Setting yourself up for the day is crucial everyday of the week but when you are riding a motorcycle, especially for pro-longed periods, it become even more important. Did you know you can burn up to 170 to 600 calories PER HOUR riding your motorbike? At the higher end of the scale, that's more than you burn in a 30-minute jog. So it is vital you set yourself up for the days riding.
The important thing is that you eat enough to see you through the day but equally important not to overdo it.
Leaving the hotel in the morning you'll be fresh and invigorated having enjoyed the amazing hotel that Moto Ventura has provided but don't forget there is a long day of riding ahead and we don't want you to be suffering with a rubbly tumbly within 30-minutes of setting off, so take advantage of the breakfast provided at the hotel, but again, keep it reasonable.
The only fly in the ointment however is that in Europe, the words 'Full English please' may be met by confusion from your host.
Never fear there are plenty of delicious treats at the breakfast table to cater for those tastebuds from cold meats to scrambled eggs, cereal to cheeses, juices to caffeine kicks! You have the chance to fill up on a hearty breakfast.
But there is another reason to make the most sure you get a decent breakfast. The stomach is a wonderful thing but it takes quite a lot of energy to digest what's in it. Ever wondered why at work, you nod-off to the afternoon lectures or face plant the desk just as the boss walks in? It's because blood flow to the small intestine dramatically increases to 'aid digestion' and the corresponding drop in blood flow to the brain causes drowsiness.
Now this is great if you have the chance to take a mid-afternoon nap but not so good when you are riding a motorcycle. In the morning you are fresh faced and bushy tailed and have the added advantage of a good nights sleep to help keep those Zzz's at bay but in the afternoon you have already been clocking up some time on the bike and are starting to feel the fatigue. With ample 'coffee' breaks and leg-stretches we help combat this fatigue, but this is where we get a little controversial. Don't go too crazy with those big lunchtime offers! Filling your belly mid-way during the day will cause you to get sleepy in the afternoon and no matter how experienced you are, you can nod-off on a motorcycle.
So a good breakfast will help you resist the temptation to then have massive lunch and therefore help you remain more alert during the long afternoon. Think about it, you ride 9 a.m. to midday-ish (with a coffee stop somewhere in the middle), then have lunch, followed normally by a longer period of riding in the afternoon (with more coffee stops) before eventually reaching your destination. That means maybe 3 hours activity in the morning, followed by 4+ hours activity in the afternoon (33% more than your did in the morning). It stands to reason that the afternoon is the time you need to be on your A-game!
So consider these basic rules to help you fight fatigue
Breakfast - Light to Medium but make sure you have one, after all, it's included in the tour and it really will be setting you up for the day.
Make the very most of your leg-stretches and 'stops' to get off the bike and walk around and natter.
Lunchtime - Don't go crazy, keep it light and healthy. Looking at the lunch menu having skipped breakfast will tempt you to go O.T.T.
Evening Meal - Go for it and enjoy the rewards after a long day on the motorcycle!
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