Riding while exhausted advice

Wiztardo
Profile picture for user Wiztardo
Posts
89
Joined
5/3/2018
Location
Cuyahoga Falls, OH US
Wiztardo
Edited Date/Time 6/28/2018 9:24pm
This year I have been making a conscious effort to get better, and I need some advice.

I am struggling with fitness this year as I expected I would be. My question to all of you is; how long do you continue to push yourself even if you are exhausted? I keep hearing that seat time is one of the most important things you can do to continue to advance- and I definitely see that. But in my attempt to get more seat time, I begin to feel out of control as I get tired, which can't be benefiting me. I feel like I am learning a lot and getting much better already this year, but I definitely reach a point fairly quickly where I find myself dumping the bike in turns during the second half of the practice just from being too tired and out of focus to continue the pace I started at. So before I hurt myself, I usually call it and pack up and go home.

Is there anything I can do to safely add more seat time once I reach this point? Should I target certain sections and roll jumps when I am too tired? Should I be taking more breaks and riding shorter sessions? Should I just ride a very relaxed pace around the track? Or is what I am describing par for the course until my fitness levels increase?
|
RoflCopter726 6/27/2018 6:38am
6/27/2018 6:38am
If you feel tired and out of control, get off the track and bike. You are a danger to yourself and others. Endurance and fitness come over time. If you absolutely HAVE to have more seat time, find a secluded field and set up some cones, practice braking drills and corners.
kb228
Profile picture for user kb228
Posts
6161
Joined
1/31/2018
Location
Mansfield, OH US
kb228 6/27/2018 6:40am
6/27/2018 6:40am
RoflCopter726 wrote:
If you feel tired and out of control, get off the track and bike. You are a danger to yourself and others. Endurance and fitness come...
If you feel tired and out of control, get off the track and bike. You are a danger to yourself and others. Endurance and fitness come over time. If you absolutely HAVE to have more seat time, find a secluded field and set up some cones, practice braking drills and corners.
X2. If endurance is your problem figure out if its cardio related or strength related and improve it in the gym. Dont risk other peoples health by riding out of control
AJ565
Profile picture for user AJ565
Posts
2079
Joined
3/12/2012
Location
San Antonio, TX US
AJ565 6/27/2018 6:47am
6/27/2018 6:47am
Back it down and ride 80%. I normally still hit all the jumps and back it down in the straights and relax. I still focus on turns at normal pace as thats where you make or lose the most time. Cardio at the gym has helped the most for me. Find a gym with a row machine and go to town on that.
Wiztardo
Profile picture for user Wiztardo
Posts
89
Joined
5/3/2018
Location
Cuyahoga Falls, OH US
Wiztardo 6/27/2018 6:49am
6/27/2018 6:49am
It's not that I absolutely HAVE to have more seat time, but I really like riding my dirtbike and it's frustrating to call it quits before I am ready to. If I had access to an open field, I would be super happy to go out and ride a turn track until my arms fall off.

But I hear you, and completely agree. Safety is my number one priority. I am just wondering how other people handle this type of hurdle.

The Shop

See All »
swedishfishmx
Profile picture for user swedishfishmx
Posts
1522
Joined
3/5/2010
Location
Shawnee, KS US
Fantasy
3801st
swedishfishmx 6/27/2018 6:49am
6/27/2018 6:49am
I'm not sure if you history or physical condition, but if your having a hard time getting through second practice you need to work on cardio and some strength training during the week.
Wiztardo
Profile picture for user Wiztardo
Posts
89
Joined
5/3/2018
Location
Cuyahoga Falls, OH US
Wiztardo 6/27/2018 6:50am
6/27/2018 6:50am Edited Date/Time 6/27/2018 6:53am
I am never breathing hard. I guess I need more strength.
Donovan759
Profile picture for user Donovan759
Posts
2083
Joined
10/12/2017
Location
Pittsburgh, PA US
Donovan759 6/27/2018 6:52am
6/27/2018 6:52am
Get off the track. Build your stamina off your bike.

When your energy is depleted, you're just a danger to yourself and everyone else around you.
2stroked
Profile picture for user 2stroked
Posts
185
Joined
10/15/2013
Location
Ontario, CA US
2stroked 6/27/2018 7:32am
6/27/2018 7:32am
Mental strength over comes physical weakness. You need to train your mind through endurance training off the bike. Running and rowing I have found are the best training off the bike. A lot of people say cycling because its a lot easier on your knee's. With rowing, running, cycling, you are forced into learning how to monitor and control your breathing, which leads into unconscious automatic breathing under load (on the bike). Wear a heart rate monitor and gradually increase your intervals and monitor yourself.

