How do you stay awake (long drive)?

[DebW]

I go with cold air in the face and sometimes sing (but only when alone). Just got back after a 3 hour drive home from Vermont. I'd much rather do the drive in the morning than late at night. So I'll often spend a night somewhere rather than drive late at night. I've never fallen asleep driving, and I don't use caffeine. But I once fell asleep on my bike. I did not crash but woke up to find that I was heading straight for a concrete bench.

[KnottedYet]

Deb, you fell asleep on your BIKE? Wow, you are talented!

Good thing you woke up before the bench!

[DebW]

Deb, you fell asleep on your BIKE? Wow, you are talented!

Good thing you woke up before the bench!

I was 22 and madly writing up my undergrad thesis under deadline. The 3rd night in a row leaving my office at midnight was too much. The bench was only 200 yds from where I got on my bike, so the nap was very brief.

[Xrayted]

uk elephant - Mmmm... sour patch kids. They are the perfect movie snack with popcorn.

Deb - ohmygosh! On the bike? What kind of saddle are you using cuz I'd never be able to sleep sitting on the one I've got right now.

I don't drink coffee although on long drives I sometimes wish I did. A coke and snickers bar are always a good jolt.

[DebW]

Deb - ohmygosh! On the bike? What kind of saddle are you using cuz I'd never be able to sleep sitting on the one I've got right now.

Well, maybe that's the ultimate test for bike fit and comfort. I think it was an Avocet W-II saddle (which I don't use any more). Actually, I doubt the saddle was a factor, just my mental state, and maybe my general comfort with being on a bike. In truth, I was probably asleep on the bike no more than 30 seconds. If it had been 40 seconds, I would have woken up by landing on my head on the far side of the concrete bench, or maybe I would have slept quite a bit longer and woken up in the hospital. I was lucky that time.

[Xrayted]

Well, maybe that's the ultimate test for bike fit and comfort. I think it was an Avocet W-II saddle (which I don't use any more). Actually, I doubt the saddle was a factor, just my mental state, and maybe my general comfort with being on a bike. In truth, I was probably asleep on the bike no more than 30 seconds. If it had been 40 seconds, I would have woken up by landing on my head on the far side of the concrete bench, or maybe I would have slept quite a bit longer and woken up in the hospital. I was lucky that time.

In the "old days", when I had to take my turn on 3rd shift, I was just a zombie. I'd get home and think "Do I remember driving home?" Or I'd be in the parking lot in the morning warming the car up to go home and wake up about an hour later. Never fell asleep on the road only due to luck.
This last time in school (for radiology), I burned the candle at both ends. Trying to be a good employee until the end (we regularly worked 65+ hr weeks) and striving to be a good student so I could qualify for clinicals my first attempt. (needed a 3.85+ GPA just to get an interview) Then it was school, work and clinicals all at once. I was very glad to take a severence package last May and have a rest. But, 3 months later, there I was working PT for one of my sponsoring hospitals so I was back to 14hr days + study time.
Don't get me wrong, I love what I do and I feel it was all worth it. I like being home more and having time for those I love. I'd rather make less and be happy so here I am. Still working on the happy part, tho. Think I'll go eat some Wilbur Buds, my favorite chocolate. (local made) Hey! Bonus! They're a good snack for on the road too!