How to assess your fitness
 

Hi guys

on my blog on the scientific aspects of adventure motorcycling, I posted a description of a simple test that you can do if you want to assess your aerobic fitness before the trip:

The Science of Adventure Motorcycling: How to measure aerobic fitness: Rockport Walking Test

I have also calculated the minimum level of aerobic fitness for adventure motorcycling:

The Science of Adventure Motorcycling: Minimum level of aerobic fitness for adventure motorcycling

These calculations assume that you trip will include some off-road riding. If you are going to ride only on the road, you dont need to get particularly fit.

Having said that, even a moderate level of fitness reduces risk of many diseases (e.g. heart attack) and prolong life. So it is a good idea to be fit anyway.

As posted previously, if your trip include riding at high altitude, you need to take into account the negative effect of hypoxia on aerobic fitness, and increase your target. More information here:

The Science of Adventure Motorcycling: Are you fit for riding at high altitude?

In future posts on my blog and here, I will provide guidelines on how to develop aerobic fitness. Also, I will provide guidelines on how to test and develop muscular fitness, a very important fitness component for adventure bike riders.

Drive safe and healthy

Sam