Look Ma! No hands..

[pailface]

First bike,  just completed M2 course at SLC,  went for a 100km ride this weekend on bike,  and slowly lost the feeling in both hands, to the point where I had to stop and shake-em out to regain feeling and control.   Scary,  not able to feel the handlebars, or get hand-brain feedback when squeezing the clutch or brake levers.   

I have some Carpal Tunnel problems in both right and left wrist (from 20+ yrs of keyboards..  remember when keyboards were about 3-4" thick ! )  Or it could be just rookie riding technique - hanging on too tight,  resting/pusing palms too hard on the grips resulting in low blood flow.   The grips themselves don't have much vibration, so I don't think the circulation is being affected by that. 

So,  it's time to experiment and see if I can minimize/eliminate this condition.   possible solutions, or a combo of each,
1.  change the hand grip technique -  less death grip, don't push center palms against grips.   
2.  look for equipment that can reduce the pressure -  gel pad gloves. 

Any comments on options 1 and 2 appreciated.   (riding technique,  product endorsements) 


 

[Shaman]

Sounds like you need more time in the saddle and to loosen the deathgrip up on the bars.  You won't feel comfortable on a bike for at least a few weeks, your body needs to adjust.  So, stop every 50km for a little break, get off the bike and maybe crack open some water.

After a few rides like that, you should find yourself more comfortable.

Also, if it's a circulation problem, you may have your arms too tensed up, that tends to cut off some blood flow.

[blur]

Probably just hanging on too tight, I still find myself doing that.
The gel grips may be a good idea, as are good gloves.
Also, you don't mention what kind of bike, some just vibrate more than others.   I rode a SV1000 recently and found there to be a lot of vibration in the bars.

[pailface]

A BMW K 75..    Pretty smooth running engine, compared to say, an earth rumbling, ground shakin'  Harley.   I don't think I can blame it on the bike..   

[Inswinger]

I'm pretty new as well, and I found my hands were sore from riding during the first month.  I think the muscles and tendons have all adapted to the demands over time.  Now I don't feel the muscular fatigue and soreness that I used to, and I think that has reduced the tension in my arms as well.  That said, I don't get much vibration, so perhaps this is irrelevant to what you're experiencing.

[rollingstone]

Morning Tiger,I think everyone has hit the nail on the head about the death grip.I have in both hands tunnelcarpel and just had the surgery on the right hand and i have been going thru what you just described for about 5 years.I believe shaman is right you will find after riding for a while you will find your comfort zone and the grip might loosen up after you hit that comfort zone.Well when your ready to ride with someone let us know maybe we can give you some tips.Have fun

[pailface]

When and where do the Rookie Rides happen ?  I  don't think I'm ready to chase you folks through the twisties yet..   Is there a 'slower' crowd that gathers on Thursday night,  Sunday am ?   Gotta cut my teeth first..   

[Shaman]

Just meet up.  You don't have to ride with the experienced folks... and yes there are quite a few rookies.

I don't mind leading a rookie ride now and then... it's all unofficial, this ain't a club, so basically I'll do it because people asked and I don't mind being a steward for a ride now and then.  I'd prefer a Thursday for sure.

[rollingstone]

I'M in just let me know where,I thought i wouldn't ride for a while after my trip but what the heck.Elana and joe are you in maybe tiger would prefere to ride with the ladies.

[Greekgod]

That happend to me when I first got my bike....Used to happen in my left hand everytime i rode.....Now it's in the right and the left is fine! (I think it's because now I'm always twisting that throttle tightly) lol   or maybe because I dont wear gloves anymore cuz it's so damn hot.
No worries tho, you'll get used to it.

[Shaman]

I will never ride without gloves again.  I have old scars on both palms from going down hard on a gravel road when I was about 16 (on a dirtbike obviously).  The scars aren't so noticable now but if you know where to look, you can still see gravel under the skin that I will probably have in there for life.

[pailface]

Yeah, sure, I'll ride with the ladies.   Not a problem..  It would be my pleasure..   

[rollingstone]

Ok are we on for thursday night if it isn't raining.

[Shaman]

You'd think we were forcing tiger...

[rollingstone]

Ah once tiger meets everyone and starts riding more she will have fun just like we do.Shaman i'm getting scared i thing soon there will be more ladies riding then men.We will soon have to run a ladies night and then what will we do.HaHaHa