How and Why to Stretch Before a Long Motorcycle Trip

These are some reasons why you should stretch during a long motorcycle trip, how it can help maximize comfort, can prevent pain and discomfort and can save you from potential injury and long term muscle damage.
I will also show you some basic stretches you can do before hitting the road on your next motorcycle trip.
Thanks for watching!
DISCLAIMER: As with all exercise programs, when using the activities from this video, you need to please use common sense. To reduce and avoid injury, you will want to check with your doctor before beginning any fitness program. By performing any fitness exercises, you are performing them at your own risk. Forty Times Around and Tim Collins will not be responsible or liable for any injury or harm you sustain as a result of the fitness activities from this video. Thanks for your understanding.
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[@bobvandick2546]

I’ve never been much for stretching but I am beginning to realize the importance of it, especially as I’m getting older. Thanks for the reminder , I will definitely have to start making it a part of my routine. Now if I can just remember what they were.....I will have to keep rewatching the video.😊

[@FTAAdventures]

I haven't either to be honest, like I said I am trying to be better about it too. It seems easy to ignore when riding a bike but I always find myself feeling stiff after, or having back aches, pains, etc. Thanks for the comment!

[@richardporter1455]

Thanks man. I've got some substantial lower back and neck issues. Stretching is a way of life at this point. I find if I'm 5-6 hours into a ride I will take a break and do more stretching. Just to stay loose.

[@FTAAdventures]

That is a great way to stay limber throughout a day of riding, having a stretching break at some point. Great tip, thanks for the comment!

[@cheney999]

Thanks! Good set of stretches. At the end add a stretch like the last one, but bend the knee of the leg you are stretching and it will stretch your Achilles tendon.

[@bobbiej3954]

Hey! Thanks for making this video. I am a newbie motorcyclist and am planning a 2000km trip over 4 days. Have been using these stretches on some trial runs (c 300km) and it has changed the result from having muscle soreness (especially on the morning after) to barely anything! Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge

[@Andysumm555]

Hi, love your channel, great videos and info. I would add caution for the neck stretch, I was advised to only do forward and back motion by a sports instructor. I have done regular stretching since my mid 50's and also keeping my back and core muscles in good shape. Oh to be in my 30's again.

[@FTAAdventures]

That is really good to know. Everywhere I looked when researching for this one said side to side, I am glad you pointed that out. Thanks for the tip!

[@Zbikereviews]

I’m having these problems I hurt myself as a child and had a hip replacement thank you for the tips

[@MichelCernev]

Good as Gold .Thank you my friend. Stay safe

[@FTAAdventures]

Thanks Michel! Ride safe my friend!

[@norsefalconer]

Great advice! Three tenants of fitness: Flexibility, Strength and Endurance. You could do an entire series on Moto fitness. Anyway, like you said, always "warm up" a bit before stretching, otherwise there's more damage risk. I will offer some caution for #9, as it can cause hyper extension of the knee. #8 does virtually the same stretch, but is much safer. Also, while doing #8, you can stretch the front of your shin by "shifting" backward and keeping the forward foot flat on the ground. Efficiency hint: Before switching sides, place both hands on the forward knee, raise the body while keeping the rear foot (as) flat (as possible) on the ground, stretching the calf. Three stretches per side from basically one "pose."

[@FTAAdventures]

Thanks for the comment Norsefalconer!

[@norsefalconer]

@@FTAAdventures No, thank you for discussing this so important, but so overlooked part of fitness and general well being. I don't want to sound like a "know-it-all," but, after 7 yrs in the military, then developing a serious lower back issue (likely linked to parachuting) I've had to recognize the vital importance of flexibility. I'm pretty passionate about it, in fact.

[@norsefalconer]

Another good stretch: Before getting up from #7, bring both knees up (like you're going to do a sit-up). Extend both arms out making your body look like a "T." Keeping the back and arms flat on the ground, slowly rotate both knees to one side, until you feel the stretch, hold 20~30 sec, then rotate to the other side and hold 20~30sec.

[@FTAAdventures]

Thanks for that Norsefalconer! Great advice and additions to the topic as always. Thank you for your service too! I don't know if I ever mentioned that to you.

[@hsmith3844]

Thanks, I've started stretching like in rehab from back surgery,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,feels better.

[@FTAAdventures]

Thanks for the comment, it definitely helps to stretch,. Hope you have a quick recovery!

[@1barron]

Hi another great video. After 76 trips around the sun, I have learned how important stretching is to me. Last year I missed spring skiing and early motorcycle and hiking because of Plantar Fasciitis. I finally went to a Pediatrist in addition to steroid injections and other treatments he taught me several stretches. I am going to add yours to my daily routine. Thanks for all your great information.

[@FTAAdventures]

Thank you Carl! Glad I could help in some way. Ride safe my friend!

[@ronscott7546]

Good stuff dude

[@FTAAdventures]

Thank you! Ride safe my friend.

[@bobuccello6481]

Thanks for sharing all your knowledge, and helping others

[@FTAAdventures]

Thanks Bob! I appreciate that, ride safe my friend.

[@BrianEllefritz]

First, thanks for your educational videos. I’m a returning rider and I’ve really gotten a lot out of them. As my goal is to do touring I realized that I’m in lousy condition for (literally) the road ahead. At my recent motorcycle safety classes they emphasized turning our heads to initiate turns and I could feel tightness in my cranky neck and back keeping from doing this comfortably. I’m taking lots of walks, stretching and taking Pilates classes to work on my flexibility and muscle tone, especially in my core. Can’t recommend Pilates enough, it’s helped me a lot already. Keep up the great work, love this video.

