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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 16 Jan 2013
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Getting "bike fit"
Hi guys

have you ever wondered why people get "bike fit"? If you have, you may want to read the latest post on my blog on the scientific aspects of adventure motorcycling.

The Science of Adventure Motorcycling: Getting "bike fit"

In short, this phenomenon may be related to something exercise physiologists call the "repeated bout effect".

Based on this research, the practical suggestion to adventure bike riders is to have a tough off-road day six months to two weeks before leaving for their next trip.

In addition to refining off-road riding skills, such day will induce a repeated bout effect. As a result, off-road riding will cause less muscle soreness and weakness during the trip.
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Old 16 Jan 2013
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Very interesting. thank you!
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  #3  
Old 16 Jan 2013
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Originally Posted by ozranger View Post
Very interesting. thank you!
You are welcome
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Old 16 Jan 2013
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
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Very interesting.

As a bit of a health/fitness fan, I really enjoy your posts.

As far as I know, the muscle damage incurred will eventually lead to the muscle growing back stronger. Right ??

I come back from the gym with muscle damage. And after the years, I don't ever get sore but I can feel the strain and damage to my muscles. But it grows back bigger and stronger.

I guess it's the same with off-roading. You're putting stresses and strains on muscles which are under-developed for the task.

I didn't know it takes 9-12 months though.. That is surprising.
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Old 17 Jan 2013
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Dear Ted,

I am glad you like my posts. As you rightly said, muscle damage may be one of stimuli (there are many) that lead to muscle hypertrophy, i.e. muscles getting bigger. However, even experienced and muscly weight trainers will get some muscle soreness if they stop for more than six months or when they perform some very unusual exercise.

For example, I do regular weight training, but I still got some muscle soreness after riding a motorbike in the mud for the first time. This is because some of the muscles used during off-road riding are not used in exactly the same way during weight training. Don't get me wrong. I am sure I would have been even more sore if I did not do regular weight training. But it still possible to get sore when doing new kind of muscle contractions. This is why I suggest to do an hard off-road ride before leaving for a big adventure bike trip.

Cheers
Sam
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Old 20 Feb 2013
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Thanks for posting this....I am 61 and leaving for South America in October. In preparation I've been working with a personal trainer 3X a week at a local gym, and doing extensive walking on the off days.

I hope this prep makes my trip more enjoyable and safer!

Thanks again,
Steve
R1200 GSA
Los Angeles, CA
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