Our recent post about Dan Zinn’s 14K ride sparked a conversation with pro long distance rider “Jeff the Fence Guy”  Jeffrey E. Kohn. 

From talking to Jeff, we learned what it takes to ride competitively for over 8600 miles in 8 days, and finish in the top three.

Jeff patiently explained the answers to our most basic long distance riding questions … how you refuel, eat, stretch your legs, and sleep … all while racing the clock, fighting fatigue, and battling the elements.

Planning a long distance ride?  For some great tips, read on.

From Florida to Alaska, and everywhere in between

Jeff started riding dirt bikes and street bikes as a kid in Jersey. After a stint in the Navy, life’s travels ultimately brought him to South Florida, where he discovered the sport of competitive long distance motorcycle riding. 

What does that mean?  For fun, Jeff might ride a few hundred miles on a Saturday, or ride to meet up with friends in New Orleans for a weekend  (approx. 850 miles each way).  But his true passion is competitive riding over even longer distances like the annual Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge from Key West, Florida to Homer, Alaska.

6 Key Ingredients for Long Distance Motorcycle Riding

You may ride for the feeling of freedom and adventure, or the camaraderie.  It may be for your commute, or a toy run for charity.  You may even be considering a 24-hour 1000 mile Iron Butt, or longer distance non-competitive adventure touring …

Whatever your reasons, If you’re planning to spend long hours in the saddle, here are some pro tips to get you going.

According to Jeff, long distance riding requires these 6 elements:

1. Physical endurance.

You don’t just wake up one day and decide to ride 1000 or 1500 miles. You have to plan for it, and work up to it.

Not surprisingly, Jeff adheres to a strict physical training regimen and diet, as any athlete would … in his case, hitting the gym, and yoga.

2. A desire to test your limits.

How long can you ride before stretching or sleep … how many miles between fuel stops? 

It’s not unusual to ride through the night, and end up being covered in bugs and grime after days on the road.  At it’s core, this sport is about the competitive spirit to push your physical limits.

3. The right gear.

If packing for a trip on 4 wheels is a challenge, consider all that can happen over longer distances and multiple climates.  Then think about what you can carry on your bike.

You will need:  Base layer plus clothes, rainsuit, boots, motorcycle gloves, extra socks.  Plus: tools, cell phone, advil, food, bedroll, an auxilliary gas tank, and more …

4. An understanding of your equipment, and the road.

You need the knowledge (and tools) to handle road emergencies and mechanical breakdowns … and the experience to know how aggressively you can ride, and still stay safe.

5. Experience dealing with the unexpected.

When you ride in all conditions and push your limits, you have to rely on your wits. If you run out of gas in the middle of nowhere, or experience some other mishap, what will you do?

You’ll also likely see your share of accidents.  Whether you are the one needing help, or you stop to help others, it’s a good reminder to have fun, but also respect the rules of the road and ride safe.

6. The financial ability to support your habit

Competitive long distance riding isn’t cheap. It takes the right gear, and multiple bikes to be serviced and replaced as miles add up. Jeff’s Florida fence company and dealer/brand sponsorships from Rick Case Honda Powerhouse (and others) help support his passion.

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Is long distance motorcycle riding on your bucket list?

Long distance motorcycle riding is not for everyone, but one thing is certain: those who do find a close knit brotherhood of riders, and gather priceless experiences along the way.

Looking for more long distance riding tips? 

Check out our 3-part series and the Iron Butt Association has some great tips as well.

Part 1: Long Distance Motorcycle Riding Tips-Planning 

Part 2: Long Distance Motorcycle Riding Tips-Comfort

Part 3: Long Distance Motocycle Riding Tips: Route, Rest & Refuel 

Plus,

Long Distance Riding Tips from the Iron Butt Association

To all long distance riders, we say:  Be safe out there!

We make over 70 styles of motorcycle gloves  — many with free shipping.  To learn more about specific styles, visit your local dealer or our online store:

P.S.  To follow Jeff Kohn online:

Jeff loves to educate people about and support the sport.

To learn more: Friend Jeff on Facebook, follow his Pro Long Distance Ride Facebook page, read his column in Go For A Ride magazine,  and if you are in South Florida, ride with him on monthly Saturday runs — get details via the Rick Case Honda Powerhouse Facebook page.

To learn more about the Hoka Hey community, or to register for the 2014 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, check out the Hoka Hey website.  We wish Jeff and the other Hoka Hey riders luck on the 2014 ride.