Apply the same thing on the bike. When you recognize you're getting tired back it off a little bit. Go down to 75-80% and try to maintain that as long as possible. When you get your wind back try to push back up gradually and then back it back down to 75-80%.

MPJC
Profile picture for user MPJC
Posts
880
Joined
5/18/2017
Location
CA
Fantasy
704th
MPJC 6/27/2018 8:12am
6/27/2018 8:12am
I definitely struggle with fitness - especially when I ride my 250 2 stroke. When I get tired, my lap times aren't as good because I'm backing it down a bit and making sure that I'm still riding in a controlled manner, holding my line and maintaining good form. I just don't twist the throttle quite as much, and concentrate on riding smooth. If you can ride smooth, you also won't get as tired, and you have a better chance of maintaining a reasonable pace without being out of control and becoming a danger to yourself and others. I find I'm better off riding a smooth moto all the way through than riding like a lunatic for a few laps and then struggling to hold on. When I practice, I concentrate on form and technique more than speed, since if you improve those, speed will improve naturally. Also, positioning on the bike is important. If you're just holding on with your arms you're going to tire yourself out quickly. Use your legs to grip the bike too, and keep a good center of balance, leaning into acceleration so that you don't have to hold on so hard. I'm sure others have more experience and knowledge than me. These are just a few ways that I compensate for my physical shortcomings and still have fun and ride safe.
TSCHAM101
Profile picture for user TSCHAM101
Posts
1064
Joined
12/7/2015
Location
Norco, CA US
TSCHAM101 6/27/2018 8:20am
6/27/2018 8:20am
introduce yourself to a good crossfit box.. i have been training at a crossfit box for about 4 months, i went from being dog tired after 15mins of riding at speed, to now i can ride for 30-45mins without being beat at the end. granted im not the fastest kid at the track, but i can usually hold my own. im not sure where i run, im guessing higher end of 25+C, possibly B. i can run OTHG Support races in expert and do really well.

Last week i rode for an hour straight :D at Milestone MX on the main track.
plynn41
Profile picture for user plynn41
Posts
153
Joined
5/10/2012
Location
Jonesboro, AR US
plynn41 6/27/2018 8:41am
6/27/2018 8:41am
RoflCopter726 wrote:
If you feel tired and out of control, get off the track and bike. You are a danger to yourself and others. Endurance and fitness come...
If you feel tired and out of control, get off the track and bike. You are a danger to yourself and others. Endurance and fitness come over time. If you absolutely HAVE to have more seat time, find a secluded field and set up some cones, practice braking drills and corners.
This...

My brother and I were riding last August on a small track. He is a middle aged beginner who was just starting to jump some of the small obstacles. It was hot, and we were tired, and we went out for one more set of laps. Brother was tired enough that he quit standing up over the jumps. Result was he got bucked over the bars on a set of small doubles, and came down with a bad case of whiskey throttle. End result was 3 surgeries and titanium hardware in his wrist, hand and face.
Solidkm
Profile picture for user Solidkm
Posts
367
Joined
4/6/2018
Location
Aurora, CO US
Solidkm 6/27/2018 8:53am
6/27/2018 8:53am
Its a fine line. And you have to consciously evaluate yourself. Yes, when I get tired, esp beginning of the season, I try and ride longer and longer to get my fitness back. But you have to slow down, take a few minute break. Etc. once you get sloppy it’s time to sit a few minutes out. Conversely, after you’ve done this a few times for the day and you’re smoked, even if there is plenty of day light left, go home. Come back safely to fight another day.

Get in the gym.

Evaluate your bike set up too. What’s beating you up? Suspension settings, Bar position, bar bend, even grip choice comes in the play.

Rotate your toes in, forcing you to squeeze the bike.

Get in the gym.

