself, I think my biggest daily ride would have been around 600-700kms.

Have fun!

**Shadows** · 20th October 2011, 22:37

300k is nothing.
It would only take 4 hours to ride that distance very slowly. In a year you must have spent four consecutive hours on your bike.
It'll all be good.