Long Distance Touring - Issues, Concerns, and Suggestions

[ridingAK]

While the staff has determined that there haven't been enough threads covering this topic to justify a new forum, it is certainly an area worthy of discussion. I'll start it off.

My long distance touring has combined camping and motels so while my biggest concern starting out was hygiene, it hasn't ever become the problem I had anticipated. When showers aren't available I have been able to keep from feeling grungy by using baby wipes.

The biggest problem I have encountered is keeping my hair presentable.

http://alaskadualsport.smugmug.com/photos/224688552_RzGJ6-M.jpg

Even though I am a few decades removed from the teen years, my hair gets as greasy now as it did back then. There is only so much a baseball cap and braid can hide. :shrug: Anyone have ideas, other than shaving it? :lol:

[Lion_Lady]

Hmm, I'm a bit far removed from long hair, but a natural bristle brush helps to distribute those oils from scalp to ends.

I can't help but think of some tales I've heard about rest stop hygiene (ie bathing in the sink... :D: ) How long does your hair take to dry? ;):

In a pinch, I've resorted to sprinkling talcum powder (baby powder, etc) along the part line and brushing it through with a natural bristle brush. Flip hair over (bend, looking at knees), brush from underneath a few moments, then flip back up and brush in place. I've got fine, thin, straight hair. This wouldn't work well for curly or really thick hair, I don't think.

P

[Luna Tique]

Before we left on our trip I cut my hair short and got a body wave ( I have fine limp hair)
We did not camp without facilities Every campground we stayed at had hot clean showers..
It was warm enough most nights we didn't need a fire so no smokey smell to deal with.
I would shower and put gel in as normal flip my head and used the hand dryer found in most rest rooms as my blow dryer :lol:
:shrug:I don't know how well this would work with longer or thicker hair but it was just fine for mine.

It looked decent for morning coffee and then back to helmet hair by the end of the day At least it was clean.
Side Note: Just be careful you don't burn yourself or your hair. Those dryer get quite hot

I also read that some women wear a BUFF under their helmet all the time to keep hair products and hair oils from collecting on the liner which then transfers back onto clean hair.

[ridingAK]

I have tried shampooing in restroom sinks. I ended up with such a tangled mat of knots it was worse than being dirty. The rest of me cleans up well in the sink, but my hair not so much. I tried that talcum powder thing as a kid and had grayish looking hair all day. :lol: Maybe I should try it again as an adult. :shrug:

[KCDakar]

:rofl::rofl::rofl: cause the Grayish won't show now? :rofl::rofl::rofl:

Here I'll do it for you...:smack:

[indianscout]

Here I'll do it for you...:smack:

HEY, I WANTED TO DO THAT!! :gaah:






.

[Astir]

rAK, have you ever tried dry shampoo? I have seen them at camping stores, but never tried them. Online found Oscar Blandi (http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P147937&cm_mmc=us_search-_-GG-_-br%20oblan-_-S1220380868_ADOGOB_AGI1092061_CRE1222721177_TID104 607501_RFDd3d3Lmdvb2dsZS5jb20%3d) had good reviews.

[ridingAK]

Astir - I haven't tried them, but I think I'll give it a go next summer and see what happens.

Dakar - one :smack: for that comment isn't enough! You need at least one more!:smack:
:D: :rofl:

[indianscout]

Astir - I haven't tried them, but I think I'll give it a go next summer and see what happens.

Dakar - one :smack: for that comment isn't enough! You need at least one more!:smack:
:D: :rofl:



Why not try it out before? Would hate to read about you having problems on a RR nest summer! :D:

P.S. Good one on Dakar!:roflmao:

[KCDakar]

:D:

[Lion_Lady]

Okay... now on to the OTHER really important topic regarding women doing long distance touring: "Auntie Flo."

How do you deal?

On another forum someone mentioned she uses the Diva Cup. http://www.divacup.com/ As it happens, I've seen them on the shelf at the store where I work. Soooo. I got one. I have to say, it was a bit odd at first, but it is a wonder! And the daily life benefit is that I haven't had an overnight leak since I started using it.

Other benefit is that on day long rides, I don't have to think about the monthly annoyance.