Enter some events too. There are times when I can’t sprint five minutes in the sand And others where we ride for a few hours with little to no stopping in single track. Diversify your riding portfolio. You don’t need to always sprint mx. Seat time can be beneficial off road too. Being good at one makes you better at the other, sometimes.
Micahdogg
Profile picture for user Micahdogg
Posts
1267
Joined
1/3/2011
Location
US
Micahdogg 6/27/2018 9:01am
6/27/2018 9:01am
No advice, just offering that its normal. You'll have to learn how to back it down to recover. But there is only so much you can do at the gym. I can run several miles and run up flights of stairs at work without breathing hard, etc..., but still get wiped out when riding. More seat time does help, you'll just have to work through it and learn how to adapt and how to gain strength.
kkawboy14
Profile picture for user kkawboy14
Posts
11494
Joined
6/5/2015
Location
TX US
kkawboy14 6/27/2018 10:18am
6/27/2018 10:18am
RoflCopter726 wrote:
If you feel tired and out of control, get off the track and bike. You are a danger to yourself and others. Endurance and fitness come...
If you feel tired and out of control, get off the track and bike. You are a danger to yourself and others. Endurance and fitness come over time. If you absolutely HAVE to have more seat time, find a secluded field and set up some cones, practice braking drills and corners.
What he said!

Start out slower for the first couple laps and build speed for the particular moto. Decide how long you are going to ride each moto, ride in a way that you can actually make it that long with your fastest lap on the last lap!
kkawboy14
Profile picture for user kkawboy14
Posts
11494
Joined
6/5/2015
Location
TX US
kkawboy14 6/27/2018 10:18am
6/27/2018 10:18am
Oh and dope all u want you don’t have to pass any drug tests Smile
FWYT
Profile picture for user FWYT
Posts
3308
Joined
5/25/2014
Location
San Diego, CA US
FWYT 6/27/2018 10:55am
6/27/2018 10:55am
Definitely get off the track. Go practice turns on a figure-8 somewhere. (Which, by the way, is NEVER a waste of time!)
dirtmike86
Profile picture for user dirtmike86
Posts
1180
Joined
10/28/2015
Location
Grand Terrace, CA US
dirtmike86 6/27/2018 11:24am
6/27/2018 11:24am
RoflCopter726 wrote:
If you feel tired and out of control, get off the track and bike. You are a danger to yourself and others. Endurance and fitness come...
If you feel tired and out of control, get off the track and bike. You are a danger to yourself and others. Endurance and fitness come over time. If you absolutely HAVE to have more seat time, find a secluded field and set up some cones, practice braking drills and corners.
Exactly.

I found a area near my house where i made basically a turn track with one tiny jump and i just rode that tell i couldnt hang on. That way if you crash its not life threatening.
lostboy819
Profile picture for user lostboy819
Posts
11509
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Somewhere, CO US
Fantasy
1442nd
lostboy819 6/27/2018 12:24pm
6/27/2018 12:24pm Edited Date/Time 6/27/2018 12:28pm
AJ565 wrote:
Back it down and ride 80%. I normally still hit all the jumps and back it down in the straights and relax. I still focus on...
Back it down and ride 80%. I normally still hit all the jumps and back it down in the straights and relax. I still focus on turns at normal pace as thats where you make or lose the most time. Cardio at the gym has helped the most for me. Find a gym with a row machine and go to town on that.
X2... Back it down to a more in control level and keep riding.
My secret to getting rid of arm pump was at the beginning of the season I would ride as hard as I could until my arms were so pumped up I could hardly hang on and the I would back it down and ride 15-20 more laps. Then I would go ride again and I would be over arm pump for the rest of the season.

