Now you don't need to be on a bike to suffer DVT!

[TC]

As many as half of the UK's estimated 1.2 million motorcycle riders could be risking leg problems because of blood flow restrictions caused by the riding position, the IAM's annual biker conference heard this month (16 June 2007).

Around 200 IAM delegates from advanced driving groups across the UK gathered at Alton Towers in Staffordshire to hear that motorcycle riders on all makes could be prone to venous disease (disease of the veins). This may be due to a riding position that puts pressure on the major blood vessels, restricting blood flow to the legs.

Ellie Lindsay, Chair of The Lindsay Leg Club Foundation charity, said varicose veins and leg ulcers can be caused by restricted blood flow to the legs.

"Bikers risk having blood from their legs redirected to the superficial veins, the ones near the surface of the skin, causing extra pressure that can lead to problems in later life," said Ms Lindsay.

Family history of venous disease can add to this. The classic riding position of the motorcyclist means that the calf muscle may go unflexed for long periods. The pumping action of the calf muscle during activity is key to blood flowing back to the heart unimpaired.

Ellie Lindsay informed the audience that early intervention can prevent serious damage. Being aware of the importance of regular stops, relieving pressure and taking good care of your skin are simple but effective techniques for preventing venous damage in later life. Motorcyclists must be aware of the signs that venous blood flow is being impaired by the riding position and riding gear. These include: red patches of skin between the knee and ankle, or redness and skin depression as a result of constriction from clothing. Compression socks and hosiery are able to assist the body's own natural mechanism for returning blood to the heart.

IAM Chief Examiner Peter Rodger responded to the presentation by advising that the solution is to consider taking a break from riding every two hours or so, in order to flex the calves and ankles.

"It's good to take a break for all sorts of reason. As a regular rider, I know that concentration has started to drop by two hours as well. Even if we feel mentally alert when we are riding, that doesn't mean the whole body is functioning at its best. So a short walk around to 'stretch the legs' is refreshing and essential for circulation purposes.

"Compression socks/hosiery to aid the blood returning to the heart is a key part of dealing with the problem", said Mr Rodger. "Wearing a leg support underneath the leathers can avoid long-term circulation problems such as DVT (deep vein thrombosis)".

Deep vein thrombosis is a potentially life-threatening clot occurring in a major vein, often the lower limb, as a result of restricted venous blood flow.

[Samray]

These posts deserve a better fate than sinking without trace in General, but there isn't an obvious place for them.

[Gio]

Good reason to take up cycling IMO TC

[fastasfcuk]

no more than two units a day, do'nt smoke,what ever you do do'nt have a fry up, do'nt fly or ride a bike.oh and do'nt put your fag out on the foor.

[woody]

Good reason to take up cycling IMO TC

Do both, like moi

[Samray]

Do both, like moi

You are spending too much time in the world of le grosse frite Boyo.

[falcomunky]

I think biking should be banned after reading that; Thats yet another nail in the coffin lid fer me.
I'd never imagined all those years ago, when I first slung my leg over a GP100, that my chosen mode of transport would eventually lead to my horribly-gruesome and painfully-slow demise.
If only somebody had told me then what I know now...
I just wanted to lead a long, dull, uneventful life that didnt get my heart rate or metabolism too high and didnt put myself in harms way.
I dont want any risk or potential danger at all and I certainly dont want any of my nearest and dearest to in any way risk harm, or possibly worse, doing something that they think they love.
Im also going to become a good little boy and only do and say nice things, not think too much and only gaze with wonderment through lifes oh-so-little window at the other reckless fools who risk all in the name of 'fun'.
No really.






That they met at Alton Towers to discuss issues of motorcycling safety/wellbeing is funny.
I do drugs, drink beer, eat lard, guzzle caffeine, ride bikes, have sex, and sometimes even dare to cross the road, (not simultaneously I should add)!
I should be dead already!






Maybe I am and all this nanny-state BS is actually Hell...
No doubt there will be new legislation from Europe to help protect us from this terrible evil.
Obviously making getting yer bike license stoopidly difficult and complex hasnt turned away enough would be bikers already...
Rant over, (its bin a loooong week at work).

[BikerGran]

Wot e sed! ^^^^

[D-Rider]

All Falco riders practice stopping at least every 2 hrs and then exercising our leg muscles.
By that time the fuel tank needs refilling and we then wander over to the little office to pay for the fuel.

...... and to think that we sometimes complained about the Falco's lack of range - Thanks Aprilia for saving my veins with your smart design.

[Gio]

All Falco riders practice stopping at least every 2 hrs and then exercising our leg muscles.
By that time the fuel tank needs refilling and we then wander over to the little office to pay for the fuel.

...... and to think that we sometimes complained about the Falco's lack of range - Thanks Aprilia for saving my veins with your smart design.

The Hornet does even less, as does the V-Max

[Viking]

If we did everything that everyone recommended to stay healthy and avoid things like DVT, heart attacks, cancer and every other damned thing affecting people these days, we'd all live to be 150.

The downside is that it would be the most boring, tedious and meaningless existence possible. Why live to be 150 if it feels like 3000 years of bordeom?

Screw all that. I'm here for a good time, not a long time.