Fit to ride

Continuing with the safety blog — we’ve looked at our bikes and made sure they’re in tip-top shape. But what about us? Are we in tip-top shape?

Riding brings us joy and helps us relax, but we also need to remain mentally focused. Cars, other riders, animals, curves, weather changes, traffic, construction zones, debris on the road, and changing road conditions all play a factor — just like our own well-being. Fatigue, dehydration, lack of sleep, hunger, stress, medications, illness, and even emotional distractions can slow our reaction time and affect our judgement without us even realizing it.

Other things that can impair our judgement or riding ability include alcohol or recreational drug use (even the night before), over-the-counter cold or allergy medication that causes drowsiness, prescription medications with side effects, vision issues, headaches or migraines, anxiety, anger, distractions from phones or GPS, peer pressure to keep up with faster riders, overconfidence, complacency, or simply riding beyond our personal skill level.

Did you just get some bad news and want to take it out on the throttle? Had a fight at home or at work? Feeling rushed to get somewhere? Dealing with a medical condition? Taking new medication that may cause drowsiness or dizziness? All of these things can come into play and have an impact on you and your riding.

A few years ago, I had to go on blood thinners and my doctor told me to be careful because I wouldn’t clot like a normal person. This got me thinking about riding — what if I fell and had no visible injuries? I could, in theory, be bleeding internally. I decided it was best to tell the group about the medication in case something ever happened and there were no visible injuries, or so that information could be passed on to emergency services if needed.

These are things we may take for granted and think, “It’s just a group ride — what can go wrong?” Planning ahead, making smart choices, staying hydrated, eating properly before long rides, getting enough rest, and informing a riding buddy, the road captain, or the sweep of any important medical information could save your life.

Trying to reduce stress by using the throttle — which I’ll admit I did many times in my sport bike days — isn’t a smart choice. Looking back, I realize that now. Going on group rides when I was first put on those meds and not telling anyone wasn’t very smart either.

So just like our bikes, our bodies and minds must be in tip-top shape as well.

Before your next ride, ask yourself — am I truly fit and mentally ready to ride today?

Until next time, practice practice practice.