junglejim
Site Supporter
I've had a few great rides through the night. Once I got off a ferry at midnight (the red eye) and the motels were full. It was a beautiful moon light night. So I just kept riding through the night. Traffic was about zero and the moon was bright. If you need to be refreshed just turn off your electirc and unzip your jacket for a few miles. That cool night air will wake you up. There are those occasional bug mega splats that get your attention too. Then when the sun begins to warm the day next morning is when the sleepiness comes. That's when it quickly becomes time for a picnic table nap for me. I prefer a park in a small quiet town to the busy rest area on the freeway.I've never gotten sleepy at night while riding.
I remember a night when sleepiness got to me and I pulled over in a remote area (out west) and slept on the ground. I should have noticed the cow pies on the highway. I woke up at first light looking at the slimy nose of a steer about 10" from my face. He was just curious. Glad I didn't smell like grass.
I always pay the price of a long hard ride later. Going too long on one day detracts from my ability to go the next day. Also riding in the cold or hot on one day takes away from my performance the next day too. Long rides in the summer are easier than in spring or fall when days are shorter and morning and evening temps are too cool.
Camping in some of the small roadside rest areas can be real dangerous. Not from bad guys, but from what people leave behind when they stop to use the bathroom and there isn't one. The presence of "tourist lilies" (dabs of toilet paper in the weeds) is a clue.