Unfortunately, spending years on your bike could lead to serious health issues, including arthritis, joint pains, leg and hand fatigue, and back pains. So, if you want to prolong your stay on the saddle, here are some tips to help you fight pains and aches.
Eat well
The first thing you have to do to prevent cramps, eye problems, and leg or hand fatigue is to have a balanced and nutritious diet, based on fresh fruits, rich in vitamins and minerals. You will also need plenty of carbs and foods containing potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
Some of these foods include broccoli, lettuce, kale, spinach, bananas, kidney beans, asparagus, figs, raspberries, avocado, and Brussels sprouts. You should also include a reliable source of animal proteins in your diet and as much seafood as you can. Tuna and salmon are particularly important as they provide essential fish oils, Omega-3, and Omega-6 fatty acids, as well as potassium.
Stay hydrated
Riding your bike for a few hours a day implies a lot of effort for your muscles and bones. Add the specific biking gear on a hot summer day, and you’ll be sweating off all minerals and water out of your body. Therefore, it is mandatory to stay correctly hydrated whenever you decide to take your brand new motorbike for a driving test.
Electrical signals in the muscles require plenty of water to function properly so unless you want to start complaining about cramps, you should drink at least 60-70 ounces of water per day. We suggest carrying small water bottles in your brand new leather Harley Davidson purse backpacks and take a sip whenever you stop.
Stretch before a long ride
We don’t mean taking a Pilates or yoga mat with you on your trips and starting stretching on the side of the road, but you should perform some mild stretching moves before going on a long journey. Focus on your legs, arms, shoulders, wrists, and neck to prevent future cramps and fatigue while staying straight on the saddle. This will promote better blood circulation and will give your energy levels a well-deserved boost.
When riding a bike, your head, neck, and back muscles are forced into unnatural positions. It is a very good idea to take a “pit stop” every now and then to relax and prevent overworking your muscles and joints. This is especially true for riding over long distances.
Keep in mind that once you start aching, you won’t be able to focus on the road anymore, increasing the chance of accidents and injuries. Even if you think you need to push your motorbike a little further down the road to chip away from the distance you intend to cover in a day, it’s not worth risking your health or even life over it. With a little rest, you’ll be able to concentrate better on the road and perhaps even make up for some of that “lost” time.
Use protective gear
One of the most important ways to stay away from pains, cramps, and aches is to wear suitable motorbike attire and accessories. Your palms, wrists, knees, legs, and head are the most exposed areas of your body when riding your bike, so you need to protect them adequately. We suggest investing in a high-quality leather motorcycle jacket that will prevent wind, dust, rain or snow from getting in direct contact with your skin.
A full-face helmet is also mandatory to absorb shocks and prevent wounds that can be extremely dangerous and even deadly. Knee and elbow guards could also prove reliable against wounds and cuts.
Don’t forget to dress for the weather outside. Protective gear might not allow your skin to breathe and ventilate properly, which could lead to overheating and sweating. If you feel you’re too hot, you might consider switching to a lightweight leather jacket or even a vest on top of a simple shirt.
Medication and medical supplies
Some injuries or aches cannot be prevented just with a healthy lifestyle and the use of proper protective gear. Arthritis or shoulder aches usually hurt even more if you ride your bike, so you should consider alternative solutions.
We suggest investing in a high-quality pair of leather Harley Davidson gloves that will keep your wrists and palms tight when riding. Gloves will protect the lower part of your hands, preventing wind, cold or rain from getting in contact with your skin and cause additional pain. A pair of good gloves will also secure a good grip while riding your bike.
Cortisone and hyaluronic acid injections are part of a long-term treatment that will reduce pain and swelling in your hands. However, the injections themselves could be painful and cause bruises, so it would be best to have someone with experience doing them. Before considering this option, you should talk to a doctor and see if there are any alternatives available. Last but not least, painkillers are a short-term solution to reduce swelling, twitching, and aching.
Pay extra care when you start medicating yourself as some of these pills have serious side effects that will mess with your ability to ride. Even when these pills don’t cause drowsiness, they may interfere with other medications and lead to dangerous side effects. Therefore, you shouldn’t use any type of pills before talking to a doctor and running some tests.
Lastly, don’t forget to take breaks and stretch or rest every couple of hours to prevent sore muscles, cramps, fatigue, and pains.
Leave a comment
0 Comments