UNcomfortably numb- arm pump and similar probs

[TonyB]

Nope, this is not a thread about a Pink Floyd song.
I'm just curious to see how many racers suffer from 'arm pump' or other problems of a similar nature. I'm even more curious to see how you got/get around it.

When I've done track days on the FZR, I have frequently ended up with bad arm pump as a result of holding on way too tight, coupled with 'high effort' brakes. I know what it feels like and I know that if I concentrate on relaxing it'll go away within 1 lap (it takes me about half an hour to lap Ruapuna)

From past experience I also know that backpack straps, or even the elastic straps of a back protector, can put my arms to sleep, so I avoid having anything pressing on the area between chest and shoulder.

On Sunday, on my first BEARS outing on my Monster, a new issue surfaced- I was definitely hanging on too tight, but I also noticed that the less stretched out riding position meant that my upper arms were far closer to the upper body. I THINK this meant that the under arm seam of my leathers was blocking the circulation to my whole arm and this, combined with a death grip on the bars, was making my whole arm go numb. NOT a nice feeling. Within the space of one lap the loss of strength this caused would mean I went from easy 1 fingered braking to barely-able-to-stop- holey-shit-Im-going-to-die 3 fingered braking. This of course triggered all of the usual "survival reactions"- not looking ahead etc etc. Things were so bad I had trouble holding on tight enough to twist the throttle...

I'm sure its the seam thats doing it- if I put one hand under my arm and then hang that arm loosely by my side the effect is similar to tying a tourniquet around it- in a short time blood vessels swell up etc. I also know that if I sleep with arms by my side but over a sheet and thin duvet (ie the covers are up under my arm pits) I'll wake up with almost completely 'dead' arms- after quite a bit of exertion I can get them to slide upwards and over my head- can't lift them up for a few minutes though.

So in a nutshell- has anyone else struck this??? If so, what the hell do you do to stop it?? Is this why so many Motard riders ride with their elbows sticking out like wings???

[Buddha#81:Me]

When you get back to the pits if your arms are asleep have a wank and it will feel like someone else is doing it.

[TonyB]

Sounds like you have a fair bit of experience with this

[Buddha#81:Me]

I did live in Waiouru for 5 years it does give the sheep a break, Barbara liked watching though.

[gav]

Nah, Motard guys race like that from there MX background, dubbed the "Attack Mode"!. Do you have a bigger set of leathers to try, to see if that makes a difference? Do you stretch your fingers and wrists before starting? Pull the tops of your fingers back towards your body, should feel the muscles in your wrists stretch (carpel muscle?) Also rotate your wrists around as well.

[Buddha#81:Me]

Or have a wank!

[Motu]

Back in the '90's MX riders used to have surgery to cut a muscle sheath to stop arm pump - the new generation of MX riders has possibly be geneticaly bred to remove this defective gene.

[WRT]

I havent tried it myself, but have seen some testimonials by top level MX riders that swear by this (probably sponsors) arm pump spray. Two quick places to get it from:

dirtbike.co.nz
($20)

trademe.co.nz
($25, but money back guarantee)

[Nonbeliever]

Try to relax whenever possible during a lap, you shouldn't be gripping the bars so tight anyway.

BTW, how does a FZR qualify for BEARS??

[Joni]

Tony get one of those powerball things - it strengthens your lower arm quite a bit... we just got one, its great!

[onearmedbandit]

He was on the Monster Nonbeliever.

I get arm pump as well, I loosen my grip on the bar and find it goes away.

[Toast]

Use the pegs and tank for body stability, your arms can be more relaxed and you'll be far less likely to get arm pump. Also the added benefit that the front can react to bumps without the burden of your weight through the bars.

[judecatmad]

So in a nutshell- has anyone else struck this??? If so, what the hell do you do to stop it??

I get this all the time - even when driving a car. Only in my left arm/hand. It's really annoying.

The only way I can sort it out is to hang my arm down at my side and shake/pump my hand a bit.

Of course, I'm not ever going speeds at which it's not possible to take one hand off the handlebars (or steering wheel) so mine's not such an issue - just an annoyance.

If you find a cause/solution for it - I'd be interested to hear

[Nonbeliever]

He was on the Monster Nonbeliever.

.

Ahh I see. I thought he was refering to his FZR as a "monster".

[diesel pig]

You just have to relax abit Tony! Pick spots on the track you are on that you don't have to hold on tight for, like Ruapuna for example one can relax on the front straight for Oh 5 or 10 seconds at least and 2-3 seconds on the back straight between the kink and the hairpin