Riding Your Motorcycle, Taking Frequent Breaks, Fatigue and other Considerations!

Santa Monica Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez and Sabrina at Santa Monica Pier

Riding a motorcycle is fun, exhilarating, exciting, and downright tiring! Especially if you are the one operating the bike.

Unlike driving a car; riding a motorcycle requires physical excursion, and intense concentration. You will tire much more quickly on a motorcycle, than in a car, even though you may not realize it at the time.

I personally have taken many long rides. I am not sure which one was the longest single day ride without sleep, but I have driven from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe, and back down to Reno, while taking the time in the middle of the run, to ride back and forth through the Yosemite valley. It took around 19 hours without sleep and I was ready to drop at the end.

I have taken many single day rides (riding with no sleep) that were 600 mile plus.

The key to enjoying your run and being safe, is to take frequent breaks. Luckily on most motorcycles you must take a break about every 150 miles or so because of fuel capacity. However, when you get to a point where your butt is going numb, your hands are going numb due to the cold, your legs are aching, or you feel yourself falling asleep. It’s time to pull over and take a break.

You know how dangerous it is to ride in a car while being tired and sleepy; on a motorcycle there are no second chances. You snooze, you literally lose, possibly your life.

Part of the fun of motorcycling is taking a break after rolling for 120 miles or so, especially if you smoke. You should not be in such a rush to get somewhere that you throw safety to the wind.

Wherever you are going will be there when you get there. The point is that you should take frequent breaks on rides to rejuvenate you body and your senses.

The great thing about being a biker is that you usually meet other bikers when you stop to take breaks. I have met many interesting people during what I call “Pit Stops.” The ride will be much more enjoyable and safer if you enjoy your ride rather than rush your ride.

Maybe one day our paths will cross in the wind. Until then stay safe.