P

[ridingAK]

I have heard of the Diva Cup, haven't tried it. I just try to stop every so often. :shrug: I have to admit it would be nice not to have it as a constant concern lurking at the back of my mind.

[Lucky_Devil]

I'm gonna throw another thing out there.... anyone tried one of these? http://www.shewee.com/

[Astir]

:redface1:
I decided on an IUD with Progesterone. The advantage? Rare to no monthly visits (After about 3-6 months of weirdness), and the best part - nearly complete elimination of those awful PMS symptoms suffered month after month.

[ridingAK]

I guess I am lucky. I have never had PMS, so for me it has been mostly an inconvenience for a few days out of the month rather than a real discomfort.

I think the idea of a shewee is silly and I have laughed about it in the past, but... there have been times when it would have been really nice to have. I don't think the guys realize how much easier they have it, like when you have to go in the middle of the night and it is pouring down rain and there is no outhouse...

[Luna Tique]

I'm gonna throw another thing out there.... anyone tried one of these? http://www.shewee.com/

I have one very similiar to that called Freshette (http://www.freshette.com/) It works very well. I did buy an extention tube that I cut down to a packable size for it. I felt the tube that came with it was just a little to short & I didn't want to end up peeing on my boots :redface1:

[Lion_Lady]

Do you one better: Magic-Cone. Its disposable. I admit I haven't used it yet, but have a pack in my car's glove box and the tail bag of my bike.

I bought 10 packs on the magic-cone website last year, but it looks like now they're only selling wholesale (150 packages min!). www.magic-cone.com (http://www.magic-cone.com) The "how to use" video is pretty funny.

Since I do ride out in the stix, I hate the thought of having to squat in the brush. Figure that funnel thing will probably come in handy sometime.

P

[demenshea]

Gawd, I am old school. Squatting in the brush has never bothered me and I don't find it inconvenient to stop when riding and find someplace. I have never been stuck waiting long nor have i been unable to micturate (a Big Lebowski word) as a result of riding. When i need to pee...i stop and squat! :roflmao:

I have on the other hand has some trouble with yeast infections and riding. Seems if i do a series of 500+ miles a day I end up with either a bladder or yeast infection. My doctor mentioned that it was from "sitting on the urethra" for long periods exposed to vibration. I have no idea but has anyone else experienced this?

[Lion_Lady]

Its not so much the squatting part as the dealing with the motorcycle gear, in order to squat, part ;): . Or in mixed company... otherwise, I get to stop everybody else at a gas station (not uncommon for me to be the only female in a group).

The tall seat that I got with my Rockster is "humped" in just the WRONG place for female anatomy. Murderous to sit on for more than brief periods.

I did end up with a champion yeast infection after riding for a day and a half in damp clothes... on the way to the last AMA Women's Rally.

P

[GinaMcD]

If there's no bathroom, I don't have a problem with squatting in the brush as long as there is enough privacy. We used to spend a week at a time in the back country so it's something I learned to do really fast! As a result, I can also deal with not being squeaky clean everyday if there's no access to a shower. In reality, on our long rides, we usually stop regularly for gas/pee/food breaks and since I'm usually the only female, it just means that I don't have to line up for the bathroom like the three (or more) guys I'm with!

All my underwear is wicking polyester, and I wear a layer of wicking long underwear under by Aerostoch Goretex riding pants (even with temps in the tripple digits), and I've never had a problem with yeast infections.

As for Auntie Flow, her unexpected arrival while I was on a day-long ride with four guys finally got me to go see a doctor about a utirine ablation which I had a year and a half ago. Now what used to be five days of hell each month have turned into two days of minor inconvenience.

[jfike]

i had a uterine ablation for anemia a few years ago... wow! what a difference. i might have two days in a bad month:ecstasy:

potty breaks? well i just stop for gas a little more often!!

[Chench53]

Long distance touring, I thought would be more interested in how many miles riding in a day, riding alone long distances, should I stick to highways or take the more scenic routes.

A few years back I rode with my (not yet) husband to Missouri, it was about a 4000 mile two week trip for me, starting in NYC, to VA, then we rode in a clockwise circle down, up, back east, and then home.