Pit Row

See All »
wildbill
Profile picture for user wildbill
Posts
4358
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
Christmas Valley, OR US
wildbill 6/27/2018 12:42pm
6/27/2018 12:42pm
Practice standing up at your balance point. Trials riding helps develop bike skills that help in the long run, then pin it and pray for as long as you can, and then go into saviour mode. Riding school perhaps?
Dcope17
Profile picture for user Dcope17
Posts
71
Joined
12/20/2016
Location
Troy, IL US
Dcope17 6/27/2018 12:53pm
6/27/2018 12:53pm
How much seat time are you talking before getting exhausted? 10 minutes into the first moto??? At then end of your 4th 30 minute moto?
fullysicmate 6/27/2018 1:03pm
6/27/2018 1:03pm
Seat time is what you need, I can rin for 2hrs with at heart rate over 160bpm no worries. And I go alright in weights and kickboxing too. But 10 minutes on a mx track and I am struggling, I only get about 2hrs riding a month in at the moment though.
mattyhamz2
Profile picture for user mattyhamz2
Posts
10866
Joined
7/6/2015
Location
So Cal, CA US
Fantasy
767th
mattyhamz2 6/27/2018 1:07pm
6/27/2018 1:07pm
RoflCopter726 wrote:
If you feel tired and out of control, get off the track and bike. You are a danger to yourself and others. Endurance and fitness come...
If you feel tired and out of control, get off the track and bike. You are a danger to yourself and others. Endurance and fitness come over time. If you absolutely HAVE to have more seat time, find a secluded field and set up some cones, practice braking drills and corners.
This a thousand times over. Sometimes I find that I can back in down for a lap or two and regain my composure for a few more laps.
Jrewing
Profile picture for user Jrewing
Posts
2865
Joined
1/4/2014
Location
AU
Jrewing 6/27/2018 1:22pm
6/27/2018 1:22pm
Back it down but keep on riding. Don't worry if you're are slower, most everyone will be 6 laps onwards.
Wiztardo
Profile picture for user Wiztardo
Posts
89
Joined
5/3/2018
Location
Cuyahoga Falls, OH US
Wiztardo 6/27/2018 2:23pm
6/27/2018 2:23pm
I would say I am comfortable riding three 15 minute motos with 10-15 minute breaks in between. Then towards the end of the 3rd, I catch myself making mistakes. Midway through the 4th moto is usually when I call it because I think I am losing control. Each day is a little bit different- but this is where I am at currently.

I really do appreciate the input from the various levels of riders. So far this is the advice I have gathered:

- get off the track if I feel out of control at all
- slow my pace to ride longer
- focus on riding smooth
- ride a turn track
- join a gym (row machine sounds popular)
- cocaine

I wish there were more turn tracks around me, I would definitely be taking advantage of them. I only have access to motocross tracks. I would kill for a secluded field I could ride on my own.
Wiztardo
Profile picture for user Wiztardo
Posts
89
Joined
5/3/2018
Location
Cuyahoga Falls, OH US
Wiztardo 6/27/2018 2:26pm
6/27/2018 2:26pm
An interesting side note that wildbill brings up- if I can afford it, are riding schools worth it? I am finally at a point in life where financial reasons aren't really holding me back from riding. Any notable ones in the Northeast U.S.?
Spudnut
Profile picture for user Spudnut
Posts
1946
Joined
6/25/2018
Location
WA US
Spudnut 6/27/2018 3:34pm
6/27/2018 3:34pm
Are you eating and drinking enough at the track between motos? I started packing a few snacks other than my basic lunch like grapes banana nuts cheese and Jerky I find I can ride almost all day since I started doing that.

Also when you do find yourself out there making mistakes and feeling tired just back it Down to the control zone and concentrate on being smooth and keeping good technique. the last thing you want to do is yard yourself and end up riding the couch for a month or 6. Maybe do drills at the end of the day to keep on the bike without feeling the need to go full on hammer time
Spudnut
Profile picture for user Spudnut
Posts
1946
Joined
6/25/2018
Location
WA US
Spudnut 6/27/2018 3:39pm
6/27/2018 3:39pm
Wiztardo wrote:
An interesting side note that wildbill brings up- if I can afford it, are riding schools worth it? I am finally at a point in life...
An interesting side note that wildbill brings up- if I can afford it, are riding schools worth it? I am finally at a point in life where financial reasons aren't really holding me back from riding. Any notable ones in the Northeast U.S.?
I imagine they would help quite a bit I recently started riding with someone that’s a good bit quicker than me and already have noticed a pretty big difference in my riding and have also kind of thought about taking a class just because I never have. It would be a cool experience I say go for it
Radical
Profile picture for user Radical
Posts
2280
Joined
10/20/2012
Location
San Diego, CA US
Fantasy
2360th
Radical 6/27/2018 9:41pm
6/27/2018 9:41pm
If I'm tired, but focused, I can overcome tiredness, and ride safely.
If I'm losing focus, I get off the track, and usually call it a day.

That said, unless you're able to ride a few times a week, it's going to be important to build your endurance off the bike.

For me, I started climbing hills on my mountain bike once a week, and running 5 miles another day per week.

It really made a difference in racing last weekend. Fitness was not an issue.

Post a reply to: Riding while exhausted advice