Riding While Hurting: A Talk on Aging

Adapting to the realities of age is important in the ADV world, where it’s too easy to get hurt if you’re not developing the correct muscles, use the correct technique, or your bike is not ergonomically set up.  Fatigue while riding is likely to be a skill issue, a technique issue, or an ergonomic issue.  If it’s none of those, then it will likely be a health or strength issue.

Learn exercises to improve the strength of your midsection, lower back, legs, and triceps – those muscles that are critical for riding comfortably off-road.  Learn how to protect your back when picking up your bike. 

Riser Rant starts at 25:40.  Risers can make a mess out of a bike and people don’t realize the consequences.

Training Rant starts at 30:40.  Most other ADV instructors teach a specific, mechanical formula that does not take into account the individual needs of older clients.

Guest:  David Beverstock lost both weight and strength from an extended stay at the hospital.   He reached out to Bret for advice on how to build his body back up – despite some bad vertebrae – so he doesn’t get hurt while riding.

Discussion Points:
1.  How do I get healthy to be a better rider?
2.  When do I need risers?
3.  Why should I use a partner to help lift my motorcycle?

Key Takeaways:
– The problem with risers is it puts riders in a bad position (hurts the back) or a dangerous position (whiskey throttle).
– Most other ADV classes use a formula that doesn’t take into account individual weaknesses, injuries, age, and bike setup.

References:
Kevin Muggleton/Redverz Tents
Lone Rider vs. Mosko Moto
Monkey Lift
Short Rider