Getting ready for riding season

Yes riding season is upon us for some of you lucky people that live where spring was allowed to show up.  I sit here in the north where it's 30 degrees out and still have snow and salt on the roads, with every once in a while a day of 50 degrees taunting me.

But It is time to get ready for riding, and I dont mean prepping the bike.  I am talking about your personal strength.  you dont spend all winter manipulating a clutch, so your fingers are weak, and you dont have t hold up a heavy machine with your legs all winter.   Time to start getting back in shape!

First get one of those hand exercisers, the cheap plastic and metal spring type and hold it in your hand like your handlebar and clutch. now squeeze several times with a moment of holding it in for 30 seconds.   Yes it's probably stiffer than your bike unless you ride a old classic with a clutch cable and strong spring.   do this once a day for 5 minutes and even just after 1 week when you hop on the bike for that first long ride, you will not have an aching hand when you are done.

Leg strength is another,   yes it takes no effort to stand there on the bike, but what is important is the moments where you get past the tip point having the leg strength to get the bike back to vertical.  I ride a very heavy and very top heavy  K1200LT my bike when you get it past 20degrees will make the biggest baddest Harley biker squeal like a girl as it continues over, you are not stopping the bike unless you can leg press with one leg over 600 pounds.  I had to learn that I have a short window to attempt recovery and anything past that I need to just let it go or suffer a major injury.   Now try doing this in heavy traffic with a passenger because some nimrod cut you off and you had to stop hard with the front wheel cocked.  I recovered the bike from a 18 degree lean with my old lady on back and 3 days of luggage.  but my leg was hurt and I had problems for a year afterwards.   Doing squats and leg exercises strengthens your muscles and reduces the chances of injury when you need it.     This right here is the #1 reason that big touring bikes should be owned by young strong riders and not the retired old guy.  I know of many that had to sell the bike because when they drop it they can not get it back up and they hurt themselves badly.

Basically do squats over an over, you need to work on the upper and lower leg, and if you do have access to a leg press machine, do that as well.  If you dont have access to the machine do squats with some weight like a medicine ball or a couple of barbells,  not a lot, but enough to feel the burn and know you are working those legs.    Again only 5-10 minutes a day and in a week you will be better off than you are now.

Your overall health and strength makes a huge difference to your riding and it's enjoyment.  Your safety as well goes up the more prepared you are, so also prepare your body for riding.