I learned that many days of many miles is tiring, and we did cut short some of our days. My hair was not a concern. :) It's thick and curly so I just brushed, made two cornrow-braids, pop on the bandanna and the helmet. OK, enough for the hair, back to the riding.


Re the distances, I've also ridden 600+ miles in one day, but those times were sole travel days, so not a bunch like that in a row.

Any one else who's done long distances? This could be an interesting thread to revive.

Gina, I have peed in the bushes a few times, but I don't think I'd do that if I were riding alone.

Gerry

[gypsyangel]

I personally don't care to put in much more than 300 to 350 miles a day. I like to take my time and see the sights. I've done more miles, but it's not worth it (Unless you're crossing Nevada :D: ). I want to experience and remember every place I ride through. Any more than 350 miles, and you're just riding to get to point "B" and the fun factor goes way down.

My hubby and I do have the standing rule that we stop every 100 miles to get off the bikes and stretch, rehydrate, snack etc. This helps keep us fresh and alert longer. And when riding in hot temps we may stop more often just to soak down our helmet liners with water. This really cools your head as the wind from riding evaporates the water. Instant air conditioning. We also never tour without our camel backs. Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!

We do our best to stay off interstates or four lane highways. We research as much of the area on various sites online before we go to try to find the best routes. Talk to other bikers, get the secret good roads. And never eat at chain restaurants. The lil' mom-n-pop places are far more interesting. We have the Diners,drive ins and dives gpx file in our GPS and this helps find these places while traveling. Sometimes the places are a "miss" (bad food, too expensive, etc.),but 99.9% of the time, they're a hit. My hubby and I also try to split meals whenever possible to keep costs down.

We have done trips camping and we have done the hotels. I must admit when camping, I prefer the KOA campgrounds as they have ALL the facilities (shop for snacks and supplies, showers, laundry, Wi - Fi, souveniers , plugs for electronics,etc.). But these can be a bit pricier than state parks. If you're going to camp, try to pick up a few state guides at the rest stops as these will list all the state parks and what ammenities they have. We also have camp books from AAA and the KOA camp book. The best part of camping is not having to completely unload your bike as it's right there by your tent. However, if you choose to stay at the hotels, try to get a ground floor where you can park right outside your door.

Let's see, more tips....
Avoid cotton undies, go spandex or polyester as cotton holds in heat and doesn't dry.

Purex makes these detergent/dry sheet all in one things that are great to take on a trip where you'll have to do laundry. you throw a sheet into the washer and the detergent comes out, then it follows your clothes into the dryer. It's also super easy to pack.

I can't go more than a day without washing my hair, so we just make sure we stay where there's facilities as much as possible.

Never add anything new to your bike or do anything "big", like a major repair, just before you leave for a trip. Always try everything out well in advance.Problems are easier to deal with 5 miles from home, rather than 500 miles from home.

Try to schedule a day off the bikes for every 4 days on. Otherwise, you could be looking forward to the end of the trip .

Relax, this is supposed to be fun. Stuff happens, roads have detours or construction, you'll almost never stay on any sort of deadline (You know, I must get to point "C" by 12:00 Thursday). Just roll with it. Some of our best adventures have been when "stuff" happened. Hey, if it was easy, everyone would do it :D:

Oh, and ALWAYS plan to spend more on a trip than anticipated. Sometimes alot more. Things break and need to be repaired and replaced. And stuff happens, just leave yourself a financial cusion.

[ridingAK]

TWF has grown a lot in the past year! Now that we have a long distance forum, this thread has a new home!

Back on topic...

One of the things Nut and I have found, not only with long distance touring, but more pronounced on longer trips, is the need to communicate about when the vacation part of the trip is over. It sounds obvious, but for us it wasn't. For me vacation started when I left my driveway and ended when I returned to my garage. For Nut, vacation started when we left, but the pilot in him kicked in and vacation ended at the turn around point. From the moment we turned toward home, in his mind the goal was to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible. He would get frustrated with me when I wanted to take a side trip on the way home and I used to get annoyed with him for pushing too hard.

Once we realized the difference in mindset it allowed us to compromise. As long as I let him know that I want to see or do certain things on the way home he is okay with it. If he feels the need move more quickly and lets me know why, I am able to pass things by without feeling like I'm missing something. Now we can add extra time on the end of a trip to give me more time to play, and we might leave earlier in the mornings, ride later in the evenings, or just ride faster in some places to make up time Nut needs to keep on his mental schedule.