[@FTAAdventures]

Thanks Brian! I will have to check out some Pilates classes, I have tried it in the past. I can see how that would help. Glad to hear you took the safety course as you are getting back into riding. Safe travels my friend!

[@Debbie-ee2oj]

you should ad a new motorcycling, camping, travel, adventure and physio, cool

[@FTAAdventures]

LOL good idea 👍

[@albertosbrolla8424]

Great idea, thanks for making a video about this!👍

[@FTAAdventures]

Thanks for the comment Alberto! Glad you enjoyed my video!

[@trey631]

I do these and a few more. I started getting cramps in my right hip while riding and started doing the Seated Groin and Inner Thigh Stretch. It does not target the hip, but in combination with the ones you've shown, it has relieved my hip pain drastically.

[@FTAAdventures]

That is good to know, I sometimes end up with some hip pain after long days, somewhat dependent on the pants I am riding in. But that stretch sounds like something I should add to my routine. Thanks!!

[@dansmith6508]

7 Hours to ride tomorrow....gonna give the stretching a go before and during.

[@FTAAdventures]

Excellent idea! Hope you're off to somewhere fun! Ride safe.

[@dansmith6508]

Had a good stretch and an even better ride today. Noticed that during the half hour of rain and lower temperature that i tend to "tighten up" more, prolly' a particularly good time to stretch. (and get a coffee :)

[@FTAAdventures]

Glad to hear it Dan! Cold rain always makes me tense too. Definitely a good time and what a combo, coffee and stretching, brilliant!

[@revjoelhug]

I love doing squats too. Great for the lower back and legs.

[@FTAAdventures]

Excellent advice! Thank you, I will add that to my routine for sure.

[@dalethebelldiver7740]

This is a good video. ... And like you said; do a 5 minute walk prior to all this. This way you’ll have the necessary blood and bodily fluids to lubricate those joints, muscles and tendons. Before stretching you should have that pumped look. After your stretch; you should feel like the TERMINATOR. Before every dive I do this to limber up, create body heat and set my body up for quick unexpected responses. After all; on a motorcycle; most accidents happen within the first ten minutes. Getting your brain tuned up is part of that stretching exercise.

[@FTAAdventures]

Thank you Dale! Another great comment. Great point, your brain is a muscle that needs stretching as well, thank you for throwing that in there. That is just as important as any other stretch, Ride safe!!

[@dalethebelldiver7740]

Forty Times Around these comments are generally from experiences of rude awakenings, crashes, spooks and near misses. I make sure I’m in the moment; not in lala land and swing my leg over the seat. Making a habit of being too comfortable starting out on a MC ride or trip will eventually end up with dirt and mud on the foot pegs or road rash. When you’re in your own turf/back yard; it’s easy to get too relaxed and coast in on a mental familiarity wave. That’s where I say your ass and bike is most in danger. Going back to your topic; being able to react with a tuned up body is as critical as having the carbs adjusted to crank it on if need be. It would be interesting to hear you expound on mental preparation, real time cognitive tuning and staying in the zone on long rides and turning boring repetitive scenery into real time; in the moment bike riding and actually making the trip an event to remember. Personally; I say out loud; “Pay F’g attention Dale.” Lol especially if I catch myself too involved in THINKING. I swear; I’ve rode my bike from Long Island to West Virginia and not recall the ride except a few fuel stops. The rest of the time I was riding in THOUGHTS-VILLE; THATS DANGEROUS! I use to joke about sleeping all the way; why should I be tired. 😬.

[@21broadway]

😆haha the walk bahaha!!! Stretching takes nothing, but it helps so much! 👍👍

[@FTAAdventures]

LOL! You're right it is such a small price to pay for such a big benefit. Ride safe!!

[@txhowie1664]

Hi Tim. Great stuff. Quick question ... what brand of riding pants do you wear. Thanks!

[@FTAAdventures]

Great question! I don't always wear riding pants, it depends what type of ride I am on. When I do I have been wearing BMW Summer pants. I have been happy with them, although I would hardly consider them summer pants as they are not super ventilated. They are comfortable, rugged and comfortable. Ride safe!

[@chipgroff9664]

What kind of riding pants are those?

[@zippo8285]

What sunglasses brands do you recommend to wear in a full face helmet ....

[@FTAAdventures]

Great question, I will answer that in the Q&A that will be out soon if that's ok? I have a feeling others would like to know the answer to that. Ride safe!

[@insaBordeNation]

More great advice. As I have gotten old this has become all the more important. Trust me- I have paid the price for NOT doing this.

[@Debbie-ee2oj]

i do tai chi so i realize the importance of stretching, so i try to use my warm up exercises before a big ride

[@FTAAdventures]

That is smart, I am sure it helps and probably helps keep you centered too. Maybe I should try that.

[@Debbie-ee2oj]

yeah the bigger the ride the more i stretch..sometimes chuck in some sit ups, press ups and crunches just to add the cardio side of things to get the blood flow, especially in colder weather

[@sifirid]

Also do you ever do Chiropractic??

[@FTAAdventures]

I have not, I should probably look into it. I definitely feel some back issues coming on as I continue to rack up mileage on my bike. Does it help for you?

[@sifirid]

Forty Times Around well I got blown up by IED in Afghanistan so I am fairly disabled. Not much helps. I think there is some credence in it though. I have had treatment and while it didn’t fix me it made things better. I really think massage would be more beneficial. Little deep tissue. Especially after a trip