Explain how much recreational riding is enough for you

[Gary856]

This is not about commuting to work or stores. It's about fun rides on your free time.

Between work Mon-Fri and family time on Sun, I usually ride for fun on Sat. When I started riding in 2009 I couldn't get enough of it. I wanted to ride until I got hungry, cold and exhausted, up to 8-10 hrs plus riding out there. The longer rides typically involved some farther destinations I wanted to check out but still within day-ride distance. I'd often skip eating/drinking unless I really needed it. Overtime my appetite for exhaustion diminished a bit, so my ideal day-ride duration is 4-6 hrs now. That's enough to not feel too hurried, and not get too tired.

 

[bikeama]

Normally for me, I like to ride all day. Meet friends for lunch, stop for lunch and sometimes dinner or a coffee after an all-day ride.

BUT times are not normal now. Going to turn 70 this year and hope to ride until 80. I am not stuck at home I am safe at home. I will ride when all this shit is over. I would feel selfish riding now.

 

[Kornholio]

4-6 hours seems good to me too. However, back when I had my RT and was making the trek to Hawthorne from San Diego and back, I would spend about 8-10 hours in the saddle. BUT...that motorcycle was definitely built for that kind of riding.

 

[gixxerjeff]

As I get older my ability to stay on the bike decreases. My back is becoming more and more intolerant. Lately my comfort zone seems to be about the same range as a tank of fuel, in the 200 mile range (with some stops to stretch, of course). I'm usually trying to climb over the bars after about 3 straight hours of riding.
The 20 minute sessions at track days seem about perfect. I can continually refresh myself.

 

[budman]

My ideal day is 8 hours with a distant destination in mind.

Stops for gas and grub is about it. I have found that my choice of bike has played into what this old body can do.

Several have been 11 hours plus in the last couple of years. All good.

That is why I love the barf rallies so much. Great destinations, great people and great riding.

Like Bill I am SIP at this point, but look forward to getting some in later this year.

 

[NoTraffic]

Ideal is 4-5 hrs when there was no SIP. There's plenty of fun roads in the bay to get my kicks on during a weekend, as I usually commute by bike.

If it's more than 4 hrs, I generally would rather do an extended trip. I'd much rather ride 8 hrs somewhere, stay the night, explore another town, then hop on the road early the next morning and make my way back home or to another destination. Longest days I've had on a bike were about 12-13 hrs when touring.

 

[budman]

I agree that 4-5 is as good day when staying local.

A six day 8 hr a day pace has me worn out.
I really want to do that again once we are back on our feet.

 

[gixxerjeff]

Like Bill I am SIP at this point, but look forward to getting some in later this year.

I failed to mention this in my post but it should be known that this applies to me too.

 

[nakedape]

None. I do take a few optional trips for errands on the bike that aren't necessary but the last time I took off to just ride was 4 years ago. Wait, I did ride out of Newport Beach up a "famous" moto road and it was nice. Just avoiding in-laws during a beach vacation though.

When you are essentially moto only 365 the urge to ride is fulfilled. Filling up once a week, avoiding all traffic and parking ease all add up for me.

11 hours in the seat? That's bonkers Bud. Now I have all the time off with pay and should be on a tour but can't justify the potential visit to ER with a boo-boo.

 

[erok81]

I’m pretty much maxed out after four hours on a supermoto riding briskly.

 

[Marcoose]

It depends. A quick ride down to Alice’s, clean roads, no traffic, good weather ... boom, plenty of recreational riding. Same distance, miserable traffic, weather, etc ... yuck.

Lately, 250 miles seem all the ole sack o’bones can take per day. More than that I need to plan for longer stops.

 

[bpw]

Recently I have really come to enjoy puttering around on my vintage bikes. Going slow, stopping a bunch and enjoying the scenery. Even when touring I tend more towards 200 miles days instead of the 500 mile days I used to do.

Still do the occasional big ride, but the 500 mile days have less appeal.

 

[flipstyledsm22]

When I was young and eager, it was how much gas I could afford to keep the wheels turning. Now I'm happy with a nice weekend ride.

Weather is a factor as well. I don't really like the cold and even with thick gloves and heated grips, I still find my fingers going numb... Which also makes me feel uncomfortable. I also hydrate a lot... Which means I can do about 1.5 hours of consistent riding before I have to pull over for a wizz.

 

[ScottRNelson]

I think I enjoy the 3-5 hour rides the most. I can't just string together a few good roads like when I lived in California, so I generally have a destination. I've done one 8 hour ride so far this year, all pavement, up to the end of the road in Hells Canyon and enjoyed that, but it was on the long side. Last year a few of the rides that included bits of the IDBDR were longer. Heading back home at the end of the "good" roads isn't always all that fun, but necessary.

This year I'm hoping to get out twice a week, which was my goal last year too, but I only averaged once a week. Getting to the top of mountain peaks I haven't been to are high on the list. I really enjoy going somewhere new. But it's also nice going where I know the roads and I'm putting more roads in that category.

Oh, and all of my time is now "free time". :afm199

 

[Climber]

My riding has changed, I'm on a Goldwin now, it's very suited to long rides and I'm fine with that.

I'd rather be on a motorcycle than cooped up in a car, I'm just more alive.

 

[cheez]

My plan for retirement is pretty simple.

Ride 4-5 days a week. All day some days (6-12 hours) or parts of others (1-6 hours) but ride at least 60% of my week.

Right now? I commute so much that rec riding can be a challenge to WANT to do (until I get out and do it, of course.)

 

[ScottRNelson]

My plan for retirement is pretty simple.

Ride 4-5 days a week. All day some days (6-12 hours) or parts of others (1-6 hours) but ride at least 60% of my week.

Yeah, I had planned to spend all of my spare time riding too. Then I discovered that there isn't nearly as much spare time as I expected there to be.

Unless there is nothing else in your life, good luck finding 4-5 days a week to be out riding.

 

[cheez]

Yeah, I had planned to spend all of my spare time riding too. Then I discovered that there isn't nearly as much spare time as I expected there to be.

Unless there is nothing else in your life, good luck finding 4-5 days a week to be out riding.

No no, let me maintain the illusion until I'm free of the harness, lest you leave me champing at the bit because the cake is a lie...

 

[gixxerjeff]

You've gotta leave enough time for hookers 'n blow, cheez.
Jus' sayin'.

 

[anytwowilldo]

I'm riding a lot more dirt than street these days. I love the adventure and challenge. I would love to ride every weekend if I could.