5 Ways to Stay Awake on a Long Distance Motorcycle Trip.

Countdown - 175 days

In keeping with yesterday's blog about how far 600 miles really is, I thought I would share some ideas that help me stay safe on long distance trips. Well, "safer" might be a better word.

No matter what type of travel you are doing (air, motorcycle, car, bus, train, etc.), 600 miles in one day is rigorous to say the least. Consider that these 600 miles days are coming back to back to back over about 11-12 days. That will just make you downright sleepy.

So what do you do to stay awake? Certainly, some folks reading this would find it hard to believe that anyone could fall asleep while driving a motorcycle. I'm here to tell you that while, yes, the simple act of being 'in the wind', is exhilarating, it can sometimes get a little boring too.

I know that seems like it couldn't be true! But as crazy as it seems, I've experienced this a few times. Riders in Kansas are testifying to this truth every day. So, what's a poor, hapless rider to do? How do you stay awake? I'll tell you the top 5 things that work for me.

5. Get as much sleep as you can when off the road.
This is tough for me, I have a hard time sleeping in hotels anyway. But you have to do all that you can. You can also power nap for 15-20 minutes at a rest area. Just lean up against a tree in the most secluded part of the rest area you can find. Your body will tell you how much rest you need. Surely, this isn't the best answer, because napping all day won't get you through 600 miles very easily. But if you start here, you're starting out ahead.

4. Sing.
I'm not a terrible singer, but there's a reason I am not up on stage with Elton John, Twisted Sister or John Mayer. However, it's pretty hard for your brain to lull itself into a comatose state when you are belting out the lyrics to "Final Countdown" by Europe. It just makes sense. They say your brain can't effectively multi-task the act of listening intently and talking at the same time. Perhaps the same is true of dropping off to sleep and singing at the same time. It works for me!

3. Count something.
Keep your brain engaged by picking out something that is common along your route and counting it. For example, telephone poles, mile markers or other vehicles on the road. Chances are as you get tired, you'll begin forgetting how many light poles you've already counted and you'll have to start over.

2. Keep moving.
This sounds goofy, but as long as you aren't moving so much that you are dangerous, move around in the saddle. Slouch down, sit up, scootch side-to-side or find something to fiddle with on your controls. That means checking your guages, turning on and off your extra accessories (like highway lights) or your Ipod. Stretch your arms and hands out above your head or off to the side of the bike (if you aren't skilled enough to ride no handed without cruise control, do this one arm at a time). Keep moving your eyes and your head. When it's misting a bit, I'll sometimes stick my face off to the side of my windshield and let the wind clear off my glasses or goggles. That works great at reviving you as well. Sure, you might look like a dog sticking it's head out the window, but it works.

1. Don't pee.
I saved my favorite for last. But it's also somewhat of a last resort. Let's be honest: When you have to pee it's pretty much all you can think about. Now, it's uncomfortable and can be messy, notably if you hold on just a little too long. Don't do that. Trust me. And I wouldn't recommend this for an all day thing, but if you start feeling drowsy, I'd suggest sucking down a bottle or three of water and getting back on the road. Within a few minutes of bouncing and lurching over our fantastically maintained roadways, you'll find your bladder screaming at you in no time. By the time you simply can't take it anymore and MUST stop, you'll be awake.
Wide.
Awake.

And then by the time you finally relieve yourself, you won't be thinking about anything else except how good you now feel. Plus, you can combine tips #1 and #2 by doing the pee pee dance in your motorcycle seat.

I'll bet you try this at least once, the next time you are driving or riding and get sleepy.