We also set way points for ourselves along the ride. We need to be at point x by such and such a day. With that goal in mind, it doesn't matter how far we ride on any given day, as long as we reach the way point within the time frame we agree on before we start. We also talk about which way points are flexible, and which ones really aren't. Again, it is all about understanding what mindset we are each coming from.

Knowing each other's expectations has taken the stress out of touring for us and makes longer rides MUCH more fun for both us. I think the same thing would apply to any group riding experience. Most tensions between riders seem to stem from them wanting different things and not understanding each other's frustrations.

[msyzf2u]

Excellent advice all!

[Luna Tique]

I agree wonderful advise and insight.

[Follow]

Do you one better: Magic-Cone. Its disposable. I admit I haven't used it yet, but have a pack in my car's glove box and the tail bag of my bike.

I bought 10 packs on the magic-cone website last year, but it looks like now they're only selling wholesale (150 packages min!). www.magic-cone.com (http://www.magic-cone.com) The "how to use" video is pretty funny.
P

We can go almost 300 miles per tank, which means if we are on a mission of going from point A to point B (gas stop) B to C (gas stop), my hubby does not stop. After doing this many times I told hubby next time I am going to self cath myself, run a tube down my pant leg and when its time to go just hang my leg out like a dog...I did bring home a condom cath for him so he can check it out...LOL:D:

One time I had to go so bad I just pulled over and went, for quite a few miles he had no clue I was never behind him, he was upset at first, but I did give him the signal to pull over about an hour before, he forgot I gave him the signal. I swear he must have a bladder of a camel.

[Chench53]

Yes, about 300-350 miles is what we found. It gives time to smell the roses, see the sights, and still get to where you're going. The days I did the 600 mile one day shots were times when I wanted to go on a trip but had limited time.

With my VSTAR I can go about 180 miles on a tank, but by then I need to stretch my legs and pee, so even if I had a tank that could take me farther, I'd still stop around the 150 mark. Except with a bigger tank you save time by not fueling up as often, that would be a plus!

Gerry

[demenshea]

I did end up with a champion yeast infection after riding for a day and a half in damp clothes... on the way to the last AMA Women's Rally.

P

Yeast infections are a common side-effect of riding miles and miles and I have had my share. I am careful to wear cotton crouched underwear without seams. I tried thong as so many recommended, and they drove me nuts! :eek:

I stop frequently and urinate and make sure I drink plenty of water. I like to stop and get photos of the ride so it all works out.

I don't mind 3-500 miles a day. But 5 is max and then I am usually pretty spent, which isn't good as our judgement as riders is impaired.

I wish i liked camping. I read many a female camping thread or website and am ever impressed as it seems like so much more work all around, but so tranquil. I applaud those that moto-camp!! :perfect10:

[tarzan77]

I'm a weirdo, I really enjoy long days!! On my trip planned for the spring, I'm planning on a couple long days to get where I want to be, but after that I have lots of rest days and 250-300 mile days. My fill light goes on at about 160 miles, so that gives me adequate stops along the way - I usually walk around and stretch etc.

As far as comfort in the seat area, I've tried a fair amount of things, including wicking undies and some of my old bike shorts. The wicking undies are ok (Ex Officio) but after my recent purchase of a pair of LD Comfort women's riding shorts I think the Ex Officios will be used for hiking etc. Though I haven't had a chance to try them, the LD Comforts look like an excellent product, and actually built for women. They are dual layer and have a gusseted crotch (with wicking material) and they sit right at my natural waist and not right above my well, you know - I hate low rise stuff, especially when riding pants and long underwear sit at my waist.

Hair has always been an issue for me having long, naturally curly hair that is a super frizz, tangled mess after a few days. I bought a HAD rag (like a Buff) that I'm going to try and I think right before my spring trip I'll have a few inches cut off so it's easier to just wet brush. Short hair doesn't work for me, it unweights my curls and results in an afro - not a good look for me. Also, if I'm not at work, I have a baseball hat attached to my head - helps to cover the icky hair!!